Alzheimer’s: recognising and preventing
To mark World Alzheimer’s Day, emeis wishes to highlight the effectiveness and benefits of a healthy lifestyle and comprehensive support for patients and their loved ones. As diagnostic and therapeutic research progress, one thing is becoming clear: early detection of symptoms and prevention play a vital role in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s: towards increasingly early diagnosis?
Today, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be offered as soon as the first symptoms appear, even if they are very mild. Thanks in particular to specialised memory assessment tools, GPs can identify the early signs in patients who are concerned about their forgetfulness. Where there is any doubt, the patient is referred to a neurologist or geriatrician for a specialist memory assessment to further investigate the condition. In the future, blood markers could even help diagnose the disease, as is already the case for other conditions.
A healthy lifestyle: an essential part of prevention
Alongside active research into promising medicines, the Medical Directorate at emeis advocates for everyday prevention, based on several lifestyle habits whose benefits are now widely recognised:
- Physical activity: reducing the risk of cognitive decline is possible by being active regularly, a little every day,
- Social interaction, a natural stimulant for the brain: conversations, laughter and daily interactions help maintain cognitive function and morale,
- A balanced and varied diet helps maintain good general and brain health.
These measures offer numerous benefits, particularly for brain and cardiovascular health. They help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and remain beneficial even after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related condition, particularly in preserving independence, mobility and quality of life.
Non-pharmacological interventions also play an important role. When tailored to the individual, music therapy, animal-assisted therapy, outdoor activities or sensory stimulation can help alleviate certain symptoms such as agitation, anxiety or apathy, and improve well-being.
Living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related condition: the vital role of carers
Alzheimer’s disease does not necessarily mean an abrupt end to plans or social life. Even as the condition progresses, a satisfactory quality of life can be maintained for several years thanks to appropriate support, the attentive presence of loved ones and the continuation of regular activities. Outings, social interaction, familiar daily routines and emotional support help to maintain connections, limit isolation and enable people with the condition to continue living as active a life as possible.
However, maintaining a good quality of life also depends on a delicate balance, which involves family members – who are often overlooked by the healthcare system. This is because providing such support can be demanding for family members, with consequences for their mental and physical health, their social life and, at times, their work. Preventing carer burnout and offering them respite breaks is therefore an integral part of the support provided. To support them:
- support groups to break the cycle of isolation and share practical solutions,
- training on managing behavioural difficulties,
- respite stays.
Personalised support to help people live to the best of their abilities
The priority is to delay the onset or progression of disabling conditions for as long as possible, whilst preserving independence, social connections and quality of life. Even after diagnosis, it is still possible to take action, thanks to comprehensive, personalised care that is regularly reviewed.
Through its clinics, nursing homes and home care services, emeis offers support tailored to each person’s needs. This may combine physical activity, maintaining social connections, cognitive and sensory workshops, nutritional guidance, psychological support and non-pharmacological interventions. The aim is to draw on remaining abilities, support independence and improve quality of life.
