According to the “Alzheimer and Other Dementia Diseases Clinical Protocol” announced by the Ministry of Health last year, Alzheimer's may turn into Turkey's biggest health problem in the near future. Reminding that there are many studies in the scientific world on new treatments that will make everyone forget Alzheimer's, Anadolu Health Center Neurology Specialist and Director of Neurology Department Prof. Dr. Yaşar Kütükçü said, “Despite extensive research on Alzheimer's disease, there is no treatment method for curing the disease yet. However, different treatment approaches are used to slow the progression of the disease and reduce existing complaints. Mental activities must be constantly renewed in order to avoid Alzheimer's. In other words, reading new things, watching, doing research, learning a new language are factors that reduce the probability of a person's Alzheimer's. In addition to all these, a healthy and balanced diet should be done, regular exercise should be done and regular sleep should not be compromised. prof. Dr. Yaşar Kütükçü talked about the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's on the occasion of September 21, World Alzheimer's Day…
Stating that Alzheimer's, one of the types of dementia that is defined as "dementia" among the people, is a disease that develops due to the death of brain cells over time and occurs due to protein accumulation in the brain, Anadolu Health Center Neurology Specialist and Director of Neurology Department Prof. Dr. Yaşar Kütükçü said, “This important problem, which causes a decrease in the cognitive functions of the person, is the most common disease causing dementia today. Because the most important risk factor for the disease is advanced age and its incidence increases significantly with age.
Often seen after the age of 60
Stating that the brain shrinks and shrinks due to cell loss in Alzheimer's, Neurology Specialist and Director of Neurology Department Prof. Dr. Yaşar Kütükçü said, “While it causes simple forgetfulness in the beginning, it gradually erases the experiences of the recent past as it progresses. We can say that the complaints of Alzheimer's disease, which are often seen after the age of 60, appear gradually. Therefore, the initial stage of the disease may not be noticed by the person himself or his immediate surroundings.
Although the cause of Alzheimer's disease is not yet fully understood, Prof. Stating that it is estimated that the loss of brain cells occurs much earlier than expected, Prof. Dr. Yaşar Kütükçü said, “In other words, although the loss of brain cells with advancing age is considered normal, the cell loss in Alzheimer's occurs much faster and more than expected. Mild forgetfulness, which is among the symptoms of Alzheimer's in the initial period, progresses over time and leads to unconsciousness. Forgetfulness, which is among the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, is mild in the initial stage of the disease, but over time sohbet It brings it to a point where it cannot even perform simple actions such as
How is it diagnosed?
Stating that in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, first of all, the patient's history is taken from the relatives of the patient and the neurological examination of the person is done. Dr. Yaşar Kütükçü said, “After the neurological tests, when the physician deems it necessary, neurocognitive tests, radiological imaging such as MRI, CT, PET, and laboratory tests for the examination of some hormones, vitamins and other necessary values can be performed. In the light of the findings obtained, the person is re-evaluated and in some cases, genetic tests can be performed to clarify the diagnosis. Alzheimer's is diagnosed in the light of all data and especially according to the course of the disease. Despite extensive research on Alzheimer's, there is no treatment method for curing the disease yet. However, there are different treatment approaches aimed at slowing the progression of the disease and reducing existing complaints.
Treatments are tailored to the individual
Stating that personalized treatments are mostly started with the use of low-dose drugs, Prof. Dr. Yaşar Kütükçü said, “In the future, the patient can be re-examined and the dose of drugs can be increased when necessary. In non-drug treatments; healthy and balanced diet, physical activity and exercise, weight control, reducing and controlling stress, social activities, reducing vascular-metabolic risks (hypertension, diabetes control, etc.) and regulating them. It is aimed to increase the quality of life of the patient and their relatives, thanks to the treatment methods that aim to enable the person to do his/her daily activities on his/her own. Loss of life due to Alzheimer's disease is mostly due to pneumonia and stroke.
A new drug has been developed
Saying that a new drug for Alzheimer's has not been developed for nearly 20 years, but this year, a drug approved by the FDA, which is claimed to modify the disease and reduce amyloid plaques in the brain, gives hope to everyone. Dr. Yaşar Kütükçü said, “However, it is too early to make a definite comment about the effect and results on patients. Although the studies are insufficient for now, this can be considered as a very big step. If sufficient evidence is obtained that the drug is safe and effective, we can say that it has the potential to be a very good treatment method for patients. prof. Dr. Yaşar Kütükçü explained the stages of Alzheimer's as follows:
Early stage Alzheimer's
There are mild forgetfulness and the person can tolerate it. While the patient may have difficulty remembering the names of people they have just met, they may also have difficulties in planning.
mid-stage Alzheimer's
It is the longest stage of the disease. The symptoms are now more pronounced. The person has difficulty in expressing his thoughts and doing his routine work. Over time, he cannot remember the way to his own home. Problems are seen in controlling the bladder and bowels.
Advanced Alzheimer's
It is the last phase. A person needs care in almost everything. He has also lost awareness of his surroundings. He cannot carry out his physical actions alone. Speech loss, difficulty eating, weight loss and urinary incontinence are experienced.
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