The Effective Way in Treating Alzheimer's Disease

Occasional lapses of memory are normal among people who may forget names of unfamiliar individuals and objects which they rarely see. But the abnormality of forgetting names of near and dear ones, Familiar Street addresses, objects are caused generally due to an irreversible mental impairment called Alzheimer's disease.

If your Grandpa or Grandma avoids bathing-wearing the same clothes again and again, cannot find her way back home or even cannot remember how to cook he or she may be suffering from Alzheimer's disease as it causes more than simple forgetfulness starting with a slight confusion or memory loss, eventually leading to an irreversible mental impairment that destroys a persons ability to remember, learn, imagine and reason.

In 1906, A German neurologist Alois Alzheimer described this disease as a progressive and degenerative one which leads to a delayed diagnosis, as the only symptom is mild forgetfulness that worsens developing into a more serious condition that may cause the sufferer or his family members seek medical help.

There are numerous reasons and factors responsible for this disease as it differs from person to person. But the important factor of developing it is age. About 50 per cent of people over 85 years of age and 10 per cent above 65 years of age have this mental impairment. The worrying point is that women are more prone to get this disease than men. Certain genetic factors are also responsible for having Alzheimer's; however there is less guarantee of getting it. Other factors that make you more prone to develop Alzheimer's include high blood pressure, Heart disease, previous head injuries in an accident, and low level of education. Down syndrome patients have an early risk of getting this disease as it affects them in the 30s and 40s.Even Factors like Environment and lifestyle have also been linked to this condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease:

So what are the sign and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease? Well there are certain symptoms that clearly indicate that a person has developed this mental impairment:

1. Routine tasks such as cooking become difficult to perform. The progressiveness of this disease eventually leads to forgetting even the most basic things in life.
2. A person may find it difficult to follow conversations. Searching the right words to express his thoughts will also be difficult for him. He may even face problems to read and write making him quite frustrated.
3. Everyday problems like what to do if food in the gas stove is burning becomes quite difficult to solve making a person helpless while planning, judging or making a decision
4. A person suffering from Alzheimers may express distrust in others, exhibit mood swings, show increased stubbornness and withdraw socially making him feel frustrated and affecting his memory
5. A person may initially have trouble balancing his or her checkbook. He /she may experience difficulty in dealing with and recognizing numbers.
6. Forgetting conversations, names of family members, appointments, misplacing household items and putting those in illogical locations are some of the signs leading to persistent loss of memory especially of recent events or simple directions

How can one overcome this disease?

Although medication can slow down the progression or relieve some symptoms delaying the process, a method called as “Environmental Modification” can help people having Alzheimer. The “Environment Modification” requires changes in the routine of the person as well as changes in the environment. Following are some helpful tips that make day to day to day activities safer and easier:

1. Individualized activities and hobbies like painting, singing, gardening and playing musical instruments which interests and involves the sufferer may reduce many of his disturbing behavioral symptoms like depression, frustration, agitation, anger and rummaging
2. Doors and drawers should be labeled with notes so that it becomes easier for the person to find items
3. Continuous supervision from a full time attendant is essential
4. Objects such as photographs, mementos and family furniture should be placed to help cue memories in clear view
5. Timers and alarms should be placed to remind one to take medicine or to remind if something is cooking. Electronic Auto shut-off appliances should be used while cooking.
6. Toxic or poisonous items, such as bleach, drain opener, cleaning solutions and prescription medicines should be kept in safer place to avoid accidents
7. Smoke Detectors and fire extinguishers marked with clear instructions should be available in each room of the house
8. Vision and hearing should be checked regularly. If vision and hearing falters it should be treated appropriately.

Patience and vigilance are the key factors in taking care of a close one who is suffering from Alzheimer's. It is the same as taking care of a toddler. Some patients are sent to rehabilitation centers or old age homes to solve the problem. But instead of solving the problem, it makes matter worse. Proper understanding is required to solve the problem of a person suffering from Alzheimer's. What an Alzheimer patients need is your love and support.