“Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease last week. The
idea of her not recognizing me someday terrifies me. She’s my best friend. I
don’t want to lose her.”
“The doctor has told me that I have Alzheimer’s. It was what
I feared most when I began having memory lapses. Now, all I have to look
forward to is spinning further out of control.”
Alzheimer’s is a
disease that now affects one in eight older Americans. The diagnosis is
life-altering for both the diagnosed individual and those that care about them.
While a cure still does not exist, there has been much research in the field.
Doctors are now able to better treat the symptoms patients encounter, and
increase their quality of life.
Catching the
disease early in its tracks is just one way affected individuals can ensure
better treatment results. An early diagnosis affords a person with more
options. He or she can play a more active role in their future, planning ahead
for prospective medical needs, preparing loved ones, and possibly even
participating in new clinical trials. By obtaining medical care early,
independence and quality of life can be extended.
In Alzheimer’s,
brain cells die as the disease progresses. Connections between cells are lost
and cognitive symptoms increase. A patient experiences more difficulty
reasoning and thinking. Today, there is a class of medications available and
approved for treatment. “Cholinesterase inhibitors” can delay the worsening of
symptoms in patients by up to twelve months. Generally well-tolerated, these
medications prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a “chemical messenger”
vital for normal learning and memory.
High doses of
vitamin E are also sometimes prescribed. In 1997, it was found that this
antioxidant was able to delay the loss of one’s ability to properly care for
him or herself by up to several months. However, this treatment should only be
followed at the direction of a patient’s physician for safety.
One of the most
distressing aspects of Alzheimer’s is the development of behavioral changes
such as irritability, aggression, and depression. A patient often feels
"out of control" and helpless. It has been found that changing the
environment of those affected can sometimes be an aid. There are also
prescription medications available when necessary. Antidepressants can be
successfully used for those suffering from mood disorders. Anxiolytics exist
for restlessness and anxiety, and Antipsychotic medications can reduce
hallucinations.
Sleep changes are
common in Alzheimer’s patients. An affected person may sleep less at night,
wander, or repeatedly call out. It’s common for those affected to be drowsier
during the day and more restless and agitated later in the afternoon. Generally
speaking, non-drug therapies are attempted before prescription medications are
introduced. More sunlight exposure, for example, has been shown to be
effective, as has improving a person’s sleep routine and comfort.
Coconut oil,
Ginkgo biloba, Coenzyme Q10 and Omega 3 fatty acids are just a few natural
health care options that have become popular in Alzheimer's treatment. Patients
are usually instructed to discuss potential use of any over the counter therapy
prior to use, however. This prevents contraindications, increasing safety.
A worldwide quest
is presently ongoing to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. You can support
that endeavor through talking about Alzheimer’s with everyone you know. Get the
word out. Learn what needs dementia organizations and facilities have, and offer
to volunteer. Help raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. And above all, be
there for those you know who are suffering with the disease. Together, we can
make a difference.
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