Alzheimer’s Onset and Prevention

Alzheimer’s was discovered by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1901 when he was talking to a senior patient, Mrs. Auguste Deter. Alzheimer immediately observed that something was wrong with the woman because she gave wrong and repetitive responses to the doctor’s questions, while she also seemed to forget parts of the discussion.

After placing her in the isolation room, she started experiencing violent symptoms of dementia such as sleeping problems, delusions, and loss of memory, whereas she would also scream for a couple of hours during the night.

At that time, the doctor decided to call it the ‘Disease of Forgetfulness.’ Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative and progressive mental disorder which damages the brain cells eventually leading to dementia.

Although Dr. Alzheimer left the institution and moved to Munich, he would call to Frankfurt to find out about the woman’s health status. Unfortunately, Mrs. Auguste died in on April 9^th, 1906 but while she was still alive, she asked that her brain and medical records to be immediately sent to the doctor.

After he had examined the brain, Dr. Alzheimer found the senile tangles and plaques which are specific to the Alzheimer’s disease. This disease leads to significant loss of the patient’s brain mass as well as the degeneration of vital areas of the brain.

Even if this disease is incurable and not treatable, people can still take active measures to prevent the Alzheimer’s onset. This brain disorder usually occurs in senior patients over 65 years old, but this illness can also develop between 30 and 65 such as in the case of Mrs. Auguste, and it is known as early-onset dementia.

Alzheimer’s as well as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are complex conditions because they might develop due to a large array of lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors. Experts stress that some of these risks can be significantly reduced meaning that Alzheimer’s is somehow manageable, even if it’s onset will be delayed by just a few years.

More precisely, two of these major causes such as genetic and age factors are impossible to change but improving your lifestyle will come with great benefits.

People who keep their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol level under control are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Last but not least, better dietary habits and physical exercise will help anyone achieve a healthy weight.

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