ALZHEIMER'S EARLY WARNING SIGNS: IS IT ALWAYS HEREDITARY? CAN IT BE CURED?

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative neurological condition that impairs thinking, behaviour, and memory. Although it may appear in people as young as 40, it is more prevalent in elderly folks. Given its prevalence and the widespread misinformation that surrounds this crippling disease, here are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Is Alzheimer’s always hereditary?

Despite the possibility of hereditary components raising the risk, Alzheimer's disease is not solely inherited, says Dr Kapil Agarwal, Senior Consultant and HOD, Department of Neurology, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram.

Early-onset Alzheimer's, which usually starts before the age of 65 and is connected to mutations in particular genes such APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, accounts for about 5 percent of cases. In these rare instances, the illness is inherited, and the chance of getting early-onset Alzheimer's disease is greatly increased if one's parent has the disease, says Dr Agarwal.

Also read | All about of Alzheimer's disease: Stages, risk factors, and management strategies

He adds that a mix of lifestyle, environment, and heredity affects late-onset Alzheimer's disease, which is the most prevalent type of the disease. The most important genetic risk factor is the APOE gene, namely the APOE-e4 variant, but having this gene does not necessarily mean that a person will get the illness. Alzheimer's affects many people who have no family history of the disease, underscoring the significance of other non-genetic factors like ageing, cardiovascular health, and lifestyle decisions like nutrition, exercise, and mental activity.

Can Alzheimer’s be cured?

Dr Agarwal says that Alzheimer's disease does not have a treatment. Although there is still much to be discovered, current therapies concentrate more on symptom management than illness eradication.

Also read | Alzheimer's symptoms: These lifestyle changes will help minimise early signs of dementia

Certain symptoms can be lessened by medications such as memantine and cholinesterase inhibitors, especially in the early to moderate stages. While these medications may momentarily enhance memory and cognitive abilities, they neither halt nor reverse the disease's course.

There are other strategies that can help slow down cognitive decline, such as dietary adjustments, frequent exercise, and cognitive exercises. Furthermore, the quality of life for patients can be enhanced by treating symptoms like depression or agitation with medicine and counseling. Although these tactics offer some respite, a permanent treatment for Alzheimer's disease is still unattainable.

2024-09-09T05:40:56Z dg43tfdfdgfd