Today, September 21st, Alzheimer's Disease Day is celebrated worldwide, a progressive and neurodegenerative disease that is commonly diagnosed in elderly people.
Alzheimer's was first identified in 1907, by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who wrote an original article about "a rare disease of the cerebral cortex", which was noticed in a patient who presented clinical signs of dementia and brain degeneration.
The disease is manifested by the loss of cognitive functions, such as memory, language and orientation. Also notable is the lack of responsibilities in daily activities, neuropsychiatric symptoms and behavioral changes. It is often confused with the normal aging process, delaying the patient's diagnosis.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that there are more than 50 million people in the world with Alzheimer's, and they state that this number is expected to triple in the next 30 years. Furthermore, family members of Alzheimer's patients have a higher risk of developing the disease when compared to patients without relatives with Alzheimer's. However, it does not mean that the disease is hereditary!
The diagnosis is made through a medical interview and laboratory and imaging tests are requested, such as: Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, in addition to cognitive assessment, a neuropsychological assessment carried out by a doctor to assess the patient's mental state.
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, there are treatments that aim to provide a better quality of life for the patient and their family, even during the serious period of the disease. It is believed that carrying out frequent intellectual activities, as well as having a good social life and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, can delay or even prevent the manifestation of the disease. Finally, it is important to highlight that early diagnosis of Alzheimer's is essential for a better therapeutic result and a good prognosis of the case.