Alzheimer’s disease has become a familiar and recognised condition over the years. It’s the most common cause of dementia — a progressive decline in thinking, behavioural and social skills that eventually makes it difficult for someone to function independently. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually, the ability to carry out simple tasks.1 The disease continues to mystify the medical community, but there’s been a growing focus on research to help us understand this complex condition.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are often used interchangeably in conversation, but there’s a slight difference between these two conditions. Dementia is a general term for symptoms like decline in memory, reasoning, or other thinking skills. Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, is a specific brain disease that causes one form of dementia. You can think of dementia as the umbrella term for a decline in cognition and Alzheimer’s as a specific type of dementia.2
While there isn’t a known cause of Alzheimer’s, experts believe several factors contribute to its development including genetics, lifestyle, and environment. The biggest risk factor is age, but it’s not a direct cause of Alzheimer’s. Family history is another factor. People who have a close family member with the disease are more likely to get it themselves. Many people ask, “Is Alzheimer’s genetic?” While genes may increase your chance for getting the disease, they don’t guarantee it.3
Because Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects entire families, not just those directly suffering from the condition, relationships between families can be altered, with some family members withdrawing from individuals affected. Other family members may find broaching the subject too difficult and avoid discussing it altogether.
At UnitedHealthcare Global, we want to help raise global awareness of the disease to prepare, advise and support those affected. Encourage employees to use the following resources to learn more about how to care for themselves and their loved ones:
- Caregivers: Are you taking care of yourself article
- Managing financial stress tip sheet
For employees supporting or living far away from family members diagnosed with the disease, we provide access to
- My Wellbeing to helps them proactively manage their health and wellbeing by keeping track of their nutrition, fitness levels and mental health.
- LiveWell portal and app provides access to health and wellness related resources. The portal and app offer an extensive e-library that provides advice, fact sheets, articles and additional resources for a broad range of personal and work related topics.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with confidential and multilingual support for members and dependants anytime and anywhere. The EAP counselling service is available face-to-face, phone call, email or through the online chat service.
Sources
1: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
2: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s
3: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/causes-and-risk-factors