With the increase in the elderly population in Turkey and the world, the incidence of Alzheimer's disease is gradually increasing. Specialist from Medicana Health Group Neurology Department. Dr. Ceyda Hayretdağ emphasized that learning new things throughout life can help prevent Alzheimer's and said, “Keeping the brain constantly working with activities such as reading, writing, solving puzzles, going to the theater, playing games and participating in social projects can reduce the risk of developing the disease.”
Stating that Alzheimer's disease is seen in 8 out of every 100 people over the age of 65 and 47 out of every 100 people over the age of 85 in Turkey, where the rate of elderly population is increasing, Uzm. Dr. Hayretdağ said, “This situation indicates that Alzheimer's cases may increase even more in the coming years. Alzheimer's usually starts with selective memory impairment and progresses over time. Unfortunately, as the disease progresses, it severely reduces the quality of life.”
It also leads to personality changes
Emphasizing that Alzheimer's disease can lead to personality and behavioral changes, patients experience symptoms such as memory loss, decreased spatial awareness, difficulty remembering new information, and difficulties in finding words. Dr. Hayretdağ said, “As the disease progresses, it becomes difficult for the person to maintain daily life activities. Planning and organizational skills deteriorate. Patients often encounter problems such as forgetting recent events, places and names.”
Stating that the changes in the brain that lead to Alzheimer's disease begin long before the symptoms appear, Uzm. Dr. Hayretdağ said, “Abnormal protein deposits called tau and beta-amyloid form in the brain. With these accumulations, cell loss occurs in the cerebral cortex and other brain regions. This cellular damage in the brain leads to serious symptoms over time.”
Risk factors include age, genetics and lifestyle
Uzm. Dr. Ceyda Hayretdağ pointed out that factors such as age, obesity, hypertension, genetic predisposition, diabetes, malnutrition and inactivity are among the factors that increase the risk of Alzheimer's and said the following: “People with first-degree relatives with Alzheimer's disease have a higher risk of developing the disease. However, protective factors such as education, physical activity, social and mental activities can reduce this risk. Although there are some misconceptions that supplements such as antioxidant vitamins, vitamins B6 and B12, statins and Ginkgo biloba are thought to stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease, it has been scientifically proven that these substances do not stop the course of the disease.”
İHA Haber Kodu: 20240920AW291310