Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, stating that we are currently fifth in the world in the spread rate of Alzheimer's, said that this is related to the rapid aging of the population. Emphasizing the importance of lifestyle in preventing Alzheimer's, Tarhan said, “The brain operates on a 'use it or lose it' principle. When the brain is not used, it atrophies. An arm kept in a cast for a long time thins. Our brain is the same. Use it or lose it. Engaging in mentally challenging and interesting activities, stepping outside of routine, is important. Routine dulls the brain. Comfort dulls the brain. That's why mental challenge is necessary.” Noting that Alzheimer's is a disease that affects not only the individual but also their entire close environment, like heart disease or high blood pressure, Tarhan used the expressions, “Alzheimer is a family disease. It affects the entire family, care increases, social behaviors change, the person starts to be unable to find their way home. Family members need to manage Alzheimer's.”
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, made an assessment regarding Alzheimer's, its causes, and treatment methods in a statement on World Alzheimer's Day.
Untreated depression leads to forgetfulness
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that forgetfulness, Alzheimer's, and dementia are interconnected, a connection that can be likened to the chicken and egg relationship. “Alzheimer's is the triangle we call forgetfulness and happiness. Generally, in Alzheimer's disease, both of these play a role. It means a person has chronic depression and low happiness. Secondly, in chronic depression, the brain's information storage reserves are already weakening. In untreated depression, information storage reserves slow down and atrophy from disuse. This also leads to forgetfulness,” he said.
Attention to the relationship between chronic depression and Alzheimer's!
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said, “The general rate of Alzheimer's in those with chronic depression is 3-4 times higher than the general average. However, this does not mean that every chronic depression turns into Alzheimer's. If a person carries susceptibility genes, has depression in the family, and at the same time, depression has remained untreated, it could be a risk for Alzheimer's. There is a causal link between depression and Alzheimer's. But this does not mean it will be 100% Alzheimer's; it only increases the risk. Just like the high risk of heart disease in people with diabetes. The risk is high, but not every diabetic has a heart attack. But it increases the risk.” he said.
What's good for the heart is also good for the brain
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan noted that lifestyle is also important in preventing Alzheimer's. “What's good for the heart is also good for the brain. For example, not gaining weight, eating a vascular-protective diet, following a Mediterranean diet... Such lifestyle recommendations for heart health are advised by cardiologists and internal medicine specialists. These recommendations are also largely brain-friendly, but these alone are not enough,” he said. Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that physical activities are also very useful in protecting brain health, adding, “Walking 5,000 steps a day is heart and brain friendly. After the age of 40, everyone should walk at least 5,000 steps a day. If you don't complete 5,000 steps, there is a risk for old age.” he said.
Alzheimer doubles every 5 years
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that the most important thing in a brain-friendly life is to use the brain well. “Currently, the average age in the world has increased. In Turkey, the average age is now around 80. It has reached 80 for women and 76 for men. Alzheimer's disease doubles every 5 years. This is the case all over the world, not just in Turkey. It doubles every 5 years. But in European countries, Alzheimer's remained stable. The Alzheimer's rate remained stable there because the population stopped growing. We are currently fifth in the world in the spread rate of Alzheimer's. The reason for this is the rapid aging of the population. That is, the elderly population is increasing, and the young population is decreasing. The trend has reversed in Turkey. This has seriously emerged as a result of global effects. Our population is decreasing,” he said.
It will be the world's most important public health problem...
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, referring to statistical studies on Alzheimer's, noted that there are currently around 50 million people diagnosed with Alzheimer's worldwide, and this number is projected to reach 150 million in 2050. Tarhan warned, “Alzheimer's disease is about to become the world's most important public health problem.”
Good brain use can prevent Alzheimer's
Emphasizing the importance of good brain use in preventing Alzheimer's, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said, “The brain is an organ that serves as the center of the nervous system. If we misuse our arm or leg, we become disabled. The same applies to the brain. Being able to use our brain is the most important critical information in Alzheimer's. In a life where one knows how to use the brain, even if there is a risk related to Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's does not occur. Because our brain is like a well. Just as a well opens up as water is drawn from it, our brain also opens up as we use it.” he said.
Routine and comfort dull the brain
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan noted that the brain operates on a 'use it or lose it' principle. “When the brain is not used, it atrophies. An arm kept in a cast for a long time thins. Our brain is the same. Use it or lose it. Engaging in mentally challenging and interesting activities, stepping outside of routine, is important. Routine dulls the brain. Comfort dulls the brain. A comfortable life dulls the brain. That's why mental challenge is necessary,” he said.
Daytime napping could be an early symptom
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan pointed out that the earliest symptom of Alzheimer's could be someone who previously did not have a habit of sleeping during the day starting to take daytime naps, stating the following:
“If someone starts drowsing out of the blue after the age of 50, it could be a precursor to Alzheimer's. Forgetfulness should not be underestimated. There is age-related forgetfulness, which is normal. But one should not say, 'We've reached this age, this much forgetfulness is normal.' If there is forgetfulness in a mother or father from the family, and forgetfulness has started in someone who has reached, say, 50 years old, attention should be paid. We start testing for these types of patients. This test has an age-group normative database. Some people have very high expectations. There is forgetfulness, actually age-appropriate forgetfulness, but their expectation is very high. They say, 'I won't forget anything.' This is not possible.”
Alzheimer is a family disease
Tarhan noted that Alzheimer's is a disease that affects not only the individual but also their entire close environment, like heart disease or high blood pressure. “Alzheimer is a family disease. It affects the entire family; care increases, social behaviors change, the person starts to be unable to find their way home. Family members need to manage Alzheimer's. For example, the daughter might say, 'Mom, what did you forget? Mom, you just said it, why are you repeating it?' This situation causes the patient more anxiety. If the family cannot do this and tries to correct the patient, the patient starts making more mistakes. In such situations, it is important to calmly make them feel understood. For example, if the location of a painting in their room is changed without their consent, they panic and have difficulty learning things. If the bed in their room is moved, they panic; if the items are moved, they panic. That's why Alzheimer's patients require care, and this is also part of the treatment. The patient must definitely receive treatment support from a specialist, and there are many aspects related to treatment,” he said.