Four million people in India are suffering from some form of Dementia. And the number is increasing globally, every year. The leading cause of this increase is unknown. However, it is an alarming sign that makes Alzheimer's disease and Dementia a global health issue. Let us know what Alzheimer's disease and dementia are and why they happen. Alzheimer's is a type of Dementia. Dementia is a general term used to define improper brain functioning. This improper functioning involves difficulty recalling information, learning, communicating, etc. Read on to know more about Alzheimer's, its causes, symptoms, specifications, treatment, preventive measures, and the best-suited health insurance plans.
The Cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown. But, scientists have come up with some baffling findings. The findings say, there are two culprit proteins behind Alzheimer's disease. One is called Amyloid, and the second one is Tau. There are millions and trillions of neurons in our nervous system. Neurons help us carry out our daily tasks. These activities include memorisation, learning, planning, etc. Tau and Amyloid build up between neurons, preventing nerve cells from communicating. Hence, it affects the normal working of the nervous system. Alzheimer's disease is more prone to happen in older people. As we get older, the formation of amyloid and Tau is normal. However, Alzheimer's patients have higher levels of Amyloid and Tau, which damage nerve cells and eventually kill them. Alzheimer's is also seen in younger people; the number is relatively less.
The early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty in recalling recent information (short-term memory). The symptoms of Alzheimer's worsen with time. As the symptoms increase, it makes the patient's and their close ones' lives harder. Usually, the symptoms are first observed by the close ones around the patient. Apart from difficulties in short-term memory, here are some other common signs of Alzheimer's:
All though there is no proper cure for Alzheimer's disease, yet. The treatment for Alzheimer's often involves controlling the symptoms of Dementia. This can help the patient, and their loved ones live their life in peace. Caregiving is essential for a person with Alzheimer's disease. Since the symptoms worsen over time, the patient may need regular assistance in their daily lives. There is a need for awareness about Alzheimer's among the masses. This can help in early diagnosis, thus helping the patient with the necessary treatment. Many countries, including India, celebrate World Alzheimer's Day every year on the 21st of September. This is for creating awareness about Alzheimer's and dementia.
There is no cure or preventive measures against Alzheimer's. But there are some tips to reduce the risk or curb the signs of the disease.
| Name of the Plan | Best Features |
|---|---|
| HDFC ERGO Critical Illness Platinum Plan |
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| Care Critical Illness Health Insurance Cover |
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| Future Generali Critical Illness Health Insurance |
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| TATA AIG Critical Illness Plan |
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Alzheimer's is a critical illness covered in many Alzheimer's specific or general health insurance. These insurance companies can give you a lump sum of money to treat Alzheimer's. Therefore you won't have to worry about sudden money loss. With this lump sum amount, you can also pay your debts.
A number of general health insurance plans offer coverage for all critical illnesses including Alzheimer's. Thus, you are insured for all major diseases. Both general and specific health insurances have their own pros and cons. But it can never be a bad idea to have any kind of health insurance.
A sudden disease diagnosis can be a money sinkhole. Especially a disease like Alzheimer's that needs immediate medical attention. The treatment may need a lot of money. It is best to be prepared and have a monetary plan for the future. Health insurance can assure you that.
A health insurance policy has a list of inclusions and exclusions for the claim. Read the insurance papers carefully to know about it. There are some standard inclusions in Alzheimer specific plans:
A doctor's appointment is usually required for Alzheimer's treatment rather than hospitalisation. You can claim the charges of the appointment and treatment fees from the insurance company.
In severe symptoms, there can be a need for hospitalisation. The insurance covers the hospital room charges, ICU room charges, and nurse and doctor’s fees.
The charges for medicines, ambulances, and follow-ups are also covered in the insurance claim.
Along with Inclusion, there are also exclusions that are important to note. Common exclusions are:
Diagnosis for Alzheimer's may include blood tests. In some cases, a CT scan or X-Ray is done to understand the brain functions more clearly. The costs for these tests are mostly not included in health insurance coverage.
If you already have Alzheimer's, getting insurance for treatment immediately will not work. As many insurance companies have a more extended waiting period in the first month. And, you will have to wait for it to be over.
Yes, Alzheimer's disease is often regarded as a critical illness in most health insurance plans.
Alzheimer's health insurance provides monetary support for the disease's treatment and care. If you are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, you can claim a lump sum from your insurance company.
Yes. There are many Alzheimer-specific Insurances available in India. Alzheimer's is also often categorised as a critical illness in major general health insurance plans.
The most common cause of Alzheimer's is deposits of amyloid and tau protein between neurons, which disrupt the nervous system's normal function.
Difficulty in recalling recent learning, difficulty in doing a daily activity, trouble in remembering names and places, misplacing things often, mood swings, and changes in the personality.
Alzheimer's disease is mainly caused by improper brain function. That leads to more severe symptoms like forgetting recent learnings, names, places, and the procedures to do daily life activities.
Alzheimer's disease damages and kills the brain cells. Because of this, doing daily activities gets harder. And, with the increase in damage, the symptoms get worse, which can lead to death.
Trouble in recalling recent learning, difficulty in remembering names and places, difficulty in holding a written or verbal communication, misplacing things, constant mood swings, change in personality, difficulty in performing daily activities.
Alzheimer's disease cannot be prevented, but small changes in diet and lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing the disease. Getting involved in physical activities and social events regularly can help. Eating a balanced diet with fresh foods, vegetables, healthy oils and whole grains can be beneficial.
The lifespan of a person with Alzheimer's after diagnosis can vary from one person to another. On average, 3 to 11 years, some people even live up to 20 years.
People in old age have a higher risk of getting Alzheimer's. Having a family history can also lead to Alzheimer's.
Yes, but indirectly. Constant stress can affect the brain's immune system. That can lead to dementia symptoms in some cases.
