It is yet another Sunday and time for one of IST’s famous FYI posts.

I recently wrote a post about dementia and the signs to watch….now I would like to do another one on a disease that seems hell bent on destroying a seniors life…Alzheimer’s

I am always worried about losing my mental capabilities as I grow older so I watch for any signs and will act immediately if I spot any…..

While this article is about the UK the signs are the same and I want to help my readers understand and what to look for in the future.

It’s thought that there are over 900,000 people living with dementia, which is caused by Alzheimer’s disease, in the UK. Women are disproportionately affected, being twice as likely to develop the condition than men. Although research on why this is the case is in progress, some factors like hormonal changes (as estrogen has a protective effect on the brain and encourages healthy brain function), differences in sex chromosomes, brain structure, and life expectancy are thought to play a role why someone might enter the stages of Alzheimer’s, per research published in the journal of Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy. 

Other health conditions can also increase the risk, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, along with lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking alcohol. 

While some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s may seem obvious, they can also appear as symptoms of other conditions – such as symptoms of menopause – which is why, no matter your age, it’s important to know the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

We’re all prone to repeating ourselves sometimes but if this is happening all the time, it could be one of the early signs of Alzheimer’s. Dr Lucy Andrews, an ageing expert and specialist in dementia services with BrainGuard System International, says this includes not remembering something someone has just said, repeating the same story multiple times, or asking the same question over and over again. 

It’s symptomatic of one of the more common signs of Alzheimer’s in general: issues with short-term memory. Along with these social problems, someone might forget where they’ve left something and put everyday items in the wrong place – such as the hairdryer in the fridge or keys in the washing machine. 

“Simple episodes of forgetfulness and confusion are frequently the first signs of dementia,” says London NHS GP Dr Semiya Aziz. “With Alzheimer’s though, the symptoms may not be severe enough to stop the individual from carrying out their daily activities.” When the symptoms become severe, the condition is then categorised as dementia. 

https://www.womanandhome.com/health-wellbeing/early-signs-of-alzheimers/

Those are the signs to watch for in either yourself or your family members.

If signs are there then please consult a medical professional….do not put it off for it will not get better.

Enjoy your Sunday….and as usual….Be Well and Be Safe….

I Read, I Write, You Know

“lego ergo scribo”