7 responses to the most common questions about Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is fatal?

Yes. Now it is considered the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. People are very afraid of the diagnosis and often downplay or even deny their symptoms, making it difficult to cure. But there are tools that help in the time to stabilize the patient's condition, prolonging the active life.

Is it possible to prevent its occurrence?

The unequivocal answer is no. However, it is proved that a healthy lifestyle helps the brain with age to remain in good condition. Try to eat right, eat more leafy vegetables and less saturated fat, to be socially active, do sport, Sleep.

I always forget the keys. Am I sick?

Should start worrying when forgetfulness very difficult life and prevents perform familiar things. Contact your doctor if you begin to forget important events, for example, that today were to come visit, you write an appointment or going to meet up with friends. This does not necessarily mean that you have Alzheimer's disease. The reasons may be different.

You can check whether a genetic predisposition?

Yes, there are tests that detect the presence of ApoE4 gene, which is considered a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. It occurs in about 20% of the population, but not all of them get sick. Doctors believe that much sense to pass such a test, no, he still does not give an exact answer. In addition, many learned about the presence of the gene itself, carry out tasks in the worse memory.

In my family, many Alzheimer's disease. Will I get sick?

Optionally, although it is a risk factor. If your relatives are sick the first relationship (parents, brothers and sisters), your risk of getting two times higher than in the general population. Still, the main risk factor - age.

According to the Association for the fight against Alzheimer's disease, the likelihood of developing the disease doubles about every five years after 65. And after the risk is increased 85 to 50%.

Why women are more prone to this disease?

Two-thirds of patients with Alzheimer's disease - women. For a long time it was thought that the main reason - more than men, life expectancy. However, this is not the only explanation. Perhaps, in a woman's body works differently ApoE gene. In addition, the impact and hormonal differences.

What you need to know the caregivers?

every patient care requires the individual measures, one formula for all does not exist. Caregivers is particularly important to work with a social worker or a specialist in the care of elderly patients.

In addition, caregivers need to understand the importance and the difficulty of his task. 40% of carers themselves suffer from depression, so the support they need. If you find yourself in this situation, do not forget to take care of yourself.

see also

• 5 habits that will help keep the brain young →
• 6 ways to reduce your risk of dementia →
• 8 scientific ways to keep youth →