As the world observes September as Alzheimer’s Month to raise awareness about the disease, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has urged the community to be on the look out for signs of the disease.
Presently there is no one test to determine if a patient has Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia. Currently, patients need to undergo a series of tests to ascertain whether they have the disease. Subsequently, misdiagnosis or late diagnosis are the common issues, DHA said.
“The risk of developing the disease increases every five years upon reaching 65 and almost 50 of people aged 85 develop this disease. However, so many do not recognize the first signs because the symptoms are similar to those associated with ageing.
Dr. Salwa Al Suwaidi, geriatrician and director of the Family Gathering Centre at DHA for elderly patients, says, “After 65 years, every five years of ageing, the risk of developing the disease doubles and almost 50 of people aged 85 develop this disease. However, so many family members do not recognize the first signs of this disease because the symptoms are similar to those associated with ageing.”
Symptoms of the disease include forgetfulness, isolation, irritability, suspiciousness and loneliness.
Al Suwaidi said the way to detect the disease requires several tests, including a neurological examination to rule out other diseases, which have dementia-like symptoms caused by treatable conditions such as depression, thyroid problems, excess use of alcohol, hypothyroidism or certain vitamin deficiencies. Therefore, early intervention is vital in this disease, especially in the absence of one concrete test.
The Family Gathering Centre has a support group for caregivers and has launched a 24/7 Alzheimer’s Helpline at 056 3710077. Those interested can contact the Family Gathering Centre on 04 502 2801.
