Treatment Options For Alzheimer's Disease

When do symptoms start to appear and what are they ? Symptoms usually start around the age of 60. In the early stages the symptoms of Alzheimer's can and are often mistaken as 'simply getting old' This, sadly is NOT the case as Alzheimer's Disease is not a case of 'just' getting old.

The first alarming signal is when the person affected has marked difficulty in doing simple tasks which previously they performed with ease. These can range from opening a car door to getting a meal ready or using a simple household appliance. As the disease progresses into the later stages, the person will display behavioural symptoms. Loss of memory and a failure to grasp new things together with anxiety and depression are common symptoms. Some persons suffer from hallucinations.

How is the disease diagnosed ? Currently the diagnosis is based on excluding other possibilities and is clinically assumed. However, before the Alzheimers diagnosis can be given to the patient and their family, the patient must undergo a variety of laboratory tests, such as medical assessments and laboratory measurements. Alzheimer's disease testing can take anywhere from one day to several weeks to ensure accuracy and proper diagnosis.

What treatment options are there ? Medication now consists of various drugs which try to protect a chemical compound called acetylcholine, which is important for the functioning of neurons in the brain. These drugs help to preserve these essential enzymes which are damaged by another enzyme called acetylcholinesterase.There are considerable side effects of these drugs and the results are not significant is many cases but they can slow down the disease.

Other drugs too have been tried with mixed success. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs ), the most common ones being aspirin and ibuprofen have been found to offer some protection. Another potential preventative drug is estrogen, but this can give rise to strokes. Gingko biloba, a popular plant extract associated with improving brain function, can have dangerous side effects too.

The disease can last from 5-10 years or even longer. The disease will progress from simple forgetfulness to debilitating severe dementia. Most sufferers (about 70% in the USA) will live with family members at home. There is no cure for the disease at the moment and care consists of medication mentioned above and care giving.

Alzheimers disease is one of the most emotionally draining and traumatic diseases for patients and families alike. The progressive, degenerative nature of Alzheimers disease presents unique challenges for health care proxies. During the end stages of Alzheimers disease the patient typically loses the ability to communicate effectively with their loved ones; adding an additional burden to the health care proxy.

Many people ask abut prevention as they worry about their old age and wonder if the same thing could happen to them. Prevention is key and reserach now shows that diet can play a very important role. The Mediterranean Diet has been studied for a very long time and the people who follow it have a low incidence of heart disease and senile dementia. Research shows that fruit, vegetables, fish and whole grains with little red meat are decisive in prevention of this disease - even by as much as 60%!

Article Source: http://www.articlegoldmine.com

Find out how diet can save you from Alzheimer's

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated