Aging Does Not Necessarily Mean Contracting Alzheimer’s / The Necessity of Lifestyle Modification from Middle Age
Aging Does Not Necessarily Mean Contracting Alzheimer's / The Necessity of Lifestyle Modification from Middle Age
A faculty member of the Aging Department at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, coinciding with the commemoration of Elderly Day, emphasized the necessity of the health system's readiness to manage cognitive challenges, referring to Iran's demographic transition and the increasing aging rate.
According to the university's web correspondent, Dr. Zhaleh Zandieh, a faculty member of the Aging Department at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, coinciding with the commemoration of Elderly Day, emphasized the necessity of the health system's readiness to manage cognitive challenges, referring to Iran's demographic transition and the increasing aging rate.
Dr. Zandieh, rejecting the common belief that increasing age is an inevitable factor in contracting dementia and Alzheimer's, clarified: Growing old does not necessarily mean contracting a disease. Although the number of people living with cognitive disorders is increasing along with the growth of the elderly population, it should be noted that many risk factors for dementia are modifiable, and preventive measures can play an important role in controlling and reducing the speed of progression of these disorders.
Alzheimer's: Beyond Simple Forgetfulness
This aging specialist, explaining the complex dimensions of Alzheimer's, stated: This disease should not be defined merely as forgetfulness; rather, it can lead to impairment in decision-making power, problem-solving, communication skills, orientation, and even severe behavioral and personality changes. Therefore, any change in the ability to perform activities of daily living or weakness in the environmental orientation of the elderly requires immediate attention and specialized assessments.
Brain Care Begins in Middle Age
Dr. Zandieh, emphasizing that caring for brain health should not be postponed until old age, added: Controlling underlying risk factors such as blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, along with the continuation of regular physical and mental activities from middle age, is the golden key to preventing the early onset of symptoms.
She concluded by emphasizing the necessity of families' awareness regarding the health of the elderly, noting: Behavioral and cognitive changes in the elderly should not be attributed to natural aging. Early diagnosis is the key to improving the patient's quality of life and reducing the psychological and economic burden on families and the health system; therefore, our action today can prevent more serious crises in the coming years.
نظر دهید