Renowned TV host Dr. Oz recently revealed that his mother, Suna Oz, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 81. Despite her changing behavior, Dr. Oz and his sisters didn’t initially recognize the signs of cognitive decline. It wasn’t until their mother started becoming irrational that they realized something was wrong. Eventually, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which devastated Dr. Oz as he watched her lose her memories. Through her diagnosis, Dr. Oz also discovered that he carries a gene for Alzheimer’s, putting him at risk for the disorder.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory and thinking, ultimately leading to neuron death and a decline in all aspects of a person’s life. Recognizing the signs of Alzheimer’s early on is crucial, such as short-term memory loss, difficulty with tasks, confusion about time or location, vision changes, language issues, misplaced items, changes in decision-making, disengagement, and mood swings. If you suspect a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s, initiate a conversation with them in a supportive manner and encourage them to see a doctor.
Supporting a family member with Alzheimer’s involves understanding the disorder, being patient, offering assistance, including them in activities, and giving them time to adapt. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, treatments focus on medication and natural therapies like the Mediterranean diet and exercise to support cognitive function and slow down the progression of the disease. To reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise, and sleep is crucial. Don’t ignore the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and take proactive steps to address any concerns with your loved ones.
