What is Alzheimer's?

September is World Alzheimer's Month. Started in 2012, World Alzheimer’s Month takes place every September. The decision to introduce a full month around dementia awareness and advocacy was made so that Alzheimer's and Dementia associations around the world would be able to extend their awareness programmes beyond World Alzheimer’s Day.

Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. This is also the most common type of dementia.

First described in 1906 by Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist, he examined the brain of Auguste Deter, a 50-year-old woman who died after experiencing symptoms that are now recognized as dementia. He reported "A peculiar severe disease process of the cerebral cortex”

What are the early signs of Alzheimer's?

• Memory loss 
• Poor judgment
• Short attention span
• Losing track of dates
• Taking longer to complete daily tasks
• Paranoia
• Confusion
• Repeating questions 
• Forgetting recently learned information
• Unable to learn new things
• Challenges in planning or problem-solving
• Getting lost
• Losing things

What causes Alzeheimer's?

• Age
• Family History
• Head Injuries
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Depression
• Loneliness

Is there a cure for Alzheimer's?

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease. There is medication available to reduce symptoms. 

There are also a number of therapies the can help:

• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
• Cognitive Rehabilitation
• Reminiscence

Written and Edited by: Max Mannouch