Last Updated on July 14, 2023 by Team THIP
Fiona Phillips, a journalist and TV presenter, spoke in an interview with The Mirror about her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease a year ago. Fiona, who is 62 years old and also works as a columnist for the Mirror, shared her battle with dementia, expressing how the disease has had a profound impact on her family and is now affecting her personally. She described Alzheimer’s as a condition that has ‘ravaged’ her loved ones and has now ‘come for’ her as well. Fiona is staying positive and carrying on with life despite her diagnosis. Fiona Phillip’s bravery in sharing her journey brings awareness, hope and comfort to other people dealing with the struggles of dementia.
More than 4 million people in India have some form of dementia, one of the causes of Alzheimer’s disease. With such significant numbers, it becomes crucial to understand various aspects of the disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative condition of the brain that results in memory loss and hurts your cognitive health. It is one of the most common causes of dementia, affecting daily life activities.
Early signs of Alzheimer’s disease
Several signs and symptoms may help you identify Alzheimer’s disease, including:
- Memory lapses, sometimes forgetting recent conversations or events
- Misplacing items frequently
- Difficulty in recalling names of places and objects
- Trouble finding the right words while speaking or writing
- Repetitive questioning
- Impaired judgement and decision-making abilities
- Reduced flexibility and reluctance to try new things
- Mood changes, such as increased anxiety, agitation, or periods of confusion
Neurologist Dr Abhishek Juneja provides his perspective on the disease. According to him, “Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that results in cognitive decline, including memory dysfunction. A sedentary lifestyle, metabolic syndrome, obesity and positive family history are among the factors that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.”
Steps to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
There can be several ways to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, such as:
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Opting for ways to stay active mentally and socially
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
These steps can assist in mitigating some of the risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease. However, one must know that certain risk factors, such as family history and age, may not be avoidable.
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