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If an Alzheimer's patient can't tolerate the currently available medications, prefers not to take them, or is looking to supplement pharmacological treatment, you may be looking for natural treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Although Alzheimer's is an incurable progressive disease, there are step that can be taken to improve the quality of life of the Alzheimer's patient. Read on to learn how to treat Alzheimer's disease naturally.
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Introduction
- There are medications available to treat the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. While these may be successful in improving the quality of life for some patients, they are not effective for all patients. Additionally, the cholinesterase inhibitors currently on the market may produce side effects in some patients that make them difficult to tolerate. There are natural methods you can use either with or without medications to help improve the quality of life for a person with Alzheimer's disease.
Step 1: Physical Health
- Keeping the patient in good physical health is important in keeping them mentally alert as well.
- A balanced diet, low in at and high in antioxidants is particularly important.
- Regular exercise helps keep circulation flowing to all areas of the body, including the brain
- Regular check ups from a physician can help detect small things before they become big health issues.
- Urinary tract infections can increase confusion in Alzheimer's patients, so making sure they are practice good personal hygiene is important.
Step 2: Memory and Cognitive Decline
- Make any changes in living arrangements early in the disease process, when it will be easier or the patient to adjust to change.
- Simplify the living space, reducing clutter, and the frustration that comes from being overstimulated with too many choices.Alzheimer's Association: Standard Treatments
- Some research suggests that vitamin E and Omega-3 supplements may be helpful, but the evidence is not conclusive. Check with your doctor before taking any nutritional supplements.Alzheimer's Association:Vitamin E Alzheimer's Association: Treatments
Step 3: Behavioral Issues
- As the disease progresses, the caretaker will need to deal with wandering, sleep disturbances and irritability.
- Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in improving mood and reducing depression in Alzheimer's patients.Acupuncture Today: Alzheimer's Disease and Acupuncture(September 2000)
- Make sure that the patient doesn't have any uncorrected problems with hearing or vision. These can increase the patient's frustration, and contribute to acting out.Alzheimer's Association: Standard Treatments
- As the disease progresses, the patient will be less able to tell you when they are uncomfortable, and physical symptoms may be expressed by exhibitions of anger and frustration. Check for signs of pain or discomfort such as hunger, thirst, constipation, full bladder, fatigue, infections and skin irritation.Alzheimer's Association: Standard Treatments
- Don't argue with the person; instead, redirect the question, using their tendency to be easily distracted.Alzheimer's Association: Standard Treatments
- Keep the environment calm and soothing, over music or noises that could tend to be overstimulating.Alzheimer's Association: Standard Treatments
- Use safety locks on doors, drawers, and cabinets.Alzheimer's Association: Standard Treatments
- Maintaining routine and structure in daily activities can be helpful.Alzheimer's Association: Standard Treatments
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