In recognition of Alzheimer's Awareness Month this September, Permanente internal medicine physician and geriatrician Angela Hsu, MD, wrote an article for Northern Virginia Magazine about what people need to know about Alzheimer’s symptoms and risk factors.
"As people get older, it's important to watch for the symptoms for Alzheimer's disease,” Dr. Hsu wrote.
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by changes in the brain, including the loss of nerve cells that allow the brain to work properly. Patients with Alzheimer's have clumps of a protein called beta amyloid and neurofibrillary tangles that are thought to damage or kill nerve cells while inhibiting the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's can include getting lost driving to familiar places, changes in hygiene and grooming, difficulty managing finances, among other issues.
"Family members usually notice symptoms first," Dr. Hsu wrote. "If forgetfulness becomes a pattern rather than an inconvenience, and instances of forgetfulness rapidly increase, I advise you get evaluated by a physician."
While there is no way to prevent Alzheimer's disease, Dr. Hsu said everyone is encouraged to control health risk factors to protect against other issues that can affect brain function.
"It's important to keep your brain active and stimulated," she said. "Engage your brain in activities that you enjoy, such as art, music or writing. Socializing has also been shown to stimulate the brain."