Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Neurology Specialist Prof. Dr. Oğuz Tanrıdağ said, "Not every dementia is Alzheimer's, but every Alzheimer's is a dementia. Therefore, not every dementia turns into Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's dementia begins with near-term forgetfulness."
Prof. Dr. Tanrıdağ, in his written statement on the occasion of "World Alzheimer's Day on September 21", stated that dementia can occur for various reasons such as stroke, Parkinson's, dementia due to head trauma, psychiatric dementia, viral dementia, and that these types of dementia are not similar to Alzheimer's dementia.
Explaining that Alzheimer's disease also causes dementia, Tanrıdağ stated that this condition occurs in the form of forgetfulness dementia and said, "Not every dementia is Alzheimer's, but every Alzheimer's is a dementia. Therefore, not every dementia turns into Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's dementia begins with near-term forgetfulness."
Prof. Dr. Tanrıdağ emphasized that the most important concept in Alzheimer's disease is early diagnosis and that this can be achieved with a brain check-up.
Prof. Tanrıdağ said, "Although Alzheimer's disease is not a disease that can be prevented for the time being, the speed and scope of the disease can be controlled thanks to early diagnosis."
"A check-up should be done once a year from the age of 65"
Explaining that the disease starts to be seen after the age of 65 in people who do not have Alzheimer's disease in their family, Tanrıdağ continued as follows:
"Brain check-ups should be performed once a year from the age of 65. In people diagnosed with the disease, brain check-ups should be performed regularly every 6 months to measure the rate of progression of the disease and the effect of medications. It is useless to be afraid of Alzheimer's. It is necessary to fear the progression of the disease without a diagnosis. Early diagnosis is everything for Alzheimer's. Because early diagnosis and the use of preventive medication can slow down the progression of the disease.
Studies show that the number of people with dementia will triple by 2050. The assumptions made in these studies are likely to come true in the presence of various factors. We can summarize these factors as the increase in the world population, the increase in the average life expectancy, and the development of awareness and diagnostic methods."