This World Alzheimer’s day 2022, warning signs that should be kept in mind
Highlights:
- The theme of the day
- Significance of the day
- History of the day
- Warning signs for Alzheimer’s to be kept in mind
- Symptoms of Alzheimer
- Is Alzheimer’s curable?
World Alzheimer’s Day 2022: September 21 is commemorated as World Alzheimer’s Day every year to educate and raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We all have a habit of forgetting things daily, but when that forgetfulness becomes severe, it is a serious matter of concern. There is a possibility that you might have Alzheimer’s.
The theme of the day
World Alzheimer’s day 2022 Theme is “know dementia, know Alzheimer’s”. The theme is the same as 2021. However, this year, a particular focus is on post-diagnosis support.
Significance of the day
With close to 50 million patients – and growing – of dementia in the world. It becomes even more significant to fight against this disease. And celebrating World Alzheimer’s Day every year goes a long way in this regard.
History of the Day
The disease is named after a German psychiatrist, Alois Alzheimer. He discovered it in 1901 in a 50-year-old German lady. As the disease spread in its scope and severity, people felt the need to institute a body dedicated to the fight against this incurable illness. Alzheimer’s Disease International was founded in 1984. The organisation declared September 21 as World Alzheimer Day in 1994.
On this World Alzheimer’s day 2022, here are warning signs of Alzheimer’s that should be kept in mind.
Warning signs for Alzheimer’s to be kept in mind
Mood swings and agitation:
People with AD may often seem to get anxious and agitated. They can appear restless, move around a lot, pace up and down, get frequently upset in certain places or become fixated on a particular subject.
Fear, confusion, fatigue, and feeling overwhelmed are a few things that could further result in agitation. Rapid and seemingly unprovoked mood swings are another sign of dementia for no apparent reason. A person suffering from AD can go from calm to tearful to angry without any reason.
Misplacing things:
Suppose you find small household items like keys, socks, remotes, etc. It is very much possible that one of your family members has dementia.
Routinely discovering other “missing” items in strange spots is usually a strong indicator of a person who has dementia. They will leave them in unusual places and will then later be unable to retrace their steps to find them. There might also be moments when they become suspicious and accuse someone else of hiding or stealing their belongings.
Symptoms of Alzheimer
Difficulty with familiar tasks:
Everyday tasks become a routine for us. But, for people suffering from AD or dementia, completing the jobs they have been doing all their lives may suddenly become difficult. For example, they may even have trouble boiling water in the kitchen.
Confusion with time or place:
If you have ever noticed a family member forgetting where you live, getting easily lost and losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time, they could have dementia. For example, you may have left the room for about an hour, but a person with dementia will think you have been gone for two weeks.
Is Alzheimer’s curable?
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But there are medicines available that can temporarily reduce the symptoms.
There are many reasons for memory loss, which include deficiency of vitamin B12 and brain, thyroid, kidney, or liver disorders.
However, several other symptoms, apart from frequent memory loss, could be a sign of approaching Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recognising these signs of dementia can further help lead to a quicker diagnosis.
