A type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease causes problem with memory and behavior. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s develop slowly overtime and become severe enough to interfere with daily activity. It is the most common form of dementia and its symptoms can affect daily life routine.
Age is one of the biggest risk factor when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, as majority of the people who suffer from this condition are 65 or older. There are almost 200,000 citizens across the country who get diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease every year. Being progressive, Alzheimer’s disease worsens with time, as it causes mild memory loss in its initial stage. As the disease progresses, it causes problems with cognitive functioning which makes it difficult for the person to maintain conversations or even respond to their environment.
Treating Alzheimer’s disease
There are no current medicines and treatments that can reverse or completely cure Alzheimer’s disease. But, there are treatments and medications that can provide relief from the symptoms of this disease. One should choose the treatment for Alzheimer’s disease based on factors such as age, overall health, medical history, and the severity of the disease.
- Medications
Acetylcholine, is a chemical found in the brain that acts as a neurotransmitter which helps in activating body muscles. Alzheimer’s disease breaks down this chemical in the brain, which aggravates the symptoms. Drugs such as donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine help in curbing the breakdown of the chemical in the brain.
Glutamate is a chemical present in the brain which plays a major role in brain’s learning and memory power. Memantine is a medication that treats moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease by controlling the secretion of glutamate. The side effects of using this medication include tiredness, dizziness, confusion, constipation, and headache.
The doctors might also prescribe medications to treat other mental and health conditions associated with Alzheimer’s disease such as depression, sleeplessness, and behavioral problems like agitation and aggression.
- Creating a supportive environment
It is important to adapt with the living situation of a person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. For someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to establish and strengthen the routine habits and minimize memory-demanding tasks that makes their life much easier. - Exercise
It is an important part of everybody’s wellness plan. Activities as simple as a daily walk can help improve mood and maintain a healthy functioning of joints, muscles and heart. It also promotes sound sleep. - Nutrition
People suffering from Alzheimer’s disease might forget to eat. They might also forget to drink enough water. This could lead to constipation and dehydration. Hence, it is important to include timely high-calorie meals that will help them keep full for longer time even if they accidentally skip a meal. Include healthy nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, ginkgo, and vitamin E in their daily diet. This will help in protecting and improving cognitive health and maintain mental function.
If you or a loved one have the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, then it is important to seek supportive services immediately. Consult a doctor before you decide to go for the above-mentioned treatment options and talk about other factors related with Alzheimer’s disease.
