World Alzheimer's Day: The 10 warning signs of the disease

Every three seconds a new case of dementia is recorded worldwide. By 2050, the number of people living with dementia is estimated to exceed 130 million internationally. According to the Society of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders of Athens, the number of dementia patients in Greece reaches 200,000.

The term dementia describes a set of degenerative brain syndromes that affect memory, thinking, behavior and emotion. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.
September has been established as World Alzheimer's Disease Month and in this context September 21st has been declared World Alzheimer's Day, with the aim of raising public awareness and combating stigma.

What is dementia and Alzheimer's disease

A common misconception is that cognitive decline is part of the normal aging process. It is known today that this is not right. As we age, some of us will and some of us will not. However, the risk of developing dementia increases with age and the disease is extremely common in old age. 2% percent of the population aged 65-74 have dementia, while for those aged 75-84 it rises to 19% and for people over 85 to 42%.

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the deposition in the brain of two pathological proteins, of beta-amyloid and protein T. It leads to dysfunction and subsequently death of nerve cells.

The onset of Alzheimer's disease is slow and progressive, with symptoms manifesting differently in each patient and worsening as the disease progresses. Usually, but not necessarily, memory disturbances are the earliest symptom. Alzheimer's disease gradually leads to the progressive complete disorganization of the patient's personality.

The causes of Alzheimer's disease are largely unknown. It seems that Genetic factors play a decisive role. At the same time, environmental factors, including vascular disease (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia) and lifestyle (e.g. education, occupation, intellectual, social activities, physical exercise, diet, etc.), appear to influence the likelihood of developing the disease .

From the onset of symptoms to final stages of disease mediate on average 6-10 years. However, the speed of disease progression varies from patient to patient (eg, it can be faster than 6 or take as long as 15 or 20 years). In recent years, significant progress has been made in prevention, the diagnosis andtreatment Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

THE early diagnosis of dementia is important because the disease affects not only the patient, but also their family environment, often creating in the caregivers feelings of anger, shame, guilt and grief, bringing them to their mental and physical limits. It also raises a number of moral issues, including her own maintaining the dignity of the patient. Early diagnosis gives time to inform, accept the situation, maintain quality of life and plan for the future of all these individuals. Based on the above, it is obvious that Alzheimer's disease is an epidemic with unbearable consequences for patients, their families, and society.

In recent years it has been held big research effort with the aim of finding more effective treatments and there is great optimism in the scientific field that in the near future we will have much more effective pharmaceutical interventions. Until then, increased vigilance and update of society for all dimensions of the disease is extremely important.

Are you starting to forget?

Alzheimer's disease initially manifests itself with memory loss and gradually leads the patient to lose touch with reality and to be completely dependent on the person who takes care of him. The key to effective treatment of Alzheimer's disease is early diagnosis. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better better are the results of treatment. Today they exist medicines which control the symptoms of the disease and ensure the patient a good quality of life. In addition, there are non-drug treatments that can keep the patient's mental functions in good condition for a long time.

If you think the difficulties you are facing are stronger than normal for your age, consult either your family doctor or a neurologist or psychiatrist, specialized in memory problems. He will assess the problem you are facing, inform you about the tests you need to do and guide you in the best possible way.

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

1. Do you forget people's names and faces?

2. Do you find it difficult to express yourself? Looking to find the right words?

3. Do you lose your personal belongings (glasses, pills, keys)?

4. Do you forget recent events, even though you remember old ones very well?

5. You find it difficult to do things that used to be very easy for you, e.g. cook, drive, manage your finances?

6. Do you find it difficult to plan your activities and organize your daily life?

7. Losing your way in areas you know well?

8. Do you have trouble remembering the date? Do you forget your appointments and obligations?

9. Do you notice changes in your mood and personality?

10. Do your memory problems make your daily life difficult?

If you are experiencing any of the above difficulties and are worried about their development, contact a specialist immediately.

#RememberMe campaign

As part of World Alzheimer's Month, an international campaign with the slogan is "running"."Remember me". Your support will help make dementia a global priority.

Write one memory you on a sticky note, take a photo the andpublish the through Alzheimer's World Society online form. You can also share your posts on social media using hashtags #WAM2016 #RememberMe.

By participating in this campaign, you are promoting a better understanding of dementia and strengthening efforts to support people with dementia and their carers around the world.

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