September 21st of each year is a day for focusing on
raising the awareness about Alzheimer's and dementia. Alzheimer's organizations
give special attention on this day to keep people around the globe alert about Alzheimer's
disease, which is the most common form of dementia.
The most important risk
factors of Alzheimer's disease are age, family history, and heredity. There are
many other factors as well, which increase the risk of getting Alzheimer's
disease that are generally related to your lifestyle.
The theme for World Alzheimer's Month 2013 is
'Dementia: a journey of caring'. Major activities on this day will be focused
on reducing the stigma associated with dementia, which includes educational
seminars, workshops and social events. It is important to keep the patients as
well as the caregivers aware of the disease.
You may take this opportunity to
spread awareness about Alzheimer’s to your near and dear. At the same time,
have a look into your life to see whether you are at risk of getting
Alzheimer’s. Here are some of the risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease. Knowing
these may help you identify whether you are at risk of getting Alzheimer’s.
 |
| Are You At Risk Of Getting Alzheimer's: World Alzheimer's Day Special |
Age: Increasing age is the most common risk factor
for Alzheimer's. Your risk increases to a great extent when you reach age 65.
If you have a genetic predisposition, you are at risk of getting Alzheimer’s
disease with advancing age. In some rare cases Alzheimer’s is found in the age
of 40 and 50.
Family history and genetics: Your risk of getting
Alzheimer’s appears to be more if your parents or sibling has the disease. The
risk gene explained in detail so far is apolipoprotein e4 (APOE e4). Family
history will definitely leave you in a high risk category of Alzheimer’s
disease.
Gender: Are you a woman? Then, naturally you are at
risk of getting Alzheimer’s because women are more likely to develop
Alzheimer's disease when compared to men. Longer lifespan and hormonal
influences are the culprits here.
Past head trauma: If you have had severe head trauma or
repeated head trauma at any point of your life, you are at risk of getting
Alzheimer’s disease. Deposits that form in the brain may lead to dementia in
long-term. This is the reason which keeps boxers at high risk category.
Lifestyle: Smoking,poor social relationships and
lack of exercise has an important role in increasing your risk of getting
Alzheimer’s. Dietary habits will also influence your chances. Have a close look
at your lifestyle and it will let you know whether you are at risk of getting
Alzheimer’s.
Mild cognitive impairment:Do you have problems with
memory, language, thinking and judgment? These signs of mild cognitive
impairment that may keep you at a risk of getting Alzheimer’s, especially as
the age advances.
Occupation:There are many chemicals and metals that
may put you at high risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. If your workplace
keeps you exposed to metals like Aluminum, you have to be alert of Alzheimer’s.
No comments:
Post a Comment