Alzheimer's And Dementia: Treatment
Can Alzheimer's disease be prevented?
Alzheimer's disease cannot be prevented at the present time. However, what we can do is try to create a buffer for ourselves. If we have a family history of Alzheimer's disease, I would suggest just eating well, exercising and keeping one's mind active. Again, there are things that are called anti-oxidant agents which would help liberate or sponge out what we call free radical toxins.So, things like Vitamin E in low amounts, Vitamin C as well, to a degree, red wine in minute amounts, not in excess, things like that would be anti-oxidant in nature and might be beneficial and useful. We can't prevent it, however there are certain things that we can do to help offset, the onset.
Is there a cure for Alzheimer's disease?
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, we can readily treat this illness. We could slow down the progressive decline associated with it, and after the individual has had a detailed workup where their eyes, ears have been checked out; drug interaction have been ruled out along the lines of causing a problem in infections, and vitamin deficiencies and so on; If we now think that this is absolutely alzheimer's disease there are different classes of medications that are useful. There is the family of the Cholinesterase inhibitor which are a class of drugs which helps slow down or to a degree prevent the breakdown of a vital chemical in our brain called acetylcholine. These medications include drugs such as Exelon, Aricept, and Razadyne. the other class of drug that we currently have is NMBA receptor antagonist class. These are the drugs that help prevent disfunctionality within the glutameturgic system. What is that? Well it basically means that glutamate being the main excitatory chemical in our brain sometimes can go into a state of disregulation and a medication that we currently have called Namenda can help offset that. It preserves the phsyologic activity of glutamate and doesn't allow the excito-toxic or never frying effects to occur without it.
What medications are used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease?
The glutemade-acting medication is an amenda, which is a drug within the NMBA receptor antagonist class. The other three medications that we commonly use: Exelon, Aricept, Razadyne, are all coelstrate inhibitors, which means that they slow down the breakdown of acetylcholine, and important neurotransmittor chemical in our brains. There is a fourth drug within the coelstrate inhibitor class, a drug called Cognex, which we do not use, largely because half a dose four times a day hurts that liver and on top of that, it has a lot of gastrointestinal side effects associated with it. Subsequently in 2003, Namenda came out. So we've seen a steady flow of medications here that helping decrease the likelihood of decline in individulas with Alzheimer's disease. I feel very hopeful about the new wave of medications that is coming down the pipeline. We've been doing a lot of research work, gearing drugs to tackle this illness from different angles.
Will stem cells help treat Alzheimer's?
I believe there will be a role for stem cell work with Alzheimer's disease and I would strongly advocate for, again, optimizing on any venue that we currently have to try to beat this illness. There's very little along the lines of specific stem cell work in Alzheimer's disease that's actually reached humans. So, in essence, when any new drug is being assessed, it first has to be tested in animal models and then, subsequently, in healthy volunteers and then, subsequently, in those individuals with the disease state that the drug is going to be being marketed for or looked for. And, at the present time, stem cell research work is certainly still very, very early on.
What treatments for Alzheimer's disease are in clinical trials?
We consider the medications that are coming down the pipeline as some very exciting drugs that might block the actual progression of the illness. If there might be a way of blocking the deposition of the gunky form of beta-amyloid that gets created, that would be wonderful news. There are at least two medications that are going to be coming out very soon. One of the more exciting drugs that is being looked at is a drug called R-flurbiprofen, or Flurizan, which is basically a drug that would block the enzyme that would cut that amyloid precursor protein to form a gunky form of plaque. If that enzyme is not working then that plaque that would literally choke off the brain isn't being produced. That would be good news. Hopefully over the next few years; the next two, three years, we might actually see some very solid results that might bring this drug to open market to benefit individuals.
What lifestyle changes are necessary after Alzheimer's diagnosis?
Once you have the illness, it always makes sense to maintain one's activity level, to watch one's diet and to use vitamin supplements if they are needed, or to use some antioxidants as well. However, the most important thing is to use FDA-approved medications, since they have been proven to be beneficial in slowing down the decline associated with the problem. There are some new formulations of medications that we've had that look quite exciting as well.
How do I deal with the permanent effects of Alzheimer's disease?
