Alzheimer's Disease: Know it early, prevent it early, recommend taking care of your brain health along with your physical and mental health to reduce the risk.

I don't want to get Alzheimer's disease. It's a phrase that everyone often says to their friends and family, but in reality, no one chooses their physical ailments, while Alzheimer's disease is one of the causes. Dementia is the most common condition found in the elderly population and is becoming an increasing problem in Thailand.

According to the data, the elderly population, aged 60 years and above, is more than 20% of the total population of the country since 2022.

A report from the Department of Medical Services in 2020 estimated that out of 12 million elderly people, there will be 651,950 elderly people with dementia, or 5.43% of all elderly people.

In 2022, there were 770,000 elderly people suffering from dementia, or approximately 6% of the total elderly population in the country.

Statistics found that Elderly people with dementia The number is increasing every year on average. One hundred thousand cases per year Which is a trend that increases in number The number of elderly people is increasing every year

Dr. Pijak Wongwisit, Medical Director of W9 Wellness Center, said that

current W9 found people who were concerned about Alzheimer's disease. Which can be divided into 3 groups is

Groups with elderly family members with Alzheimer's disease
A group of people who care for the elderly and are beginning to worry about the tendency of the elderly to develop Alzheimer's disease.
People aged 40 and over who are concerned or want to know their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Each group will have Different needs and concerns That is to say

First group That has Elderly family member has Alzheimer's disease There are usually two points that need to be known:

Want to know the stage of the disease To provide proper and appropriate care for Alzheimer's patients
Want to know if you have a chance or tendency to develop Alzheimer's disease? Like your parents who are suffering from the disease, to find a solution Holistic preventative care for physical and mental health before disease occurs

For the group that cares for the elderly And start Concerned about the likelihood of Alzheimer's disease Elderly people encounter the same problems in almost every family, namely:

Elderly people start to have symptoms but refuse to see a doctor. At the hospital to receive a preliminary diagnosis of the likelihood of Alzheimer's disease.
See a doctor if symptoms persist beyond the initial stage (Early-stage) of the disease has already resulted in Patient care is more difficult in the early stages.

For people aged 40 and over That has Concerns or a desire to know your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease

Mostly a group of people who Prioritize health care And there is Regular health checks
As the trend of Alzheimer's disease increases, this group of people started looking for Guidelines for risk screening and health care to Preventing Wellness Diseases more

Dr. Pijak said that medical innovations today can Genetic testing to analyze Alzheimer's disease risk at the DNA level It is obtained from blood and urine tests to detect risk factors that may lead to Alzheimer's disease, such as: Certain vitamin deficiencies, genetic abnormalities, or high levels of heavy metals in the body. This is coupled with an overall health assessment to identify other health problems that may be affecting the brain.

Once you know your risk factors and overall health, Physicians will be able to plan the appropriate treatment or prevention for Alzheimer's disease on an individual basis. Helps reduce the risk of disease.

This is Alzheimer's disease risk analysis Suitable for

People with age 60 years and over Both those who still have good memories and those who are beginning to have problems with forgetfulness
People with age 40 years and older Those who are concerned or want to know their risk of Alzheimer's disease
People who have immediate family members with Alzheimer's disease
Including People who have forgetfulness problems that interfere with their daily lives

For analysisRisk of Alzheimer's disease It is advisable to choose a comprehensive analysis. Check complete blood count It checks for infections or anemia that may affect brain health.
Alzheimer's disease gene test With gene testing ApoE It helps assess the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, as this gene has been linked to the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein in the brain, a hallmark of the disease.
Check for risk of folate synthesis genes. Help identify the risk of folate deficiency due to genes. MTHFR It plays a key role in the synthesis of folate, a B vitamin essential for brain health.

Check homocysteine levels It is an amino acid. If the level is too high, it may increase the risk ofStroke and heart disease Which also affects brain health.

Adrenal hormone test It is an assessment of brain health due to hormones. DHEA Helps control the functioning of the nervous system

In addition, the level should be checked. Vitamin D, folate levels in red blood cells

Check the heavy metal levels in your body Both Copper, zinc and aluminum Including levels Vitamin B12 All of which play an important role in the brain.

The important thing is Consult and plan individualized health care With doctors who are experienced in providing holistic preventative healthcare for targeted treatment and prevention.

Consult your health with Dr. Bai

Phramongkutklao Hospital (3rd floor, Building A)