Melissa Zapanta Shelton, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association chapters in Cleveland and Greater East Ohio, is the guest columnist.
More than 7 million Americans are among the 55 million people who currently have Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.
By 2050, there could be 140 million Alzheimer’s patients globally, including 13 million Americans.
The 12 million Americans who give unpaid care to those who have Alzheimer’s or another dementia are likewise impacted by the illness.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides free information, support, and education to people in Northeast Ohio about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are frequently used interchangeably. Despite their similarities, they differ significantly:
Changes in a person’s memory, thinking, or reasoning are collectively referred to as dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is one of many potential causes of dementia.
The most prevalent cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. As a degenerative brain disease, it worsens over time and is not a typical aspect of aging.
Risk elements
Researchers are aware that Alzheimer’s disease is associated with nerve cell failure, but they are unsure of the cause. They have, however, discovered risk variables that raise the possibility of Alzheimer’s.
Age: Age is the biggest risk factor. A person’s chance of getting the illness increases every five years beyond the age of 65. Alzheimer’s affects 33% of adults aged 85 and over.
Family history: Alzheimer’s disease is more likely to strike people who have a parent or sibling who has the disease than those who do not. Common genetic, environmental, and lifestyle variables are the cause of the risk. If more than one family member gets the illness, the risk goes up.
Ethnicity, race, and sex: Studies reveal that older persons who are Black or Hispanic have a significantly higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia compared to those who are white.
Although the precise cause of these variations is unknown, experts think it might be related to the greater incidence of cardiovascular disease in these populations, as well as probably other contributing factors such socioeconomic and health inequalities.
Additionally, women are more likely to get Alzheimer’s since they live longer than males. However, this disparity cannot be fully explained by lifespan.
Reducing cognitive decline risk
Genetics, age, and family history are risk variables that are beyond our control.
Lifestyle choices, however, may help maintain brain health and reduce the likelihood of cognitive decline, according to study.
Research indicates that heart and brain health are closely related.
Numerous illnesses that harm the heart and blood arteries, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and obesity, can raise your risk of Alzheimer’s.
Both your heart and your brain benefit from eating a well-balanced, heart-healthy diet and exercising frequently.
Avoiding tobacco and excessive drinking, obtaining a good night’s sleep on a regular basis, and maintaining an active social and mental life are other healthy lifestyle choices.
The value of early diagnosis
It’s critical to get a diagnosis as soon as you notice memory loss or cognitive deterioration in a loved one.
There may be more possibilities for treatment the earlier a diagnosis is made.
To locate assistance in your area, call the Alzheimer Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
Opinion page writings on subjects of general or regional interest are encouraged from readers. For review, submit your 500-word essay to Ann Norman at [email protected]. Essays must have the author’s photo and a brief biography. Essays that refute today’s themes are also encouraged.
