L e t´s T a l k H e a l t h
Who is affected?
It affects many people of all races and ethnicities and typically affects people over 65 years of age. Late Alzheimer's may be related to genetic factors.
Risk factors
Risk factors include family history, history of head trauma, hypertension, high cholesterol, and age being the main factor.
Warning signs, Symptoms
Repeating constantly the same things, disorientation in familiar places, changes in personality, difficulty remembering where one has been, difficulty in handling, or withdrawing attitudes.
Alzheimer's
Dementia or Alzheimer's is the fifth cause of death in the US. However, it is believed that death certificates may not be 100% accurate. So, it's likely to exceed the first four causes. So far there is no cure for dementia. The drugs being studied will enter the final stage of testing in 2025.
Prevention and treatment
Prevention and treatment are based on controlling the risk factors mentioned above. Exercising and keeping the mind agile are also very important.
Jessica Zwerling MD MS
Director, Montefiore Hudson Valley Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease (CEAD)
What is dementia?
Dementia is a disability to perform daily activities, due to memory problems, executive functions, or spatial location, which interfere with the patient's ability to perform their daily life activities.