Alzheimer's disease: A concern not only for the elderly

With the current rapid aging of the population, Alzheimer's disease is not only a concern for the elderly but also for their children and grandchildren, as well as the social security system.

When memory fades away

Ms. D.TT (83 years old, residing in Tam Hiep ward, Dong Nai province) was recently examined and tested for memory by doctors from the Department of Neurology of Dong Nai General Hospital. As a result, the doctors concluded that Ms. T. had severe Alzheimer's disease.

Ms. T.'s daughter, Ms. Pham Thi Tuyet, said: About 2 years ago, her mother showed signs of memory loss, but the family thought it was just an old age disease, so they didn't pay attention. In the past 6 months, Ms. T.'s condition has gotten worse. She often scolds people because she thinks someone stole her clothes, when it wasn't. She also doesn't remember the names of her children and grandchildren. She has eaten but says she hasn't eaten yet...

Doctors at Dong Nai General Hospital perform tests on patients with Alzheimer's. Photo: Hanh Dung

Worried about their mother's health, Ms. Tuyet and her brothers took Mrs. T. to see a psychiatrist. The doctor diagnosed her with Alzheimer's disease and prescribed sedatives to help her sleep and reduce stress. However, recently, Mrs. T.'s condition has worsened. She cannot take care of her personal hygiene, must depend on her children and grandchildren, and cannot recognize household items.

Meanwhile, although only 61 years old, Mr. TTC (residing in Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province) has shown signs of Alzheimer's disease since half a year ago.

Mr. Pham Bach Long, Mr. C's son, said: From a healthy person who could make spring rolls and ride a motorbike, his father suddenly became weaker, sometimes remembering and sometimes forgetting, sometimes getting lost and not remembering the way home. Sometimes, Mr. C. remembers his old habits but does not care about what is happening in the present, all day long he does not talk to anyone.

Mr. Long shared: “Since my father got sick, my family has been very worried because during the day everyone goes to school and work, leaving him alone at home. Two years ago, my father was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure, so his health declined very quickly.”

According to research, the rate of people with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 65 is about 1-5% and every 5 years, this rate increases by about 5%. By the age of 80, 1-2 out of 3 people are at risk of dementia.

Efforts to improve the quality of life for patients

Specialist Doctor I To Van Dung, Department of Neurology, Dong Nai General Hospital said: In recent years, the number of patients with Alzheimer's disease coming to the hospital for examination and treatment has tended to increase. To meet the needs of patients, the hospital has deployed a specialized clinic every Thursday afternoon at the hospital's clinic T112.

Alzheimer's disease begins primarily with symptoms of memory loss, then spreads to many other cognitive areas such as: language ability, spatial orientation, attention, calculation, executive function and social cognition. The disease progresses silently, causing the patient to gradually lose the ability to care for themselves, becoming more dependent on family and society.

In order to improve the quality of care and treatment for Alzheimer’s patients, Dong Nai General Hospital has sent doctors to attend professional training courses under the guidance of the Vietnam Dementia and Cognitive Neurology Association. Currently, the hospital is implementing many combined treatment methods for Alzheimer’s patients.

These include drug treatment to slow the progression of the disease, maintain nerve cell activity; rehabilitation, physical therapy (patients participate in individual or group training to stimulate cognitive abilities, improve memory and social skills). In addition, patients are assigned exercises to practice memory, language, calculation, etc. by doctors to practice at home and are checked periodically to monitor progress.

In particular, the hospital is aiming to deploy transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy and build a memory and dementia unit at the hospital to help patients in and outside the province have access to high-quality treatment services without having to be transferred to higher levels.

In parallel, Dong Nai General Hospital also conducts daily Alzheimer screening for patients with signs of memory loss, through tests transferred by the Vietnam Dementia and Cognitive Neurology Association. Early screening helps to detect early, advise on prevention and appropriate intervention for patients.

According to Dr. To Van Dung, Alzheimer's disease can be prevented by controlling risk factors. Typical risk factors include: low education, hearing loss, impaired vision, staying up late, abusing alcohol, beer and tobacco; having chronic diseases such as: depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood fat, obesity, head trauma, environmental pollution and lack of exercise...

To prevent Alzheimer's disease, according to medical specialists, people need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat scientifically , exercise, stay optimistic, sleep on time, and control chronic diseases well. When signs of memory loss, lack of concentration, and difficulty in daily activities appear, people should go to the doctor early for timely screening and intervention. Thereby, improving the quality of life of patients and ensuring social security.

Hanh Dung

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/y-te/202509/benh-alzheimer-noi-lo-khong-chi-cua-nguoi-gia-2012739/