Search:

Five Things You Need to Know About Alzheimer's

Usually around the age of 60, symptoms of Alzheimer's will start to manifest themselves if indeed the disease is present. Sometimes, these symptoms are dismissed as part of the ageing process but unfortunately in many cases, it is not just a question of getting old.

These symptoms can be broken down as follows . The person has difficulty performing otherwise familiar tasks, such as preparing a meal, opening a car window or using a household appliance. In the late stages, the patient will also have functional and behavioural symptoms. It manifests itself through cognitive symptoms (loss of memory and failure to learn new things) and emotional symptoms (anxiety and depression). Some patients also have psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.

Many people assume that diagnosis is simple and easy. If only it were ! First of all, other possibilities have to be excluded. Before the diagnosis is confimed the patient is put through various laboratory tests and asked to take medical tests as well. Sometimes the diagnosis can be confirmed in one day but in other cases it may take up to several weeks.

The brain contains a vital chemical compound called acetylcholine which preserves the neurons in the brain. When the disease starts to take hold, another enzyme starts to attack - this is called acetylcholinesterase and will destroy the healthier enzymes. The drugs are aimed to stave off this attack and preserve the healthy enzymes. But these drugs have some side effects and the results vary a lot but in many cases, they do slow down the disease.

Some doctors prescribe the NSAIDs which are the nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs which are very well known, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. They have had mixed results too but do offer some protection from the nasty enzymes mentioned above. Gingko biloba is a well known plant extract used for many purposes but again, this has dangerous side effects although it has been shown to improve some brain function. Estrogen, a hormonal substance, is prescribed but there is a risk that it may cause strokes

How long does the disease last ? The course of the disease and how rapidly the Alzheimers symptoms progress from simple forgetfulness to severe dementia, can take anything from five to ten years. About 70% of the 4 million with Alzheimers disease (in the USA) live at home receiving care from family members. Although there is no cure currently for the disease, the primary Alzheimer treatment is medication as well as concerned care giving.

While the disease progresses, the patient and family members will be traumatised and emotionally drained especially as in the very late stages, the patient just cannot communicate with his or her loved ones. This is very often hard to bear and adds to the trauma for the carers.

Is there anything you can do to prevent this disease ? Research now shows that diet can be very important in preventing this disease but obviously this needs to be thought of before the age of 65. Lots of fruit, vegetables and omega-3 foods have been shown to reduce the risk of this disease by as much as 60%. Beat-carotene (carrots, for example) have been shown to have the same effect. One of the most effective diets known to mankind is the Mediterranean Diet which has been the diet of millions of people in the Mediterranean area. The incidence of degenerative disease among these people is lower than many other countries and as a result, it has been the subject of much research.

Niche Article Directory: http://www.thatsmyniche.com

Learn how diet can help prevent Alzheimer's more about what you eat and how it can prevent senile dementia. Learn how diet can help prevent Alzheimer's

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated