At the school drop-off area, Janet Perez is always looking for the neon orange backpack that makes her 6-year-old son, Jayden, so easy to identify. But one recent spring afternoon in Perris, California, he couldn’t find it. Her first response was instinctive: someone took it. Then she tried to remember what she was wearing and realized she wasn’t sure she had worn it to school that morning. A familiar fear gripped her: what was happening? Was his distraction an early sign that he had his mother’s disease, Alzheimer’s?
Janet Pérez began taking care of her mother, Rita, after the 74-year-old widow began leaving the stove burners on and her paranoia became so strong that she began barring her bedroom door with a chair. Janet Perez, 35, would be too young to have Alzheimer’s — in most cases, symptoms appear after age 65 — and no one else in her huge family has the disease.
In United States, Alzheimer’s disease affects 6.5 million adults over the age of 65; By 2050, that figure is expected to nearly double, according to the Alzheimer’s Associationthe most important activist organization for those who suffer from this disease.
But as now this disease, the most common form of dementia, it is best known, often listed in consumer surveys as one of the most feared. Among family members who have seen the disease progress in a loved one, the perceived threat may be even greater, research shows. In some cases, these people are extremely attentive to their own memories, every forgotten name or lost key seems a symptom of something more serious.
Of course, not everyone with a family history of Alzheimer’s lives in fear. But for those who do, the worry can be overwhelming. Cristiane Passarela, a certified mental health counselor at NYC Cognitive Therapy, has seen her clients gasp with worry that they have the same illness as a family member. “The worst is when they come and can’t lead their normal lives,” he commented.
When people say their memory is deteriorating and tests show no deterioration, these complaints are often described as subjective cognitive decline. These self-identified symptoms may be early indicators of Alzheimer’s, but long-term follow-up suggests that, most of the time, they were not.
However, feeling some fear can be beneficial. Worry motivates many family members to get tested. It also inspires lifestyle changes, such as increased physical and cognitive activity, which have been associated with a lower risk of decline. “You get people to turn fear into something positive by doing lifestyle activities that can be beneficial to them,” said David Wolk, a professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania and director of the Penn Center for Neurology Research. Alzheimer disease.
Nevertheless, fear can also make it difficult for healthy people to enjoy their lives at this time. How can you live well despite what may or may not happen?
Do not overestimate your own risk
People who have at least one close relative with Alzheimer’s have a higher risk of dying from the disease. Despite this, most people with a family history of Alzheimer’s will not develop the disease.
Genetics play a larger role for people with early-onset familial Alzheimer’s, also known as autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s. This form of the disease only affects between one and two percent of the general population and usually appears before the age of 65.
Nevertheless, The biggest risk factor for the most common form of the disease, late-onset Alzheimer’s, is not family history, but simply getting older. From the age of 85, it affects a third of adults. many doctors advise against genetic testing, which is not the most accurate way to predict or confirm a diagnosis of late-onset Alzheimer’s.
People with a family history of Alzheimer’s may benefit from telling themselves: “You may be at slightly higher risk, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to get it,” says Dr. Kristine Yaffe, a professor of psychiatry, neurology, epidemiology, and biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco. “He may have other things, he may live to be 100 and be fine.”
For those who notice recurring memory lapses, the next step may be an evaluation.
Turn fear into possible protection
According to a 2020 report from the The Lancet Commission on Dementia, Prevention and Carewho identified and classified twelve factors associated with reducing the risk of cognitive decline, addressing the so-called “modifiable risk factors”, such as high blood pressure, little physical activity and frequent alcohol consumption, can prevent or delay up to 40% of cases of dementia. Correcting any hearing loss and quitting smoking are also high on the list.
In particular, noo there is a lot of evidence that vitamins or dietary supplements help improve cognition or prevent dementia; Data on diet are limited, but suggest that a heart-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, may be preventative.
Experts make special Emphasis on staying cognitively active throughout life: learning to play an instrument, traveling to new places, or even engaging in challenging work: “Engaging the brain in any way,” says Dr Gill Livingston, lead author of the Lancet Commission report and Professor of Older People’s Psychiatry at University College London.
As with other types of concerns, psychologists recommend the basic practice of mindfulness. Many activities come in here: meditation, prayer, movements such as yoga or chi kung or even hiking or walking, anything that helps slow down and observe the present moment, without judgment or shame.
When a fear causes significant distress or interferes with daily life, professional guidance may be necessary.
Source: Eluniverso
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
