EY Riyadh recently participated in an initiative to raise awareness about patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease held by the Saudi Alzheimer's Disease Association. The theme for the initiative this year was "Wanabqa", and was held in solidarity with the World Alzheimer's Day 2015 with the theme "Remember Me". EY participated with the aim of raising awareness on the effects of the disease, the struggles that the patients suffering from the disease endure and how to help reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer's. The initiative also shed light on the importance of the continual efforts to improve healthcare and the need for increased support for Alzheimer patients and their families. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 70 percent of dementia cases worldwide. It is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and gets worse over time. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events or short-term memory loss. As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems with language, disorientation, mood swings, loss of motivation, shabby behavior, getting lost easily and other behavioral issues. As a patient's condition declines, they often withdraw from family and society. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. Although the speed of progression can vary, the life expectancy following diagnosis is three to nine years. The cause of the disease is poorly understood. About 70 percent of the risk is believed to be genetic. Other risk factors include a history of hypertension, head injuries or depression. The disease process is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain. Mental and physical exercise and fighting obesity may decrease the risks, but there are no medications that can prevent the disease. No treatments stop or reverse its progression, though some may temporarily improve symptoms. Affected people increasingly rely on others for assistance, often placing a burden on the caregiver. — SG
