ALZHEIMERS NOW THIRD LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH

The Washington Post reports that research now shows that alzheimers is the third leading cause of death worldwide, from the the 12th', in 1998. Although the number of alzheimer sufferers is now almost eighty million world wide of which almost six million are in the United States the serious of this disease is only now becoming apparent. Yet there is still no cure and not sufficient attention socially to the problem.
Alzheimers disease kills in a number of ways. Following the progression of the disease from dementia to the later stages of alzheimers there will be further damage to the centres of the brain that control breathing and the patient can die from lack of oxygen. This sad state of affairs usually takes place in about the ninth year of the disease, but some patients to occasionally live much longer.
In addition to the breathing problems caused by damage to the brain earlier death comes about for a number of other reasons. The damage begins when the brain's hippocampus stops working properly. This causes short term memory loss with a number of consequences.
It was only in 1944 that death due to alzheimers was recognized when it was understood that the degradation of the mind and body caused by the disease was what ultimately led to death in many patients.
The number of deaths due to alzheimers has continued to rise each year. Although alzheimers only kills because of damage to the section of the brain responsible for breathing, the disease is directly responsible in a number of other ways for the ultimate death of the patient.
The gradual deterioration in motor skills can lead to choking and accidents because the patient puts himself in danger in a number of ways including getting lost. Also a number of infections can arise from incontinence, difficulty in getting out of bed, and knocks and bangs caused by deteriorating balance.
The progression of alzheimers disease damage to the brain  can cause strokes or even multi strokes and can cause difficulty in chewing and swallowing.  This may lead to food being lodged in the airways which can subsequently cause pneumonia. Choking can of course cause a stroke.
The onset of dementia is the first sign that alzheimers may be present. Dementia itself is the symptom of something more serious and in 80% of cased the cause will be alzheimers.
What will be apparent when dementia is diagnosed is that both the patient and the potential caregiver need to research the illness and act to deal with the potential threat. Apart from practical steps like keeping a diary, making notes and ticking when tasks are completed attention to health should be uppermost. Physical health is not the only thing that needs to be discussed and assessed, also health of the mind and spirit.
Depression is often a problem at this stage and the patient must take steps to resist this pernicious problem. Only by adopting a positive frame of mind can you hope to combat the problem and deal with the challenges ahead.
However, from personal experience I can say that it is possible to stop the advance of both dementia and alzheimers and at the very least dramatically slow down the progression .In addition to exercise of body and mind the spirit should also be refreshed by prayer and meditation.

My own memory situation remains stable and although cognitive abilities remain reduced I am able with the love of my caregiver Julian to continue as normal. My book progresses and in fact I have started a second book about my experience with dementia; it is to be called; 'My Memory and I.'
The weather is cooler in Paarl today and from the clouds we hope for rain for the dry garden. The dogs, birds and squirrels are well and active. My only worry is if the rats are still in the roof of my shed! I am more afraid of rats than the deadly spiders that also live in our garden. Yes, I know it's ridiculous.
Keep taking the tablets.
David Barnato.
Paarl. South Africa.