Although there is no known cure for Alzheimers, there are a number of treatments which can be used to ensure the symptoms are kept under control and the sufferer's overall standard of life for the duration of the condition is as comfortable as it can possibly be. It still remains on the whole a mysterious condition, with very little known about its causes or the precise nature of its effects. Alzheimers disease is a neurodegenerative disease that causes the patient to suffer from progressive intellectual deterioration.
Various associations realted to the disease are usually non-profit organizations that focus on matters related to it; the primary concern is to develop a treatment for this disorder. In mid-2002, a hospital clinic in Portugal investigated to see if there was a link between drinking coffee and the reduction of the risk of developing Alzheimers disease. A university clinic located in Berlin, Germany, looked at the relationship between consumption of coffee and the delay in the onset of Alzheimers disease or reduction in the rate of progression of the disease.
At this time there are no known cures for the disease, but there are some medications and have shown promise in at least slowing the disease's progression, and medical science is optimistic about research into the field. Although there is no known definitive cause of the condition, there are many theories and tests currently ongoing to help unlock the key to this degenerative disease. It is thought that there are a number of factors which may help in forming an Alzheimers diagnosis, such as family history and any previous serious head injuries, which may indicate a likelihood of the condition.
The vast majority of patients suffering from the condition receive their Alzheimers help and care in their own home by a family member or friend. There are researches that suggest that Alzheimers disease may be hereditary, meaning if someone in the family has acquired this condition, other members are at risk. Past studies showed that people who play chess on a regular basis are at a significantly lower risk of falling victim to the condition as compared to the general population.
These behaviors are seen even in individuals that were shy, timid, or passive people prior to developing the disease. An Alzheimers patient displays unpredictable mood changes not typical of the person prior to his disease. Doctors have discovered that there are changes in the brain found in a patient diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimers disease affects the mind in such a way, that the person (at least in our situation) cannot function in normal situations. A person who has the disorder experiences trouble in completing a sentence. There are some Alzheimers medicines which have been proven to temporarily delay the process of mental deterioration.
A person with Alzheimers Disease might forget the simplest words, misplace things and have a loss of mental functioning including language, recognition of family, reading and writing. There are other more natural alternatives, including herbal preparations (gingko, lycopodium, salvia,) thyroid supplement (when hypothyroidism is the cause), nutritional supplementation using whole food preparations of vitamins such as inositol and lecithin, and a specific product called Cholodin which combines choline and several other nutrients (choline, phosphatidylcholine, methionine, inositol, and various B vitamins and antioxidants. Mutated genes that mingle with each other and with non-genetic factors cause AD, and the only recognized gene is one form of a protein called apolipoprotein E (ApoE).
Researchers do not yet fully recognize what is the actual cause of Alzheimer's disease. There are no actual tests that can be administered to a person who suffers from Alzheimer's disease pre-mortem.
The doctors don't know for sure - hopefully one day they will.
The Stages Of Alzheimer's
No two people are alike and that is true of patients experiencing the stages of Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's is a form of dementia that robs one of his or her ability to reason, remember and function by slowly killing brain cells. The Alzheimer's Association has outlined seven stages of Alzheimer's based on research done by experts in the field. This information can guide families thorough this disease that is often difficult to understand.
Some patients may skip some stages of Alzheimer's or some may be in one stage for many years. Alzheimer's patients live an average of three to 20 years after they are diagnosed.
In the first stages of Alzheimer's, the patient shows no symptoms. They are functioning normally and are completing everyday activities.
In the second of the stages of Alzheimer's, the patient may begin to have memory lapses. They will forget where they put the glasses, keys or shoes. Family, friends and co-workers will notice this forgetfulness.
It is often not until the third stage of Alzheimer's that the symptoms really become noticeable. Unlike the previous two stages of Alzheimer's, patients can no longer hide their difficulties. During the third stage, patients forget the names of family or close friends, begin to lose their ability to plan and organize and often misplace objects. Family, friends and co-workers will notice a decline in their work and perhaps in their social skills.
In the fourth of the stages of Alzheimer's, patients are beginning to forget current events. Simple math becomes a challenge. Bills may go unpaid, housework may be neglected. At this stage of Alzheimer's patients may withdraw from social settings they once enjoyed.
In the fifth of the stages of Alzheimer's, patients are more challenged by every day tasks. They may wear a fur coat in July and shorts in January. They don't know what day it is. They can't recall their phone number or where they went to high school.
Even though the stages of Alzheimer's and their symptoms vary from person to person, by the sixth stage there is usually a noticeable decline in the patient. Many times during this stage of Alzheimer's the patient is not aware of what is happening around them. The need help getting dressed, going to the bathroom and handling day to day activities. The patient may have delusions or hallucinations and forget the names of those around them.
It is in the very last stages of Alzheimer's that the disease is most brutal. In the seventh stage, the patient is usually totally dependent on someone else. In addition to all the changes in the previous stages of Alzheimer's the patient may lose their ability to walk, sit up or even hold their head up. They need to be fed, toileted and there is usually general incontinence. Their speech is often unrecognizable.
A physician is the only person who can diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The family physician can also offer advice and refer caregivers and private nurses for Alzheimer's patients. The Alzheimer's Association also provides a wealth of information on the stages of Alzheimer's.
Both David Mcfarlane & Riley Hendersen are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
David Mcfarlane has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dog Care, Vasectomy and Pets. David McFarlane is a proud contributing author and writes articles on alzheimers. You can visit his site at. David Mcfarlane's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.
Riley Hendersen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Phones, Recreation and Sports and Home Management. For more information on Alzheimers, try visiting - a website that specializes in providing Alzheimers related tips, advice and re. Riley Hendersen's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
Best Mutual Fund Company To me, this is way more acceptable than swallowing a bill that was based on some conflicted managers financial situation