Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Alzheimer's disease involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. It can affect a person's ability to do daily activities.

It is a progressive disease that begins with mild memory loss and possibly leads to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment. Memory problems are typically one of the first warning signs of Alzheimer's disease.

A study suggests that mixing sugary snacks, starchy foods, and processed meats can significantly increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

People who developed Alzheimer's disease were more likely to combine highly-processed meats with starchy foods like potatoes, alcohol, and snacks like cookies and cakes.

A diet rich in methionine could increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease. Methionine is an amino acid found in red meats, fish, beans, eggs, garlic, lentils, onions, yogurt, and seeds.

 Facts:

The number of people living with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. Younger people may get Alzheimer's disease, but it is less common. According to the WHO, 47 million people, or 5% of the elderly population suffer from dementia as of 2015. This will increase to 75 million by 2030 and to 132 million by 2050. According to global data, there are 16 countries in which 6% of all people 60 years of age and older suffer from dementia. India features in this. At least 4 million Indians are suffering from some form of dementia.

At Medicircle, we are presenting the Ask The Expert Series for health awareness to understand facts and find solutions related to them. We have come up with a series of Sehat Ki Baat, Karishma Ke Saath. Let’s interact with Expert Karishma Shah about Alzheimer's Disease

Karishma Shah is a Renowned Nutritionist and Plant Diet based Food Coach. She is also a Weight Loss Expert, Diabetes and PCOS Educator & Certified in Psychology of Eating

Dr. Kalrav Mistry is a highly skilled renowned psychiatrist, working as a Consultant Psychiatrist at SHALBY multi-specialty hospitals, Ahmedabad. Vast experience and has worked in the field of psychiatry for 8 years.

Dr. Kalrav Mistry is an extremely personable, professional, and approachable clinician with a sensitive manner, who can give highly expert advice on the full range of all types of psychiatric disorders related to child and adolescent psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, drug, and substance addiction as well as sexually related disorders.

Reasons for Alzheimer's disease

Karishma Shah says, “Alzheimer's disease is the cognitive decline of a person which happens due to health ailments. The main reason is that Alzheimer's disease is type 3 diabetes. It happens progressively. Not monitoring medicines and a healthy lifestyle, there are many health issues that can lead to cognitive decline. The natural progression of diabetes is Alzheimer's disease. Long-term diabetes can progress to Alzheimer's disease in late 65 years of age. Alzheimer's disease.”

Specific Diet for Alzheimer's disease

Karishma Shah says, “There is a mind connection to health. Whatever we eat triggers our body. Along with our gut, our mind can also get inflamed. As per research, a scan of a patient with Alzheimer's disease may show inflammation of the brain which indicates that diet has not been taken care of. Alzheimer's disease should follow the following diet - 

Avoid fatty foods which trigger inflammation  Avoid milk products  Avoid sugar products  Avoid processed packaged food Reduced fat content  Balance sugar content 

All you need to know about Alzheimer's Disease 

Dr. Kalrav Mistry informs,” Alzheimer's Disease is called dementia as well. 40 % of people suffer from mental health illness from 16 - 65 years at some time in their life. This covid pandemic has increased mental health issues from 40 - 60 - 80 %. India is the most populated country where there are people prone to mental health conditions. Dementia is the 7 th cause of disability right now worldwide. In 2021, dementia would be the number 3 cause of disability in the country after diabetes and blood pressure. Dementia is a neurodegenerative disease. The brain cells decline which causes problems in -

Memory power  Cognitive function  Decision-making skills Confusion  Memory power 

Dementia starts at 55 - 6 years of age. After 85 years of age, everybody suffers from dementia due to hectic and stressful life which can be due to - 

Financial reason  Relationship problem  Family problem Genetic disorder  Health issues  Medications Stressful condition Poor sleep  Faulty diet  Addiction Lack of nutrition  Disability  Vitamin Deficiencies 

Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease 

Dr. Kalrav Mistry informs,” Hormone function is very important in case of Alzheimer's Disease. The regular function of dopamine and serotonin is very important for the body. These are happy hormones and are responsible for our moods and feelings. These are all connected to the gut with brain reflexes. The nutrition we take affects our diet and is very important. Faulty diet habits have increased because of online digital and social connections among people. Brain and mental health are getting compromised. To prevent dementia, people are opting for a “Mind Diet.” We need brain sanitization as well which includes - healthy diet, healthy exercise, and good sleep. 

Mind diet 

Dr. Kalrav Mistry informs,” For dementia - Mind diet is very important based on Mediterranean and DASH diet which contains 

High protein diet  Low-fat diet  Green leafy vegetables  Fruits  Nuts  Low carb diet  Ketogenic diet 

This results in a reduction of Alzheimer's Disease.”

Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

Dr. Kalrav Mistry informs,” There is no treatment for Alzheimer's Disease like blood pressure and cholesterol. With age, as the bones degenerate, the body and brain also degenerate. This generally happens at 85 years of age but is happening quite at a young age at 40 years due to changes in lifestyle. The diet is protective for Alzheimer's Disease. There are plaques or tangles created in the brain in case of Alzheimer's Disease. A properly balanced diet is a must for Alzheimer's Disease.

The ketogenic diet for Alzheimer's Disease

Karishma says, “The concept for ketogenic diet is favorable for brain diseases like  Alzheimer's Disease and epilepsy. The ketogenic diet is tough to follow. Keto means 70 % of good fat content and 30 % from vegetables and low carb foods. This makes insulin levels stable. This helps in the reduction of inflammation and this is how keto is planned. It is necessary to balance the “keto cycle”. A good balance is important instead of going on a complete ketogenic diet. This includes- Millets and fruits. The idea is to cycle it and balance the condition of  Alzheimer's Disease with a ketogenic diet.”

Alzheimer's Disease prevention 

Karishma says, “All diabetics must be careful. There is newer age of young adults with mental health issues like 

Anxiety  Depression  Trauma 

These patients should have awareness of Alzheimer's Disease prevention. Our mind is very fragile in thinking. It is important to follow- 

Diet  Exercise  Fitness  Mind exercise  The healthy regime for mind and body  Consult professional for help  Healthy body functioning Early intervention Good support system  Remove the problem from the root cause

Precaution for Alzheimer's Disease

Dr. Kalrav Mistry informs,” There are 3 stages of  Alzheimer's Disease- 

Early-stage dementia  Moderate dementia  Severe dementia 

These problems may lead to memory loss where you can be forgetful. Progressive he can collect the remote memory but forgetful in recent memory. Early pick up and diagnosis can control Alzheimer's Disease."

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)