{"id":17351,"date":"2025-09-24T15:43:59","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T12:43:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.euromedica.gr\/?p=17351"},"modified":"2025-09-26T13:25:28","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T10:25:28","slug":"world-alzheimers-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.euromedica.gr\/en\/world-alzheimers-day\/","title":{"rendered":"World Alzheimer\u2019s Day"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/strong> is a neurodegenerative brain disorder<\/strong> and the most common cause of dementia. It leads to progressive loss of memory, thinking, and daily functional abilities due to the destruction of nerve cells and the accumulation of pathological proteins (beta-amyloid and tau). In this way, the brain gradually loses its ability to function normally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alzheimer\u2019s disease affects about 33\u201338 million people worldwide<\/strong>. Although the percentage in the general population seems small (~0.4\u20130.5%), the incidence in older age groups is significant and increases dramatically with age, surpassing one third after the age of 85.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Characteristics of the disease<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • It is progressive<\/strong>: symptoms worsen over time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • It is degenerative<\/strong>: nerve cells are destroyed and do not regenerate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • It usually begins after the age of 65<\/strong>, but it may also appear earlier (early-onset form).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Main symptoms of the disease<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Symptoms progress gradually and are usually divided into the following stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Early stages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Mild loss of recent memory (forgets appointments, conversations, location of objects).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Difficulty finding words or expressions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Loss of orientation in time or space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Small changes in mood or personality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Moderate stages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Greater difficulty organizing daily activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Repetitive questions or stories.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Behavioral changes (irritability, suspicion, anxiety).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Difficulty with simple math or managing money.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Advanced stages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Significant memory loss, even of familiar people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Difficulty with speech and comprehension.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Loss of independence in daily care (eating, hygiene).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Sleep disturbances, mobility problems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Steps for early diagnosis \/ risk assessment<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          Early diagnosis of Alzheimer\u2019s is not achieved with a single test; it requires a combination of methods to detect early signs and rule out other causes of dementia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. Clinical evaluation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            • History from the patient and relatives (when memory lapses started, behavioral changes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Neurological examination to check brain and nervous system function.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              1. Neuropsychological tests<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                • Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Measure memory, attention, language, orientation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Useful in detecting mild cognitive impairment (the stage before dementia).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                  1. Laboratory blood tests<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                      \n
                    • Not specific for Alzheimer\u2019s, but rule out other causes of dementia (e.g., vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, infections).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      1. Brain imaging<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                          \n
                        • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): shows hippocampal atrophy and other memory-related areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • PET scan: shows metabolic changes or the presence of amyloid\/tau proteins (mainly in specialized centers).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                            \n
                          1. Biomarkers<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                              \n
                            • Cerebrospinal fluid (lumbar puncture): measures levels of beta-amyloid and tau protein.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • New blood tests (plasma biomarkers): under development and already in use in some countries for early diagnosis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                \n
                              1. Genetic testing (selectively)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                  \n
                                • In families with early-onset disease (before age 60).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Testing for genes such as APOE \u03b54, which increases risk but does not guarantee development of the disease.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                  Practical steps for \u201cprevention \u2013 monitoring\u201d<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                                    \n
                                  • Annual neurological \/ neuropsychological check-up after age 60, especially with family history, every 1\u20132 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Monitoring risk factors (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • If symptoms appear (e.g., frequent forgetfulness, disorientation), immediate specialized evaluation at a memory clinic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                    In conclusion<\/strong>, early diagnosis is based on a combination of memory tests, imaging, biomarkers, and clinical evaluation. The earlier it is detected through preventive screenings, the greater the chances of slowing disease progression with appropriate pharmaceutical and supportive treatment, according to the physician\u2019s guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    For more information, please contact Euromedica<\/strong> diagnostic centers either by phone or via the \u201cBook an Appointment\u201d form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                    Alzheimer\u2019s disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder and the most common cause of dementia. It leads to progressive loss of 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disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder and the most common cause of dementia. 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