What can be done

Everyone should practise methods of health protection which include eating right, exercising and abstaining from tobacco and alcohol.

What the patients can do for themselves

At the present state of understanding about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease, there is nothing anyone can do to guarantee that he or she or their loved ones will not get Alzheimer’s disease. As a consequence, various hypotheses have been advanced with regard to its prevention. The absence of proof does not mean these hypotheses and clinical impressions have to be abandoned. Rather, they have to be borne in mind and accepted or rejected when evidence suggests so. Time will tell fact from fiction.

At the moment, everyone should practise the well-known methods of health protection and promotion, such as eating right, exercising and abstaining from tobacco and alcohol. Although not directly linked to the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, good health in youth is a prerequisite to good health in old age.

Good health also requires paying timely attention to all easily treatable conditions which are known to adversely affect health, such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Control of these factors would be a protective measure against heart attacks and strokes and may also safeguard against Alzheimer’s disease, although this remains conjectural.

There is an increasing awareness about the harmful effects of stress and mental tension on the human body. Researchers hope to learn much more in this century about “the mind” since this is believed to mediate emotions and stress. The age-old tradition of meditation is well known to control stress, so its practice is certainly desirable.

What the family can do

Family members should be aware of early warning signs which may suggest that one of the older members may be on the verge of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Early diagnosis and early intervention can be beneficial both to the patient and the family.

As the disease progresses, the family remains the main pillar of support for the patient. The traditions of eastern culture and the lack of special care units make it clear that the patient is best cared for within the family. However, this imposes an immense burden on the family for which support should be sought. Families and others will benefit by joining self-help groups or support groups, as these are well known to provide social and psychological support to members. If there is no support group in the area, families may wish to start a new group.

What the community can do

Families with a member suffering from Alzheimer’s disease carry a huge burden of caring and need the support of neighbours and the community. Neighbours can also provide respite care to the tired care-giver.

Special training programmes for lay care-givers can be organised in the community. In addition, awareness campaigns can be launched by community activists to educate those who may not be aware of this dreadful disease and its early manifestation.

Source: World Health Organisation