Neurologist Dr. Güven Arslan: Alzheimer's disease increases with age

Neurologist Dr. Güven Arslan pointed out that Alzheimer's disease increases with age, stating, "The disease can start with very momentary forgetfulness and progress to a point where the patient cannot perform their daily activities. We recommend consulting a physician for memory problems related to the recent past."

Acıbadem Kayseri Hospital Neurologist Dr. Güven Arslan provided important information, explaining that Alzheimer's disease is a condition where nerve cells lose their ability to function over time due to wear and tear. Emphasizing that clinical findings are crucial in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, Dr. Arslan stated, "First and foremost, the patient's complaints and examination come to the fore. Afterward, we investigate the degree of cognitive impairment and memory loss using clinical scales. Then, we obtain imaging of the brain using techniques such as MRI and tomography. The disease can start with very simple and momentary forgetfulness and progress to a point where the patient cannot perform their daily activities. The person may not even be aware of their forgetfulness."

Stating that Alzheimer's is a type of "dementia" and is the most common cause of dementia with a prevalence of 50-60 percent, Dr. Arslan said the disease is seen more frequently in women than in men. Noting that there are approximately 50 million Alzheimer's patients worldwide, Dr. Arslan expressed that this figure will increase further with the growth of the elderly population, and that in our country alone, 600 thousand families are struggling with Alzheimer's disease and the problems it brings.