How to Treat Alzheimers Disease

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, you may be wondering how to treat Alzheimers disease. This guide provides an introduction to some of the available treatments.
Diet and Alzheimer's Disease

In August 12, 2009, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published an results of a study that found that adults who followed the Mediterranean diet and who were physically active were less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. While the JAMA cautioned against issuing recommendations based on the study, previous research has shown a slower rate of cognitive decline in adults who followed a Mediterranean diet.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811161306.htm
Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor if you are concerned about Alzheimer's disease.

Primary Care Behavior Management in Alzheimers Disease

Dr. Ladson Hinton, of University of California-Davis discusses the behavioral challenges of patients who are living with Alzheimer's disease in this continuing education video. He reviews current medications, discusses the pros and cons of using medication for behavior management, and suggests non-medication strategies that can be used to address behavioral challenges.

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Introduction
- Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that causes memory loss, confusion, mental impairment, behavior and personality changes. Over time, the symptoms Alzheimer's become increasingly worse and may result in those afflicted failing to recognize their closest family members and forgetting how to perform basic daily tasks. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease and no way to stop its progression, there are several treatments that may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with it.NINDS: NINDS Alzheimer's Disease Information Page
Step 1: See a Doctor
- As people age, most experience a general slowing of cognitive abilities and occassional forgetfulness. Alzheimer's disease, however, is characterized by persistent and increasingly worse memory loss.MayoClinic.com: Alzheimer's disease: Symptoms If you think that you or someone you know may have Alzheimer's, make a doctor's appointment as soon as possible. A medical professional will be able to correctly diagnose the disease and recommend the most effective treatment. Since Alzheimer's disease affects elderly people, who may have other health problems or be on other medications, it is important to consult with a doctor before beginning any treatment program.
Drug Treatments
- As of 2009, there were four prescription medications that were approved by the FDA for use as treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
- Cholinesterase inhibitors work to prevent the further breakdown of acetylcholine, one of the brain's chemical neurotransmitters. Cholinesterase inhibitors that may be prescribed as treatment for Alzheimer's are:
1. Donepezil
2. Rivastigmine
3. GalantamineMayoClinic.com: Alzheimer's disease: Treatments and drugs Alzheimer's Association: Standard Treatments
- Memantine may be prescribed to treat more severe cases of Alzheimer's disease and works by regulating the levels of glutamate, another chemical neurotransmitter, in the brain. In some cases, both Memantine and Cholinesterase inhibitors may be used in conjunction, but studies have shown that both types of drug only tend to alleviate symptoms for a relatively short period of time.MayoClinic.com: Alzheimer's disease: Treatments and drugs NINDS: NINDS Alzheimer's Disease Information Page
- To treat behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease, a doctor may also prescibe certain antidepressants for some patients.Alzheimer's Association: Standard Treatments
At-Home Treatments
- Regardless of whether or not your doctor prescribes any of the above drugs for Alzheimer's treatment, there are several things you can do at home to keep Alzheimer's patients in otherwise good health, help keep them comfortable and minimize their confusion.
1. Creating and maintaining a calm and simple environment with minimal distractionsAlzheimer's Association: Standard Treatments
2. Maintaining a healthy body weight and good nutritional habitsMayoClinic.com: Alzheimer's Disease: Lifestyle and home remedies
3. If the patient is able, engaging in regular, doctor-recommended exerciseMayoClinic.com: Alzheimer's Disease: Lifestyle and home remedies
4. Creating and using a reminder journal which lists all the daily activities the patient should perform and then having the patient check off each activity once it has been completedMayoClinic.com: Alzheimer's Disease: Lifestyle and home remedies
- For more information on at-home and natural treatments for Alzheimer's disease, refer to Mahalo's guide to How to Treat Alzheimer's Disease Naturally.
Conclusion
- Alzheimer's disease can be traumatic, not only for those afflicted, but also to those people with whom they are close. If someone you know is displaying symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, take them to see a doctor. A medical professional will be able to recommend the best treatment for the patient, depending on their symptoms and needs.
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