The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Symptoms in Alzheimer's Disease
Experts emphasize that early diagnosis and evaluation in Alzheimer's disease are of vital importance, stating that forgetfulness should not be viewed simply as aging.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Güney Şenol from Medicana Kadıköy Hospital Neurology Department stated that early diagnosis and evaluation in Alzheimer's disease are of vital importance, emphasizing that forgetfulness should not always be seen as a natural consequence of aging.
The Relationship Between Forgetfulness and Aging
The complaint of forgetfulness, which is frequently encountered as age advances, can point to a different picture when it begins to affect daily life. Alzheimer's, the most common cause of dementia, negatively affects thinking, decision-making, and daily life skills, primarily memory and learning.
Early Stage Symptoms
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Güney Şenol stated that Alzheimer's disease is not limited to forgetfulness alone and can manifest itself in the early period with symptoms such as the inability to remember recently learned information, asking the same questions frequently, and difficulty finding words.
What Are the Risk Factors?
While it was noted that advanced age is the most important risk factor, it was stated that genetic traits, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and irregular sleep are also among the risk factors.
Other Causes and Evaluation
It was stated that forgetfulness does not always mean Alzheimer's, and that depression and sleep disorders can also lead to similar complaints, emphasizing that early evaluation shapes the diagnosis process.
Treatment and Lifestyle
Although there is no definitive treatment that completely eliminates the disease, it was noted that new treatment options for the early stage and lifestyle changes are important for brain health.