In a path-breaking moment in medical history, the Food and Drug Administration of the US has approved a new Alzheimer’s disease cure developed by Biogen. The new drug Aduhelm helps to prevent steady memory loss by evicting clumps of protein that destroys neurons and causes dementia. Alzheimer’s disease has been ill-famous for its debilitating effects on one’s social, behavioral, and cognitive skills. Around 5.8 million people above 65 years are living with Alzheimer’s in the United States.
Early signs of Alzheimer’s include slow and incoherent loss in memory. As the disease becomes more intense, people will have disabilities even in conducting personal chores. So far there was no definite cure for Alzheimer’s. People have survived from 4 years to as long as 20 years after diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, depending upon the person.
Disruptions in routine activities because you “cannot remember” what you used to do can be a sign of Alzheimer’s. 60-80% of dementia can lead to Alzheimer’s as per Alzheimer’s association. People lose reasoning abilities making data-intensive tasks such as bills, and calculations become intensely difficult.
People with Alzheimer’s are subjected to high mood swings. Losing their grip on reality can push them into depression and anxiety. They often have delusions. There is a tendency to repeat activities and conversations over and over as one cannot recall them ever happening. Eventually, even everyday objects and close ones become an enigma. They have difficulty in communication and develop linguistic struggles.
People with Alzheimer’s need a combination of behavioral and medical therapy. They can be encouraged to do physical activities, listen to music, meditate and do art and craft.
Now all these symptoms can also appear without any trace of Alzheimer’s. But all these seem to be recurring consult your doctor. There are communities all over the world to help the affected. A worldwide effort I afoot to find a defined therapy for Alzheimer’s.