World Alzheimer's Day 2024: If you suddenly cannot remember the name of a family member or everyday things, then it is a mistake to ignore it thinking it is normal. Because, these can be symptoms of Alzheimer's. The number of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease is increasing alarmingly. According to an estimate, by the year 2050, one in every five senior citizens in India may have Alzheimer's problem. Since today (September 21) is 'Alzheimer's Day', its increasing cases are worrying.
Alzheimer's problem is seen in people above the age of 60
Alzheimer's disease usually occurs in people above the age of 60. But in the last few years this trend has changed and now symptoms of Alzheimer's are visible even in people around the age of 50. Despite the increasing cases of Alzheimer's, there is still a lack of awareness about it. If a person remembers the name of a close person, then it is a very serious matter.
A geriatric ward was also started as Alzheimer's cases increased
Dr Ajay Chauhan of the Government Mental Hospital said, 'A few years ago, we used to get barely five Alzheimer's patients every week. But now every day at least one patient comes with such symptoms. In view of the increasing cases of Alzheimer's, a geriatric ward has also been started. Alzheimer's is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It starts with forgetting some small thing. People who lead a stressful life, have high blood pressure-diabetes and those who have a family history of Alzheimer's can develop Alzheimer's.'
If these early symptoms of Alzheimer's are treated in time, then Alzheimer's can be prevented from progressing. Many people avoid going to the doctor thinking that the problem of forgetfulness will remain in old age but this is not true. It is important to consult a doctor even in normal symptoms. Looking at the current situation, it will not be a surprise if the number of Alzheimer's patients doubles in the coming time.
According to a 2022 study by The Journal of Alzheimer's Association, the prevalence of Alzheimer's is 7.4 percent among people over the age of 60. This proportion may increase even further by the year 2036. It is estimated that by the year 2036, 8.17 lakh people in Gujarat will be affected by dementia.
There is no full time neuro physician in civil
Cases of brain-related problems have been increasing continuously for the past few years. But surprisingly, according to civic sources, there is no full-time neuro physician in Asarwa Civil, Ahmedabad. Due to this, the common patient has to pay expensive fees to a neuro physician in a private hospital-clinic.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's
• Difficulty recognizing the person in front of you, even if you know him/her.
•Trouble remembering names.
• Do not remember whether food was taken or not, daily route.
• Common words like mobile-pen-TV and even everyday words are hardly remembered.
• If you go shopping, you will not remember what you went to buy, while counting the notes you will suddenly forget their order.
• Not remembering the reason for calling someone after calling them.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer's
• Consume more nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
•Exercise for 30 minutes every day.
• Learn a new language-musical instrument. Play brain games like puzzles-crosswords. Spend time reading books, writing articles, writing poetry.
•Instead of living a solitary life, senior citizens should meet as many people as possible every day. They can also join a hobby class.
• Control blood pressure-diabetes-heart related problems.
•Do yoga-meditation. Spend time in nature.
• Take 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day.