THE‘Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and concerns millions of people in the world. It affects above all after 60 years, but can arise even before. Recognizing the initial symptoms, knowing the risk factors and adopting prevention strategies can make a difference. Today, scientific research opens new care perspectives, with innovative drugs and support techniques that help slow down the progression of the disease.
What is Alzheimer
Alzheimer’s dementia is characterized by a progressive cognitive deterioration that lasts on average from 10 to 15 years. At the base of the disease there is an accumulation of neurotoxic substances, such as the amyloid proteinwhich interrupt communication between brain cells.
The most common symptoms concern short -term memory loss, the difficulty of language, confusion, disorientation and often also depressive events. As the Dr. Beatrice Casoni, psychiatrist at the Errese Dental Medical Polyclare of Ferrara“With advancing age it can be normal to forget a name or have small memory voids. But when these disorders compromise autonomy and quality of life, it is necessary to contact a specialist ».
The symptoms not to be underestimated
Not all memory problems are pathological, but there are alarm bells that deserve attention. It can be serious forgetfulness, How can we forget where there are valuable objects or the name of loved ones, or of the tendency to repeat the same sentences several times. Some patients they struggle to recognize people usually frequented or develop sudden alterations of behaviorwith episodes of Jealousy or paranoid symptoms.
Other worrying signals are the appearance of depressive symptoms that do not respond to care, there loss of orientation even in family places, the poor care of oneself and their home or theInability to manage complex tasks How to cook. In these cases it is essential to contact the doctor to start the necessary investigations.
Alzheimer scares, but not everything is lost: recognizing the early signals and relying on new therapies can help slow down the disease and give more time and quality of life to those who are affected by it (Getty Images)
Who is most at risk
The main risk factor for Alzheimer’s is age: with aging The probability of getting sick grows. Also the familiarity He plays an important role, especially if the disease has affected parents or brothers. The lifestyle It affects a lot: smoking, sedentary lifestyle, not very balanced diet and social isolation increase the chances of developing a cognitive decline.
A further risk factor is represented by Cardiovascular diseasessuch as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol, which compromise brain health and can facilitate the onset of dementia.
Prevention and lifestyles
Alzheimer it cannot be completely preventedbut adopting a healthy lifestyle significantly reduces the risk. THE’regular physical activitya balanced diet such as Mediterranean, cognitive stimulation through reading, games or social relationships, a good night rest and pressure control, blood sugar and cholesterol represent concrete strategies to protect the brain and keep it active longer.
Available care and new prospects
Today There is still no definitive cure for Alzheimer’sbut There are therapies that slow down its progression. Among the Most used drugs There are Rivastigmino, Donipezil and Memantinaoften associated with medicines to treat anxiety, depression or agitation.
In recent years, research has focused on monoclonal antibodies that act against the amyloid protein. THE’European Agency for Medicines (EMA) has recently given positive opinion on the marketing on the market lecanemabsuitable for patients in the initial stages of the disease. In the United States, the FDA also approved donanemabanother antibody Monoclonal. “These drugs give hope – underlines Dr. Casoni – but require careful monitoring, because they can have side effects like cerebral edema and microemorragias ».
Support therapies
Next to the drugs, there are support treatments that have proven to be effective in improving the quality of life of patients. There cognitive stimulation led by a specialist keeps the mind active, while thephysical activity and the socialization favor overall well -being.
The psychological support It is essential not only for those who live with the disease, but also for family members. In addition, in recent years the treatment of Transcranial magnetic stimulationa non -invasive technique that uses electromagnetic fields to slow down cognitive decline. Studies have shown that it can contribute to keeping autonomy longer in patients with Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s or moderate phase.
Increasingly effective tools for a future without Alzheimer
Alzheimer remains a complex challenge, but today the initial symptoms and risk factors are better and better. Prevention through healthy lifestyles and early diagnosis remain fundamental. At the same time, the new pharmacological therapies and support treatments offer hope to patients and families, opening the way to a future in which the disease can be faced with increasingly effective tools.