Genetics and stress major causes of Alzheimer’s disease
Debbie Beech from Alzheimer’s SA recently gave a talk at a meeting of the East Rand branch of The University of the Third Age (U3A).
The meeting was held at the Northmead Tennis Club on June 21.
Beech manages the Gauteng branch of Alzheimer’s SA, a non-profit organisation that helps patients and their families cope with the condition.
It also organises support groups, counselling and training for caregivers.
Beech, who is also a social worker, started the talk by explaining to the attendees the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
“Dementia is a brain disorder that affects communication and performance of daily activities, while Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that specifically affects the part of the brain that controls thoughts, memory and language,” said Beech.
“Alzheimer’s disease affects the short-term memory, communication and thought.”
Beech added that the risk increases as you age.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are:
• Short-term memory loss
• A decreased ability to communicate with others
• Confusion regarding the recognition and function of everyday objects, among other things.
“There is no cure for Alzheimer’s at the moment – only the symptoms can be treated in order to delay the degeneration,” said Beech.
Dementia makes it harder for sufferers to recall names and faces, and to remember places they were formerly familiar with; patients also become forgetful and confused.
Beech said there are some factors that can be managed to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
“One can exercise the brain, reduce stress, read, knit and keep up with current affairs,” said Beech.
“Genetics and stress are two major factors in the causes of this form of dementia.
“There is a distinction between normal aging and Alzheimer’s.”
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