Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are a category of diseases that have a wide impact on families. Not only are they challenging for the person with the disease, but they can be really hard on the family watching a loved one lose precious memories and independence.

Memory conditions are more common as people get older. In fact, over 55 million people are dealing with some form of dementia across the world right now. A variety of factors like age, genetics and lifestyle choices all contribute to your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Our staff at AFC Urgent Care Farragut can help you better understand how Alzheimer’s affects the body below.

How Does Alzheimer’s Affect Your Brain?

Alzheimer’s is a disease that destroys the brain cells that are responsible for memories and critical thinking skills. Once the disease kills off all the cells responsible for certain memories, people or activities, you lose the ability to recall that particular memory.

Alzheimer’s currently doesn’t have a cure. It is considered a progressive disease, so it may start out with simple memory slips and can progress all the way to personality changes, losing the ability to care for yourself and forgetting who your loved ones are.

Dementia and Other Memory Condition Symptoms

• Forgetting where you are or where you are going often
• Deepening confusion of events and people
• Mood and behavior changes
• Difficulty speaking, walking or swallowing

How Can Alzheimer’s Be Managed?

Symptom management is the best course of action once you are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Certain medications can slow the progression, and cognitive therapies can help control the parts of your memory that still remain.

While it is impossible to completely prevent dementia, you can take steps to help support your brain throughout your entire life. Stay engaged through reading, hobbies and brain games like word puzzles or card games. In addition, prioritizing your social relationships can help build strong connections and can actually help reduce your risk of dementia as well.

Additional Ways to Support Your Brain

• Consistent exercise throughout life
• Social engagement with peers and family
• Healthy diet
• Stress management throughout life

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can be incredibly isolating. Come to AFC Urgent Care Farragut to meet with our care team.