{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"AYIK KAFA","title":"What Is Alzheimer and Dementia? | Dr. Diler Acar","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3408,"description":"Dr. Diler Acar, a seasoned neurologist, brought a wealth of knowledge from herthirty years in the field, particularly in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, to thepodcast. Dr. Acar began by explaining the basic concepts of dementia andAlzheimer's disease, clarifying that dementia is a broad term that encompassesvarious types of cognitive declines, with Alzheimer’s being the most commonform affecting short-term memory initially, before impacting other cognitivedomains.\nShe delved into the pathology of Alzheimer’s, discussing how it typicallybegins with amyloid protein accumulation, which precedes tau pathology andeventually leads to widespread neurodegeneration. This cascade starts withsynaptic loss and inflammation, leading to the death of neurons. Dr. Acaremphasized the significance of early detection and proper diagnosis, whichoften involves cognitive tests and brain imaging techniques like MRI, which shenoted as being superior to CT scans for these purposes.\nThe discussion also covered the limitations and side effects of currentAlzheimer’s medications, which according to Dr. Acar, primarily offer aslowing down of the disease’s progression rather than a cure. She expressedconcerns about new treatments that have emerged, which, despite beinginnovative, come with significant risks and side effects that often outweigh theirbenefits. Dr. Acar was particularly critical of the high costs and limitedaccessibility of these treatments.\nIn terms of prevention and lifestyle, Dr. Acar highlighted several factors thatcould potentially influence the risk and progression of Alzheimer’s. She notedthe importance of managing heart health, diabetes, obesity, and other metabolicand vascular factors as part of a comprehensive approach to delay the onset ofAlzheimer’s. She also touched on the role of social and mental engagement inmaintaining cognitive health, advocating for regular physical activity, mentalchallenges, and social interactions as preventive measures.\nDr. Acar’s...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/g9N189qx9tmabtDZQNy-s0v-n3m9KdhgH7U0kSVxtKg/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzUwNjgzLzE3MDk5/MDcyNTAtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}