On Sunday, the General Health Insurance Company (VšZP) joins the World Day of Alzheimer’s disease, which the company commemorates annually on September 21. Its aim is to raise public awareness of the disease, which is one of the most serious neurodegenerative diagnoses of the present. A nearly 25 % increase has been recorded in Slovakia since 2018. TASR informed the spokeswoman of VšZP Danka Capáková.
She added that most often the disease is diagnosed in the age group of 80 years and affects approximately three times more women than men. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 70 percent of all cases of dementia. According to the Slovak Alzheimer Society, Slovakia has not yet has accurate epidemiological data on dementia. In fact, less than 50,000 patients are diagnosed, according to the insurance company, suggesting that a significant part of people are either not correctly diagnosed or remains completely without diagnosis.
VšZP points out that up to several dozen diseases can be of symptoms that manifest themselves externally as dementia. This set of symptoms is referred to as dementia syndrome, and therefore it is not always about Alzheimer’s disease.
Differential diagnosis plays a key role as some causes can be treated or even completely reversed. For example, a condition caused by severe depression, vitamin deficiency, thyroid disorders or side effects of some drugs may significantly improve after proper treatment. In this context, according to VšZP, the general practitioner has a key role, who can identify the pathology in time, direct the patient to a professional examination and support the family while planning care.
“Alzheimer’s disease is not only affected by the patient himself, but also his family. In addition to medical treatment, the care of patients on six important pillars such as cognitive stimulation, movement, regular rational diet, social activities, risk control and the atmosphere in which the patient feels pleasant and safe”Added the chairwoman of the Association of Social Services Providers in the Slovak Republic Anna Ghannamová.
The regional coordinator for the West of the Slovak Republic of the Slovak Alzheimer Society Mária Wirth stressed that in addition to pharmacological procedures, outpatient non -pharmacological treatment remains an essential part of care. “In ambulances of medical educators, psychologists and other experts, patients are involved in programs that stimulate preserved abilities, strengthen social ties and promote self -sufficiency as long as possible. Therefore, it is essential that support also directs to family carers”She said.
Alzheimer’s disease is a slow -progressing degenerative brain disease that causes the disappearance of nerve cells and nerve connections. It most often affects parts of the brain responsible for memory, thinking and other mental abilities.
