Our irrational fear of Alzheimer's disease
This disease is the most common form of dementia which is almost incurable and is diagnosed in people over 65 years of age. In 2006, there were 26.6 million sufferers worldwide. This disease was named after German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer in 1905.
The realities are: becoming forgetful does not necessarily mean one has dementia. Dementia-like symptoms can come from stress, depression, brain tumors, vitamin deficiency and other health conditions. A healthy diet and lifestyle can enhance natural defenses against dementia. Not smoking, exercising regularly, doing away with fatty foods, and keeping mentally stimulated in old age may lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. A diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease can be made at medical centers specializing in Alzheimer's and dementia.
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