SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Observed annually on September 21, World Alzheimer's Day draws attention to the impact of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, stressing the importance of early diagnosis, cutting-edge treatments, as well as strong support networks for those affected.
In an interview with Aletihad, Dr. Nuwan Karunaratne, Consultant Geriatrician at Amana Healthcare, outlined how early identification and rigorous care protocols can substantially improve outcomes and positively impact patients.
Dr. Karunaratne stressed the importance of recognising and addressing memory issues early, without dismissing them as signs of aging or fatigue.
"There is a little bit of misunderstanding or misconception that, sometimes, the memory problems are just related to age... or sometimes you will hear, 'Oh, it's just that he or she is just tired,' and then people tend to pocket it aside and not address it," he said
This kind of neglect, he stressed, can delay necessary intervention, leading to worse outcomes.
Dr. Karunaratne pointed out that "by finding early diagnosis of these cases, we can improve their outcome.
"I am not talking about, you know, sometimes even young people, we can forget an appointment... that is not dementia, but if it is starting to affect your day-to-day functioning, then there is a problem."
Early diagnosis, he explained, allows healthcare providers to address risk factors, which can improve patient outcomes.
"Once the diagnostic workup is done, we can address some of the causes and risk factors," he said, mentioning cardiovascular health, diabetes, cholesterol, substance misuse, and certain deficiencies.
Addressing these factors can lead to improvements in memory and overall cognitive health.
"By early diagnosis or starting the early workup and diagnostic process, we can look into whether there is, you know, Alzheimer's or any other form of cognitive impairment," he added.
Discussing the latest Alzheimer's treatments, Dr. Karunaratne highlighted the importance of personalised treatment plans, noting that "each individual's case is different."
The goal of treatment is to "maintain their independence and their ability to look after themselves for longer."
A key part of managing Alzheimer's is conducting a thorough diagnostic workup and medication review to identify any drugs, particularly anticholinergic medications, that may worsen memory issues.
He mentioned the role of cholinesterase inhibitors, which help improve memory by increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the brain.
However, these medications may come with side effects like diarrhea, weight loss, and heart rhythm abnormalities, requiring careful consideration by specialists.
Dr. Karunaratne noted that the disease affects not only patients but also their families and caregivers, as it requires a significant amount of time and energy.
Regardiing the role of lifestyle in Alzheimer's prevention, Dr. Karunaratne showcased that diet, physical activity, mental stimulation, and sleep quality play crucial roles.
He highlighted the benefits of a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, noting that "omega-3 and fatty acids are beneficial," particularly those found in salmon.
Further, regular physical activity, akin to walking or swimming, and cognitive activities like reading or playing board games, can significantly improve outcomes.
He pointed out that "people who have a more isolated kind of lifestyle suffer more with dementia," and encouraged maintaining social interactions, including family involvement and therapies like reminiscence therapy.
Promoting good sleep hygiene and addressing risk factors like smoking, alcohol, and vascular health were also noted.
Public health campaigns, especially for the older generation, should focus on raising awareness of brain health and providing accessible resources in both Arabic and English.