Let’s Talk About… Alzheimer’s
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It is a physical illness which causes damage to a person’s brain, over time, this damage causes dementia.
Although Alzheimer’s disease affects everyone differently, there are some common symptoms in its early stages:
- Memory problems
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Language problems
- Changes in how people see and hear things
- Mood changes
Risk Factors
Age is the biggest risk factor for most types of dementia. From the age of 65, a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every 5 years.
Women have a slightly higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, the reason for this is unknow, but some studies suggest that this may be due to changes caused by the menopause. There is still no concrete evidence for this and research is ongoing.
There are also genetic factors that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, however, having Alzheimer’s risk genes only slightly increases this risk.
Reduce the Risk
Living a healthy lifestyle, especially from mid-life onwards, decreases a person’s risk of developing the disease. Making changes such as not drinking too much alcohol, quitting smoking, getting regular exercise and eating a healthily have all been found to reduce the risk.
Managing health conditions that increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease may help to reduce your risk.
These conditions include:
- Diabetes, stroke, heart problems and obesity
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Depression
Treatment and Support
A wide range of medications can be prescribed to help people live fulfilling lives with Alzheimer’s disease. Although they cannot stop the progression of the disease, they may delay the symptoms getting worse. People should always ensure their medications are reviewed regularly to ensure they continue to be suitable for their needs.
There is a range of support services available to people living with Alzheimer’s disease and those who care for them. Support such as care services from Caremark Care Assistants and Care Companions allow people to live at home for longer, providing them with support in their independence.
Memory Café
In 2021 Caremark NI was the first Health and Social Care provider in the UK to launch our Memory Café. Participants have the opportunity to do a wide range of activities from arts and crafts to musical sing-a-longs. We have held tea parties and themed days. We have also enjoyed fun filled day trips out to local places like Eden Pottery and took part in community art projects with local schools.
The Memory Café is a free service, and is for anyone who has a medical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Dementia, or other diagnosed cognitive impairments such as Parkinson’s, MS, Stroke or brain injury. We would ask that when attending if clients/service users/customers could please be accompanied by a family member or carer.
If the Memory Café is something you or a loved one would like to attend, please contact our Wellbeing Manager, Christopher at our Head Office on 02891467004 or alternatively email christopher.downes@caremark.co.uk