September has been designated as Alzheimer's Awareness Month worldwide. On this occasion, we aim to talk about important issues about this disease and raise awareness. Alzheimer's Disease is popularly known as Dementia or Dementia. We also hear the term forgetfulness disease. However, it should be known that; Not every forgetfulness means dementia. Especially as we get older, the complaint of forgetfulness naturally increases. It should not be forgotten that forgetfulness may be one of the first symptoms of dementia.
More than 55 million people in the world have been diagnosed with dementia, and it is stated that this number may triple after 30 years. Dementia is more common, especially in our patients over the age of 65. While its incidence doubles every five years, this rate remains between 30-50% in patients over the age of 85. Our country has an aging population. For this reason, it is inevitable that we will be diagnosed with dementia more frequently in the coming years.
There is no definitive and complete treatment for the diagnosis of dementia. However, by making a diagnosis at an early stage, the progression of the disease can be slowed down and the patient can have a more comfortable life. Advanced age, genetic predisposition, hypertension, diabetes, low education level, severe brain trauma, untreated long-term depression, heavy mourning periods and long-term hospitalization are important factors that lead to dementia.
Due to these complaints, it is extremely important for patients and their relatives to be aware of dementia. Of course, the forgetfulness factor is the most well-known complaint. It especially starts with problems in creating new memories. A weakening of short-term memory is observed. The patient can tell about his military service memories, can remember his primary school teacher, but cannot remember the guest who came to his house yesterday. This type of forgetfulness is a very important indicator for us, as experts, to make our diagnosis.
If the patient asks the same questions repeatedly during the day, forgets what he asked, or forgets the answers, this indicates a memory problem. Likewise, the patient's functionality in daily life should also be taken into consideration. Is there any problem in providing self-care? Are their clothes clean? For example, if he used to be able to cook but now he can't, this is an important symptom. Can he keep a money account? Can he notice the deficiencies in the house? Can he do grocery/market shopping? Can he go to places he already knows without getting lost? For example, for a patient who prays, does he perform his prayer comfortably and correctly? Can he go to the mosque alone, as in previous periods? Or does it go with help? Has the patient ever disappeared? Is there any strange behavior at home? For example, does he put his shoes in the refrigerator? Does he forget words while speaking? Does he forget the topic being discussed? Does the patient forget the neighbors and friends he sees regularly? While he used to be able to write, does he now have difficulty writing? Does he know the day, month, year? Does he know the meaning of simple proverbs? Has his interest in the environment and events decreased? Does he no longer want to do hobbies such as repairing, driving, or sewing? Has he started to give up his household responsibilities?
If you answer YES to one or more of these questions, we strongly recommend that you be examined by a Neurologist.