ALZHEIMER TREATMENT

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder characterized by the death of brain cells resulting in memory loss, confusion, behavioral problems, etc. Though there are plenty of treatment methods available, there is no treatment that can ensure an effective cure for this disease.

The major challenge for Alzheimer’s treatment is that the brain cells cannot regenerate unlike cells of other parts of the body. Therefore, it is not possible to cure the disease; it is only possible to manage the disease. Management usually is a combination of treatment with medicines and other non-pharmacological methods aimed at improving the quality of daily living and reducing behavioral problems like anger, frustration, wandering, agitation, etc.

However, if the disease is diagnosed early, then a set of medicines can prevent worsening of symptoms. Some medicines that are found effective in Alzheimer’s treatment include Aricept, Exelon, Cognex, etc. A group of medicines called antioxidants offer considerable help in slowing down memory loss and arresting behavioral symptoms apart from acting as a therapy enhancer. Besides these, medicines are also prescribed for controlling symptoms of sleeplessness, depression, anxiety, etc.

The success of Alzheimer’s treatment depends on the quality of care given in the family. Family members should learn about Alzheimer’s disease, prepare emotionally, and explore various treatment options available. They should be ready to accept the fact that the diseased person’s activities of daily living will be badly affected. Hence, they should not lose sight of the patient. This will also prevent injuries from fall, which might make matters worse. The caregiver should not neglect their physical and emotional health, as he/she plays the most important role in treatment of the patient.

Joining a support group is a worthy idea. In such groups, you will get more information related to Alzheimer’s disease and an opportunity to share your emotions, worries, what methods worked, and what methods did not work. These groups also provide several non-medical tips, which will go a long way in the recovery of the patient suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

No kind of treatment is going to have optimum result unless the lifestyle of the patient is changed. Adopt a healthy lifestyle based on vegetarian diet, relaxation, gentle exercise, and recreation. Also, avoid all sources of aluminium like cooking vessels, diarrhea medicines, antacids, etc. Take special care to keep the patient active all the time.

Traditional methods of healing like Tai Chi are widely advocated to patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. These disciplines have clinical relevance in that the slow rhythmic movements stimulate all organs, prevent falls, and improve sleep. Clinical trials conducted show that the patient group that practiced Tai Chi had an improvement in concentration and focus, decline in cognitive impairment, and remission of symptoms like drowsiness, fatigue, etc. But these systems can only act as a complimentary therapy to mainline treatment methods.

However, there is a ray of hope. Ongoing research in London promises a treatment helmet, which can stimulate the growth and development of new brain cells. Breakthroughs like this will definitely improve the prognosis of Alzheimer patients. Let us hope for a better tomorrow!