Alzheimer’s Treatment
<Alzheimer’s treatment is meant to help the patient to stay healthy longer. Alzheimer’s disease usually involves changes in an individual’s intellect, memory and personality. The condition usually begins gradually and deteriorates over many years. Later on, challenges such as change in behavior, personal neglect and aimless wandering may be experienced.
Difficulty in speech and memory may also be experienced. This is usually accompanied by the development of physical problems. Eventually this may result in the patient becoming incontinent and bedridden. The majority of patients undergoing Alzheimer’s treatment continue staying at home.
Alzheimer’s mostly affects individuals above the age of 65. In the population of people above the age of 80, Alzheimer’s affects about one in five people. In rare cases, it also affects people under the age of 65 years. As the life expectancy of most people increases, the number of people that seek effective Alzheimer’s treatment continues to increase.
Alzheimer’s Causes and Treatment
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. The cause of dementia still remains unknown. The condition affects both genders. People with Alzheimer’s usually experience altered brain functions and structures. Alzheimer’s treatment is targeted at improving memory brain functions.
In some instances, Alzheimer’s disease may seem to run in the family. The condition is more prevalent in individuals with Down’s syndrome. Severe trauma to the head may also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heavy drinking, smoking and being overweight are other factors that may contribute to the risk of Alzheimer’s.
A series of mini strokes known as mufti-infarct dementia can result in Alzheimer’s or dementia. In rare instances, dementia can result from dietary neglect or infections such as AIDS. Brain tumors or brain damage suffered from boxing can also increase the risks.
Available Alzheimer’s Treatment Options
Alzheimer’s treatment is usually best offered by a team of medical professionals. Such professionals may include doctors, psychologists, nurses occupational therapists and social workers. Such multidisciplinary teams are usually well versed with problems of old age.
The individual’s living skills, social and psychological wellness as well as physical disorders are investigated by these teams. Team members get a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s problems after a full mental health assessment. Such assessments are necessary before any Alzheimer’s treatment plans are designed.
Alzheimer’s treatment is usually aimed at maintaining the patients life quality for the rest of their lives. The latest treatment options involve multiple approaches. These may be medical or more practical Alzheimer’s disease treatment care interventions. Regular health checks and staying optimally fit improves memory and brain functions. Dramatic reduction in physical deterioration is possible through this approach.
Use of drugs in Alzheimer’s treatment is useful in certain occasions. Regular aspirin is beneficial in cases where the patient’s dementia is caused by frequent episodes of small strokes. Newly developed drugs can improve brain functions like thinking during the disease’s early stages. It is still unclear whether these drugs can hinder deterioration for the long term.
Alternative Alzheimer’s Treatment Options
There are some self help techniques that can aid in managing the patient’s memory problems. Keeping a diary, jotting down notes or to do lists and performing scientific cognitive exercises are some ways of coping. Dementia patients operate better in familiar environments like their homes as opposed to living in institutions.
Extra support may be necessary to enable them live at home. Care takers and family members should have access to information on Alzheimer’s. Emotional support and practical help through support groups network is very beneficial.
Such Alzheimer’s treatment plans may also involve the family doctor and other general practitioners. A better understanding of the Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can be facilitated through public education. Understanding the nature of this condition can help create extra tolerance.
The dignity of patients can be appreciated while at the same time recognizing their skills. Such understanding can also enable us to offer both emotional and financial support to families dealing with dementia patients. Though this may not always be possible, better residential and nursing homes can be provided for Alzheimer’s treatment.