Understanding Alzheimer's itself is of paramount importance. In the past there was a lot of shame and stigma associated with Alzheimer's disease, and unfortunately no one seeks out help when that is occuring. Now we understand more about this illness. This is an illness that can strike literally anyone, so long as they live long enough. In essence, understanding what it is and doing something about the problem makes the most sense. So, again, being open to the aspect of identifying Alzheimer's and being aggressive about treating it are very important things. Maintaining one's social contacts and staying involved with different types of group activities should also always be encouraged.
What plans should I make after Alzheimer's diagnosis?
After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease it would be judicious to make sure that one's overall world is being taken care of. In other words, what's going on with long-term care insurance, and what's happening with a will. All of a sudden, once this illness gets worse, the individual's ability to recall and make decisions are no longer going to be what they once were. As a consequence of that, someone else will have to make decisions about not only health delivery, but also what happens with funds that that individual currently has. There are a lot of legal matters to consider. Also, the aspect of what to do once serious situation sets in with another medical problem; whether or not there should be orders to follow a certain type of regimen or another. Keeping in mind that this is a progressive illness that's gradually going to get worse is very important along the lines of making appropriate decisions early on in the disease state, hopefully, in conjunction with people that care for an Alzheimer's sufferer.
How can I maintain my personal safety after Alzheimer's diagnosis?
Addressing the problem with other individuals; making sure that family and friends are aware of the diagnosis and contacting a local agency like The Alzheimer's Association to capitalize on resources that are out there. Those would all be useful strategies to follow once the diagnosis has been made. The Alzheimer's Association in conjuction with the police departments in local communities has a Safe Return Home program that basically is geared along lines of a bracelet that the individual wears. I remember as a child going to school in elementary school and taking great pride in a bracelet that my parents had gotten for me when I wasn't exactly sure as to how to return home and so on. With Alzheimer's patients, a very similar situation is at hand where they can also wear a bracelet with their name, their address, and as a consequence of that, a safe means of returning home.
What plans should I make for a family member who is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease?
Having a family member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease can be a challenging situation. Educating oneself is of paramount importance. There are books out there that spell out what to expect as Alzheimer's disease is progressing; from it's early stages through it's middle and later stages. This can help a carer understand what the Alzheimer's individual is going through, but also know that they are not alone in what they themself are going through. Also capitalizing on the medical regiments out there and talking about different types of medications. We are now looking at easier ways for a carer to make sure that the Alzhemier's individual is taking their medication. For example, there's a new patch form of a medication within the cholinesterase inhibitor class that is due to come out later on this year. It will be very beneficial because it's a nice and easy visual cue for the carer to know that their loved one has taken their medication as opposed to finding that the sufferer has skipped and missed a whole week's worth of medication because they've forgotten to take it.
What are the side effects if an Alzheimer's patient misses his or her medication regiment?
Missing one's medication regiment can be quite problematic with any illness like Alzheimer's. The number one reason for failure for treating many different medical conditions, in fact, all medical conditions, is the individuals inability to take their medicine on schedule, on time, and at regular time intervals. Keep in mind that somebody with a memory problem often times requires someone else to oversee that they are going to be taking their medication. So, a very important Alzheimer's point. When people forget to take their medication, they're obviously not going to benefit from what the medication would be doing for them, and that is slowing down the progressive decline associated with the illness. So you would expect them to deteriorate much quicker.
What should I look for in an assisted living facility?
When placing somebody in an assisted living facility, you should research all of the different facilities in your community. Obviously, making sure that all standards are met at each one of the assisted living facilities nearby is of great importance, making sure that each assisted living facility has appropriate licensures, and visually checking them out often makes great sense. This is going to be that individual's new residence for a long time. People typically want the very best for their loved one. When considering an assisted living facility, check that there are different types of social activities specifically geared for individuals with memory problems, make sure that there are different types of crafts clubs being held that help maintain activity and avoid boredom for individuals that live within that particular facility.
How do I find support groups for Alzheimer's?
Most well-known support groups in communities is literally what resides around the Alzheimer's Association - again, a very specialized type of group, specifically geared at addressing Alzheimer's disease. However, in each community, there are different types of pockets with, say, a local society of psychiatrists, neurologists, or geriatricians that specialize with Alzheimer's disease care, that might also have specific programs for individuals affected.
Is Alzheimer's fatal?
Yes, Alzheimer's is fatal. It's one of the top ten reasons why people die.
