Medicus, Vol. 14 No. 2_Gerijatrija, 2005.
Review article
Alzheimer’s Disease – A Gerontologic and Public Health Problem
Ana Puljak
Goran Perko
Dijana Mihok
Hrvoje Radašević
Spomenka Tomek-Roksandić
Abstract
Every twelfth person older than 65 will get
Alzheimer’s disease, while 24% of people older than 75 have
some form of this disease. In developed countries, i.e. in all
countries with “old population” (including Croatia), about 50%
of people older than 85 suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.
This is the age group recording the fastest growth, which, of
course, raises the question about the future of this disease,
rightfully called a “ticking time bomb” and “silent epidemics”.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and non-curable disease
that can lead to total dependence. Social, physical and mental
abilities are impaired due to deterioration of brain cells. Loss
of memory, spatial and temporal disorientation and an inability
to carry out daily activities are prominent. People with AD feel
helpless and lost. Their families and caregivers are also in a very
diffi cult situation. The care for people with AD requires complete
commitment and drastically changes the life of the entire
family. Since AD is not curable, emphasis should be placed
on its slowing down, prolongation of initial stages, prevention
of premature institutionalisation, and help for the caregivers.
In order to achieve this, adequate and continuous education,
systematic care and appropriate and systematic registration of
AD cases are necessary. Currently, no adequate registration of
diagnosed patients is in place in Croatia. Therefore, specialists
are not motivated to record AD cases, and Alzheimer’s disease
(G30) is very often hidden under other names, most often
dementias. It often remains undiagnosed, and its symptoms
are misinterpreted as a normal part of aging, which is harmful
for patients, their families and the society in general. Besides,
there is no adequate systematic care, especially for the patients
in early and middle stages of the disease who could be well
managed through day care in gerontology centres. As already
emphasised, systematic monitoring and registration, as well as
the evaluation of AD diagnosis, are indispensable.
Keywords
Alzheimer’s disease; education; care; records; gerontology centre
Hrčak ID:
18875
URI
Publication date:
17.10.2005.
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