Alzheimer's Disease is like a bicycle at the top of a hill. There are several drugs available that work like the brakes on the bike. These drugs do not cure the disease they only slow the progression.
Alzheimer's disease was discovered by Dr Alois Alzheimer in 1906.
What Causes Alzheimer's disease?
The current theory involves the premise the patient with Alzheimer's disease has a deficit of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that provides communication between the cells of the brain. Our bodies produce a chemical enzyme within the brain that breaks down even more acetylcholine. This deficit causes the brain to produce tangles of tau protein. This is one theory of how the disease occurs.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?
The earliest stages:
Involve loss of memory and executive function, an example such as not being able to pay bills. Another symptom may be getting lost.
Moderate Stage:
As the disease progresses the symptoms become more and more severe. Behavioral changes such as being argumentative and confused may occur.
Severe Stage:
Patient looses all recognition of family members. Loss of bowel and bladder function may occur. Many patients may not be able to swallow or eat.
How do the drugs work?
The most common drugs work by binding onto the enzyme that breaks down the acetylcholine. This possibly allows for more acetylcholine within the brain. This may also assist with improvement in behavior.
I take heavy doses of vitamin C & E and avoid using aluminum as much as I can. I know these ideas are based on assumptions, but they are better than doing nothing.