Personality Traits; a conspicuous feature of Alzheimer’s?
Nana is 91 years old. She still carries the same self-confidence and charm and can uplift anyone with her beautiful smile. A few years back she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She can forget about recent conversations and events but she still remembers stories from the past. One of the strongest women who dared to go to college and get a job in an era where they were just baby-making machines who were forced into marriage at the mere age of 13 or 14. Everything in its place and a place for everything was her motto. Her children were disciplined and had the confidence and free will to follow their dreams. But as time passed by, a person who had given a lot of time and space to others began to forget the faces of their loved ones.
“So began a kind of magic in dementia land that took place most nights after the day’s sun went down.” SUZKA
New research suggests that changes in our brain can be linked to our personality traits. Our personality predicts the pathology associated with dementia. A personality trait plays a significant role in the risk for or protection against Alzheimer’s. People who are organised, goal-directed and responsible may have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s and its subsequent effects.
Causes
In a study conducted with 3000 participants, the participants who scored higher in neuroticism and lower in conscientiousness had more deposits of the protein responsible for the characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease. Our adaptive personality related to physical activity and lifestyle choices can prevent or delay the neurodegeneration process.
Even before the symptoms start to show, the process begins in our brain cells much before that decreasing chemical messengers and eventually different areas of brain shrinks; the first one being affected are the ones related to memories.
Risk Factors
· Family History
· Age
· Head injuries
· Cardiovascular diseases
Five Warning signs
· Forgetfulness
· Social withdrawal
· Misplaced things
· Mood changes
· Speaking or writing difficulty
“In dementia land, I was able to see for miles without the yesterdays and tomorrows obstructing my view. It was difficult and so simple all at the same time.” SUZKA
Diagnosis and Treatment
An accurate diagnosis at the right time will help you plan for the future. Cognitive assessment helps in better diagnosis and treatment plan. Though we can’t prevent it completely, by identifying the cause and reducing the causes, we can prevent it from getting worse. But everyone responds in a different way and over time it is about helping them achieve a personal goal or activities of daily life that can provide support to cope with the disease.
Cognitive rehabilitation and psychosocial intervention can help to achieve personal goals and medications to reduce agitation, hallucinations and aggression. Educating the family and caregivers is significant as it can be a long and challenging journey for them. It’s about accepting and adapting to the changes that are happening in your loved one's life which take time.
“We remember their love when they can no longer remember”
Eating a healthy balanced diet, regular exercise and maintaining a good social life can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease as it stimulates the nerve cells of the brain and reduces cognitive decline. Cognitive stimulating activities like learning a new skill, solving puzzles can provide an overall improvement in our lives.
Though remarkable progress has been made in the treatment process, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. It is more than the ability to not remember. They may feel terrified and confused and we should make sure to be with them in their experiences and to gracefully accept the situation and transcend the limits.
“To love a person is to learn the song in their heart, and sing it to them when they have forgotten” Arne Garborg
