Something To Think About

Alzheimers is the most common form of irreversible dementia and is characterized by the progressive loss of short-term memory followed, typically over a period of 8-20 years, with the degeneration of other brain function. It's often referred to as the "disease of paradoxes" because of the way it selectively impairs its victims. E.g., short-term memory can be lost whereas long-term memories may remain intact and accessible. It creates challenges in word-finding, language retrieval, organizing affairs, sequencing tasks and decision making. Yet, at least during its early stages, outwardly an Alzheimers patient may appear quite normal. Early onset is considered to occur at age 65 or younger, but cases have been known to occur in much younger individuals.

Ms Thielges described the primary risk factors for Alzheimers as age, gender, head injuries, genetics and lifestyle. For some unknown reason women experience Alzheimers more often than men; possibly because women live longer. A link between Alzheimers and Down's Syndrome has also been identified (chromosome 21).

In terms of lifestyle, good practices include: cognitive engagement, social contact, moderate physical fitness, nutrition (dark green veggies, low fat heart healthy diet). Bad stuff includes: stress, diabetes (elevated insulin is a risk factor) and ignoring the good practices.

The Mission of the Alzheimer Association is: to eliminate the disease through funding research; to provide care and support for all affected; and, to reduce risk by promoting brain health.

This insidious disease certainly steals the life of the afflicted, but over the many years of its progression caregivers, family and friends also become consumed in the process. The Alzheimer's Association provides support for patients, caregivers and loved ones to guide them along the inevitable sad journey and through the "long goodbye."

Visit the Alzheimer's Association website for the lastest infomation on research, care and support related to this disease.