What are the treatment options for someone who has Alzheimer’s?
Answers
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder. One of the critical causes of dementia is reduced levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. We cannot cure Alzheimer’s, but a handful of FDA-approved drugs can be taken to reduce its progression. Donepezil and Rivastigmine are given in mild to moderate cases. And Memantine, which acts on NMDA receptors, is shown in severe cases. Apart from this, to overcome depression, some patients are also given anti-depressants. Newer drugs are yet in research.
Apart from this, patients are given behavioural therapy. If some of the symptoms are due to vascular dementia, exercise and diet may help. Eating healthy, especially foods rich in antioxidants and jogging daily, is highly recommended. Basically, a healthy lifestyle can make Alzheimer’s progress slower. By doing all these things early in the development of this disease, you’ll be able to slow down the deterioration for some people. But eventually, it will take over, and the person will fade.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative illness characterized by the slow decay of memory function and other cognitive abilities resulting from brain vascular atrophy. Turmeric + Piperine, Astaxanthin, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine/L-Cysteine+ VitaminD, Withania Somnifera root extract, and solanaceous alkaloids in fresh uncooked eggplants have all been used as a treatment in different societies across the world. While walking and other forms of exercise can help with the cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease, certain alkaloids found in Solanaceae plants and vegetables can disrupt the brain’s inflammatory response to the plaque, resulting in neurofibrillary tangle formation and, eventually, Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Alzheimer’s has no cure, but some treatments may slow the progression of the disease, and some medications may ease symptoms. Currently, only one disease-modifying medication is approved to treat Alzheimer’s, and that is Aducanumab. Using this medication reduces amyloid plaques, the brain lesions caused by Alzheimer’s disease, by targeting the protein beta-amyloid.
Learning how to cope with Alzheimer’s-related changes in personality is one of the only mechanisms caregivers adopt if a loved one is affected by this disease. Some coping tips include:
• Keeping things simple by asking or saying about one particular thing or subject at a given time.
• Keeping up with a specific daily routine is a great way to let Alzheimer’s-affected people know about the events of their days and when they usually happen.
• Concentrating on their emotions rather than words is a great way to reassure them that they are safe around you.
• It’s also a great way to let them know that you’re only there to be with them and help them.
• Using humour to lighten the mood and ease the tension is a proven method for staying away from arguments.
Other positive traits like trying not to show your frustration or anger are only complemented by intellectual coping styles such as knowing when to leave the room if the situation is safe for all parties involved. If you think your tolerance levels are shaking, it’s recommended to take deep breaths and count to 10 as a way to release the built-up tension within you.
If the person usually paces a lot, give them a safe place to walk as it often relaxes them. You can add to their pacing experience by providing light snacks to eat as they walk comfortably with the sturdy shoes you’ve catered for them.
Make sure they have something to drink so they don’t get dehydrated. It has been proven that trying to use music, singing, or dancing to distract them is much more effective than what we may think in the first place; but also, don’t be shy to bring them to the moment by asking them for help.
A simple “let’s set the table” or “I need help folding the clothes” does the trick as excluding them from more complex tasks is better.
One of the most common experiences caregivers face when they spend some time with someone who has Alzheimer’s is their repeating loop of asking about “when they can go home.”
The video below suggests 3 ways to handle this type of situation like a professional:
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder. One of the critical causes of dementia is reduced levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. We cannot cure Alzheimer’s, but a handful of FDA-approved drugs can be taken to reduce its progression. Donepezil and Rivastigmine are given in mild to moderate cases. And Memantine, which acts on NMDA receptors, is shown in severe cases. Apart from this, to overcome depression, some patients are also given anti-depressants. Newer drugs are yet in research.
Apart from this, patients are given behavioural therapy. If some of the symptoms are due to vascular dementia, exercise and diet may help. Eating healthy, especially foods rich in antioxidants and jogging daily, is highly recommended. Basically, a healthy lifestyle can make Alzheimer’s progress slower. By doing all these things early in the development of this disease, you’ll be able to slow down the deterioration for some people. But eventually, it will take over, and the person will fade.
