American actor Gene Allen Hackman, who was found dead along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa on February 26, at their home died of a heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s disease.
According to officials in New Mexico, Hackman is said to have died around February 18, a week after Arakawa’s death.
Arakawa, 65, is said to have died from a rare virus- hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
The passing of the 95-year-old, two-time Academy Award winner, has now brought renewed attention to Alzheimer’s and the urgent need for better treatments and awareness.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that slowly destroys memory and cognitive function.
It is the most common cause of dementia, affecting millions worldwide.
Dementia is a term for several diseases that affect memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily activities.
Hackman, according to a report by BBC, did not even realise his wife of more than 30 years was dead in the home where he was living.
He is said to have been alone at the home and did not make any calls.
Alzheimer’s primarily impacts older adults, gradually impairing their ability to think, remember, and perform daily tasks.
Alzheimer’s is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist who first identified the condition in 1906.
It is characterised by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, leading to the death of brain cells.
Research suggests that the complex brain changes associated with Alzheimer's, such as the formation of amyloid plaques or tau tangles, start a decade or more before memory and thinking problems appear.
This stage, in which changes in the brain appear before the onset of dementia, is called preclinical Alzheimer's
Mild (early stage) – Forgetfulness, difficulty finding words, and minor confusion.
Treatment
There is no cure for dementia yet.
However, with the right care and support, it is possible for someone to live as well as possible for as long as possible.
Alzheimer's Society, however, states that there are treatments for dementia, including medication, that can help with a person’s symptoms.
In the UK, it says, there are four medications approved to ease some dementia symptoms.
These are donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine and memantine.
As to which medication is prescribed, may depend on a number of factors, including the type of dementia.
Some people may also benefit from treatment options that don't involve medication.
Things that increase the risk of developing dementia
They include age (more common in those 65 or older), high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood sugar (diabetes), overweight or obese, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being physically inactive, being socially isolated and depression.
