Trouble falling asleep at night might indicate early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Inadequate or poor sleep quality in individuals who are otherwise healthy puts them at more risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life compared to individuals who do not have sleep problems. It typically gets worse as it progresses in severity. The disease progresses gradually in three general stages: mild, moderate, and severe. It impacts individuals in different ways, with each of them experiencing it through the stages differently.
Alzheimer’s And Its Causes
It is a progressive neurological disorder that slowly affects memory, disrupts the necessary mental functions, and destroys the ability to carry out even the simplest tasks. In this condition, brain cells and cell connections degenerate and die, which impacts memory and other important brain functions to a great extent eventually. It is the most common type of dementia that usually begins with mild memory loss, and it could possibly lead to further difficulty carrying on a conversation by affecting the basic ability to respond. This condition is more common among older populations as younger people are less likely to experience it. Its symptoms mostly appear after age 60, and the risk increases with age. Conditions like Alzheimer’s and erectile dysfunction are prevalent among the older population, but you cannot deny their possibilities in younger individuals. Nevertheless, erectile dysfunction can be treated by consuming potent ED medications like Filitra. It serves as a worthwhile solution to erection problems.
How Does Alzheimer’s Affect Sleep Pattern?
Individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s often sleep for longer durations during the day. As the disease progresses, it causes incredible damage to brain function, which makes the individual weaker. They might get exhausted even after doing everyday tasks or day-to-day activities like eating, thinking, communicating, walking, etc. As the symptoms worsen, they may sleep more during the day. They may struggle to communicate to their caregivers that something is wrong. For instance, they may be unable to tell someone that they are experiencing a severe stomachache which is bothersome to an extent that is hindering their sleep and making sleep more challenging.
Degradation of sleep quality in turn worsens other symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Poor quality of sleep increases delusions, restlessness, and wandering. For effective memory preservation, sufficient deep sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) are a necessity. Thus, memory loss is a major contributor to Alzheimer’s. Apart from that, some potential effects of Alzheimer’s on sleep can lead to decreased physical activity and spending less time in sunlight. In addition, your doctor might prescribe you some medications including antipsychotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, and sleeping pills for treating Alzheimer’s that contribute to sleep.
Can Alzheimer’s Be Cured?
You can slow down the progression of the disease, but you cannot reverse or cure it. In recent years, scientists have concluded that new treatment methods might slow down disease progression and alleviate symptoms. Treatments can certainly help them to carry out their day-to-day activities independently and maintain functional skills for longer than they would be able to without treatment.
Is There A Way To Reduce Its Risk?
The likelihood of Alzheimer’s depends upon various factors such as genetics, age, environment, and lifestyle. However, you cannot control most of these factors, but you can include some modifications in your lifestyle that can mitigate the risk. Given below are some lifestyle changes that you can implement:
- Get Yourself Moving: Regular physical activity can boost the oxygen content in your blood and improve your circulation. Vigorous aerobic activities along with strength training or anaerobic exercises can be beneficial in improving blood flow to your brain and enhancing heart endurance.
- Include Nutritious Diet: Keeping your body in healthy shape and maintaining a healthy weight requires you to choose your diet consciously. Eating a balanced diet rich in nutritional value will not only reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s but also keeps other conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, etc. at bay.
- Address Mental Health Issues: Mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, and others are sometimes linked to cognitive decline. It is better to talk to a therapist and get appropriate treatment in time.
- Get A Good Night’s Sleep: For performing an optimal function, your brain needs sufficient rest. It is necessary to get enough sleep.
- Learn Something New: Enroll yourself in something new such as a new language or pick up a new skill by taking a class. Challenge yourself by engaging in strategy games or solving puzzles. It will keep your mind active.
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