By Alexandria Martinez
World Alzheimer’s Day is September 21st, 2020. Alzheimer’s disease was discovered on November 3rd of 1906 by Physician Alois Alzheimer. There are an estimated 44 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer’s. The majority of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are aged 65 and older. But Alzheimer’s disease can occur as young as 30 years old. Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that starts slow and gradually progresses and worsens.
Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have proven that if you take part in a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, you can promote healing and restoration to your memory and cognitive function. Insulin resistance of the brain as a factor associated with Alzheimer’s has been thought of so well that some researchers have begun to believe Alzheimer’s disease as “Type 3 Diabetes.” You are most likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s if it is in your family history.
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number is estimated to be as high as 16 million. One in 10 people aged 65 and older (10%) has Alzheimer’s dementia. Alzheimer’s is more common in women than in men. 1 in 10 people aged 65 or older are more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease.
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?
Alzheimer’s is a cause of dementia, the most common cause. Alzheimer’s is also a kind of dementia. Dementia isn’t necessarily a disease; it’s a syndrome or more of a name for a mix of symptoms. Symptoms include decline or an alteration in memory and articulation or process of thought. Some have said dementia is an “umbrella term” used to describe a range of conditions that cause damage and change to the brain. Dementia can occur as early as age 30, which is called early-onset dementia. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia can overlap, but there can be some differences.
Symptoms of Dementia:
- Memory Loss and Distortion
- Loss of Vocabulary
- Changes in Mood and Disposition
- Faulty Reasoning
- Disorientation
- Trouble with Comprehension
- Balance Problems
- Lack of Self-Care Tendencies
- Change in Appetite and Eating Habits
- Loss of Social Skills
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s:
- Memory Problems
- Disorientation
- Increased withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
- Trouble with Comprehension
- Problems with Speech and Writing
- Poor Judgment
- Changes in Mood and Personality
- Agitation
- Difficulty with Familiar Tasks
- Difficulty Communicating
Alzheimer’s disease really hits close to home. My grandma passed away in late 2018 from Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, she did not get the proper care she needed due to negligence from her caregivers. Seeing her that way broke my heart, at a young age it was a very confusing emotional state to be in. I didn’t exactly know what was going on at the time. I miss her so much and wish she was still here today. I wanted to write about this to spread awareness. If you have a loved one who is experiencing symptoms of Dementia or Alzheimer’s please, please try your hardest to get them the care they need and never forget to tell them you love them. Take advantage of the time you have left with them. ❤
Written with love,
– Alexandria.