ALZHEIMER’S disease normally occurs after one has crossed 50, in some cases it might even set in early.

My father also suffered from an early onset of dementia. When he was first diagnosed with it, it was a difficult period for our family as there are currently no drugs or therapies that can cure it fully.

The Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs only provide symptomatic relief. My father lived a very active life and contributed greatly in his field and it’s just not fair that after living such a wonderful life you forget the golden days.

The main symptoms that trap the patient include slurred speech, concentration and memory getting impaired, loss of words, lack of interest, agitation and repetition. Along with the medical care, the best things you can do is to provide them love and care. Keep them engaged, turn on light music, help them in taking meals and caressing them gently on hands can do wonders.

Much to our dismay, to date we don’t have any breakthrough medicine which could halt or possibly reverse the course of the disease.

Although the developed countries are carrying out intensive research to find a possible cure, and stem cell therapy has promised much in this regard. However, it will require some more years before it can be tested on humans.

It’s time we recognised Alzheimer’s disease as a priority. We need to speed up global efforts. Philanthropic bodies need to create their impact to spread awareness of the disease. The government needs to act in time to fund research activities which can take us one step closer to our ultimate destination. Let’s hope that scientists and researchers are one day able to eventually come up with a solution that ends this disease once and for all.

Aneela Nafees

Karachi

Published in Dawn March 1st , 2015

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