JOHOR BARU: The severity of Alzheimer's disease can be controlled better when early diagnosis is made for those who are 60 years old and more.
According to Sultan Ismail Hospital psychiatrist Dr Suraya Yusuff, most cases of Alzheimer's disease she had attended were patients who were already in the middle phase and final phase of the body and mind degenerative process in the adult life span.
"Growing old is a normal aging process but sometimes when they are odd signs in the behaviour of old age members in the family, preventive steps should be taken early to avoid more severe problems in the future," she said.
She said there was no miracle elixir to Alzheimer's disease but constant family support and communication could improve patients' condition and slowly help them to recall memories.
"It's a common belief that Alzheimer's only affects people over 60 years old, but in some cases it can happen as early as 40 years old, particularly if you are a smoker," Dr Suraya said during the launch of the new Johor Baru Alzheimer's Disease Support Associaton (Jobada) by association patron Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad, who is also Johor Baru MP.