It is estimated that more than 36 million people worldwide are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. This progressive brain disease generally affects people over the age of 60. On the occasion of September 21, World Alzheimer’s Day, we wanted to consult the neurologist Dr. Bayés Rusiñol, an expert in this disease and member of Top Doctors.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
Signs of possible development of Alzheimer’s dementia can be, for example: forgetting things much more frequently than usual, forgetting how to do perfectly familiar activities, having great difficulty in learning new things, repeating phrases in conversations or asking the same question several times, in short, frequently making small mistakes in our daily lives that we did not make before.
The first symptoms are usually mild memory problems that gradually worsen. As the disease progresses, the damage usually involves other brain functions such as language or reasoning. In more advanced stages the brain damage becomes so extensive that it can prevent a person from being able to carry out the simplest tasks.
Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Although the specific cause is still unknown due to its complexity, there are several treatments that help maintain brain function and slow down the disease. In this regard, Top Doctors’ neurologist, Dr. Bayés, stresses that “it is important to make an early diagnosis and medical follow-up with a neurologist”. Lifestyle can also modify the course of the disease and delay the onset of its symptoms. “There is evidence that regular physical exercise, a Mediterranean diet and leisure activities that involve stimulating challenges are protective factors against the development of Alzheimer’s disease,” adds Dr. Bayés.
To read the interview with Dr. Bayés click here.