January is Alzheimer's awareness month in Canada. I am aware, I am very aware. Family history dictates that the women in my family, my mother and grandmother, tend to develop a form of dementia. Two years ago I was told that it is very possible that I will also develop it. Funny, two years ago when I was told that I really wasn't concerned however the next 10 months with my mom and other people with dementia literally put the fear of God into me. I was a front row witness to the suffering. I saw the frustration and pain in my mother's eyes. I felt pain, I felt other caregivers pain because it is an absolutely insidious illness that I would not wish on anyone.
Quite often when I am writing I can't think of the word of want, so I use another word. Sometimes it happens when I'm in a conversation. Just yesterday I could not think of the word perceive. I'm mid sentence and I could not think of the word, the conversation paused and thankfully Nicki new the word. In all honestly, I do more editing in my writing in the past 6 months than I have ever had to before. They aren't spelling mistakes or grammatical issues, rather I will type 'get' instead of 'great' or 'cat' instead of 'coat'. I won't lie, it frightens the hell out of me every time and every time it happens, and it is daily, my first thought is "Shit, it's starting already".
Recently I had a CT scan totally unrelated to my concerns. However, my thoughts were not about the reason for the CT instead I wanted to know one thing and one thing only, am I showing early signs of dementia. The doctor I saw was one of the doctors who treated my mom and also gave us the diagnosis. So I came out and asked her point blank "Louise, is there any signs of dementia?".
"No," she paused "not yet".
"Not yet", struck me like a bullet even though I know very well that I am at risk, the words stunned me. However, the answer could be given to anyone of us. Sure given my family history, a severe head trauma and a few other factors put me at greater risk but the cold hard facts are that WE ARE ALL AT RISK. No one is immune to the ravages of dementia.
So, to make you all aware, here are some myths surrounding Alzheimer's. I'll post other interesting factoids as I find them throughout the month. Regardless, I'll keep praying, I'll keep praying everyday that my mind stays intact and all I can do really is hope that my prayers are answered.
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| My CT Scan January 7, 2014. |
Myth 1: It’s just a normal part of
aging
People used to believe “going senile” was just part of growing old – but
symptoms are caused by a disease process. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative
brain disease involving physical changes to the brain – like the development of
amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles and nerve cells losing contact with
each other or dying.
The disease is progressive and irreversible — but it isn’t inevitable as
we age. In fact, experts say most people don’t develop it.
Myth 2: Memory loss means Alzheimer’s
disease
Occasional forgetfulness doesn’t mean disease. Alzheimer’s disease
involves more frequent forgetting and not being able to recall those forgotten
details later on. Difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with
communication, disorientation, poor judgement and problems with abstract
thinking are also hallmarks of the disease.
Sometimes these symptoms stem from a treatable cause like an infection,
drug interaction, depression, head injury or another health condition like
multiple sclerosis.
It’s also important to remember that Alzheimer’s disease is just one of
70 causes of dementia (an umbrella term for memory loss due to changes in the
brain). Not everyone who has dementia has Alzheimer’s – it can also be part of
Parkinson’s disease or the result of a stroke, for example.
Myth 3: Your relatives have it, so
you’ll develop it too
Genes do play a role in our chances of developing the disease, but only
a small number of cases – about five to seven per cent – are an inherited form
of the disease known as Familial Alzheimer’s disease (often referred to
as “early onset”). While the disease itself is the same as the more
common Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease or “late onset” form, the
difference lies in a set of mutated genes that can be passed from one
generation to the next. If one of your parents carries the mutation, you have a
50 per cent chance of inheriting it. If you inherit the genes, experts say
you’re likely to develop the disease.
What about the sporadic form? If you have a parent or sibling who has
Alzheimer’s disease, you have a three times greater risk than someone who
doesn’t have a family history. New research suggests that certain genes (such
as the apolipoprotein E gene) can influence the development of the disease but
experts note genes themselves don’t cause the disease, and people who don’t
have the genes can still develop Alzheimer’s disease while people who do can
remain disease-free.
Myth 4: Alzheimer’s disease only
affects “old people”
True, our risk for Alzheimer’s disease increases as we age: the majority
of cases show up after age 60, and the risk for developing the disease doubles
every five years after 65. Some sources claim that by age 85 about half of all
people have Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.
However, Alzheimer’s disease can appear in the 40s and 50s as well, and
some rare cases have shown in patients who are even younger. Research suggests
Alzheimer’s disease is already in the advanced stages by the time symptoms
become evident.
Myth 5: It isn’t fatal
What happens in our brains affects the rest of the body too. In the
later stages of the disease, the body’s systems start to shut down which can
affect breathing, blood pressure, the skin and the senses. Sufferers may
experience increased sleepiness, pain and discomfort and infection or pneumonia
can set in.
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia's are one of the top 10 causes
of death in developed countries. In 2007 (the latest year for which data is
available), it was the 7th leading cause of death in Canada and ranked 6th in
the United States. Alzheimer’s kills more people than kidney disease and
infections like influenza.
Myth 6: Alzheimer’s disease is
preventable
We hear a lot of advice about keeping our brains healthy, but so far
there isn’t a treatment or strategy guaranteed to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Research into the effectiveness of therapies like vitamins E, B, C and D,
gingko biloba, folate and selenium is ongoing but often conflicting.
However, experts report more evidence shows lifestyle strategies can
help reduce the risk or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s, such as:
- Eating a healthy diet including fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and
nuts.
- Challenging your brain with puzzles, hobbies and learning.
- Keeping your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check.
- Avoiding brain injuries.
- Staying active socially.
- Exercising regularly.
- Avoiding vices like smoking, drugs and alcohol.
These strategies are also beneficial for cardiovascular health, which
may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Myth 7: Aluminium causes Alzheimer’s
While there has been a lot of research into the link between aluminium
and Alzheimer’s disease, the only thing researchers can agree on is there isn’t
enough evidence to prove aluminium is a cause. Furthermore, researchers haven’t
seen a higher incidence of Alzheimer’s disease among people who’ve been exposed
to aluminium at their jobs or in cultures that regularly drink tea. (Aluminium
can accumulate in the leaves.)
Aspartame, flu shots and silver dental fillings have been suspects as
well, but there is no solid evidence to put the blame on them either.
Myth 8: All people who have
Alzheimer’s disease become violent and aggressive
While Alzheimer’s disease can cause personality changes, experts note
that not everyone becomes aggressive or violent. Other common behaviours can
include wandering, restlessness, suspicion and repeating actions.
Coping with memory loss and confusion can be frightening and frustrating
for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Care givers and loved ones can help by
learning some key strategies: adapting a person’s surroundings, maintaining a
consistent routine and learning how to communicate more effectively can help
prevent emotional responses.
Myth 9: People with Alzheimer’s
disease are unresponsive to what is going on around them
Symptoms can be deceiving — even though people can’t communicate well
and get confused, that doesn’t mean they aren’t aware of what’s going on around
them. Emotions and feelings are still very much present even though memory and
abilities are changing, warn experts. Everyone needs social connection and
belonging, a sense of independence and joy. Even in the late stages of the
disease, people respond to touch and find comfort in soothing voices and music.
Myth 10: There’s no hope
Researchers are finding better ways to detect the disease, test new
treatments and even develop a vaccine. Experts continue to learn more about
Alzheimer’s disease and there are treatments to help manage symptoms and
strategies that can improve quality of life. A diagnosis doesn’t mean a sudden
loss of independence and health experts note it’s important to focus on what people
can do. If you or someone you know is affected, talk to your doctor and
reach out to resources in your community.
