The worst thing about Alzheimer's Disease is that your family has to watch you being transformed from a healthy person into a desperately confused, helpless being. While you are completely unaware of your condition.

In Alzheimer's the brain cells gradually break down so that the ability to remember, write, read, think and reason deteriorates. Irreversible and incurable, Alzheimer's eventually kills the sufferer. It affects about 10% of those over 60 and 40% of those over 85.

Symptoms ::
Memory loss is the most common. Forgetting the name of your spouse, how to perform tasks like dressing or brushing your teeth. Getting lost on your own street. Early sign: a defective sense of smell. Bizarre behaviour. Paranoia. Delusions. Drastic mood swings. Alzheimer's is diagnosed through CT scans and MRI

Treatment ::
Contact your doctor. Exercise. A well-ordered routine. Behavioural therapy. Contact the Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India ( ARDSI)

Minimize risks ::
Cook only in stainless steel utensils. Yoga. Study constantly. Mental exercise keeps the brain healthy.