As the average life expectancy has increased around the world, so too has the occurrences of a number of age related illnesses. As our health system and medical knowledge struggles to cope with these new problems, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia have emerged as perhaps the biggest issue of our age.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative condition which attacks people’s brain, and while not exclusively effecting older people, the vast majority of its sufferers are of an advanced age, with the average of onset at around the age of 65. In fact, evidence suggests that most people will suffer from some form of dementia once they reach an advanced age.

Unfortunately, medical treatment for the condition is still relatively limited in its effectiveness, and most of the treatments used to help prevent continued deterioration stem from making positive personal choices. Keeping your brain active is essential, and avoiding things like television has also been proven to help.

Recognising the onset of the condition is difficult for a lot of people as the symptoms are what people expect from ageing. However, there are tests which can be conducted by a doctor which have been shown to be accurate, so if you’re just starting to have trouble remembering how to accomplish daily tasks, or planning things that you would normally find easy to plan, then going to your doctor should be done as soon as possible, no matter how unlikely you think it is.