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| Dr, Mona Khanna |
Six years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, legendary singer Glen Campbell passed away last week at the age of 81. His death has created fresh interest in this sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of irreversible dementia and strikes deep fear in the heart of older people who dread the thought of getting it. A slowly worsening brain disorder that severely affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Occasionally forgetting your car keys isn’t dementia, but forgetting how to use a hairbrush, getting lost, difficulty handling money and paying bills, repeating questions, and taking longer to complete normal daily tasks might be.
Risk factors include older age, a family history, Down’s syndrome, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, head injury, alcohol use, depression, lack of physical activity and obesity. The brain tissue of Alzheimer’s patients shows abnormal clumps called amyloid plaques, tangled bundles of fibers called neurofibrillary, or tau, tangles, loss of connections between brain cells, and shrunken brain mass.
Glen Campbell is shown during an interview several years ago with Betty Francis, director of The Desert Sun's society section, during his appearance at a charity fundraiser. Campbell was a frequent supporter of several local charities. (Photo: Submitted)
There is another genetically linked early-onset Alzheimer’s disease that can occur from the 30s to mid-60s, but that type is relatively unusual. Medications are available to treat either mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s or moderate-to-severe, but they don’t change the underlying disease process, are effective only for some, and may help only for a limited time.
There are some very important things to note about Alzheimer’s that make it uniquely different from other diseases:
1. Social engagement and mental stimulation may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease or slow its progression.
2. Your doctor will look for other explanations for behavior changes, such as other types of dementia, infection, stroke, tumors, medication side effects, Parkinson’s disease, or sleep problems, before diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Volunteering in a clinical trial is a great way to help us understand, diagnose, treat and prevent Alzheimer’s. At least 70,000 volunteers are needed to participate in more than 150 active clinical trials and studies across the U.S. Studies need participants of different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that results are meaningful for many people.
4. Caregivers require respite, coping skills, strong support networks and physical activity to keep up with the demands of caring for Alzheimer’s patients. Support groups can be lifesavers.
For a thorough understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, go to http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp.
GOT A QUESTION?
Please email comments and your medical questions to AskDrMona@gmail.com. We’ll answer as many as we can in this weekly column. Remember: Your health is your most important asset. Guard it with your life.
Mona Khanna, M.D., is a triple board-certified physician, Emmy Award- winning journalist and humanitarian who proudly calls the Coachella Valley her year-round home.
http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/health/2017/08/15/ask-dr-mona-alzheimers-disease-coachella-valley-palm-springs/569650001/
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