Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease
Because there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, medications are only used to treat the symptoms that are caused by the disease. These medications can help with memory and cognitive changes. There are two types of drugs that are currently being used to treat these symptoms:
Cholinesterase Inhibitors: These medications are used to improve cell-to-cell communication within the brain. They increase the amount of acetylcholine, a chemical which is reduced by Alzheimer's in the brain. This medication isn't known for improvement, rather it helps prevent worsening of the symptoms, this help us understand why it is so important to catch the disease early and recognize early signs and symptoms. Some of the common side effects associated with these medications include: nausea and vomiting, sleeping issues (insomnia), and diarrhea. Memantine (Namenda): This medication also works to help cell-to-cell communication in the brain. It slows progression of symptoms with moderate and severe Alzheimer's. Occasionally doctors will prescribe this medication with a cholinesterase inhibitor as well. Common side effects are: headaches, diarrhea, and dizziness. |
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The table below describes the common medications used for Alzheimer's disease and discusses some of the dosage uses.
Besides medications there are other measures that can be taken to enhance a patient's treatment plan. Routines and habits are important in these plans and they help Alzheimer's patients feel more comfortable when they can recognize regularity. A couple suggests listen below help us understand how we can best establish regularity for person suffering from the disease:
Exercise: Exercise is very important for everyone. Even for patients with Alzheimer's exercise has been proven to help behaviors and maintain body function. Walking is a great way for Alzheimer's patients to get their daily exercise. If an Alzheimer's patient is walking alone, make sure they have a cell phone with them as well as identification. Even if the patient does not know how to use the phone, it can provide for a tracking device in serious situations.There are other opportunities for exercise for these patients, they include: stationary bikes, small weights, and chair exercises. Below is a link to a chair exercise workout routine.
- Keep items within the house in the same place
- Arrange furniture in a way that leaves walk ways clear, remove rugs
- Ask your medical professional to simply medication schedules
- Install handrails in bathrooms and stairwells
- Use a calendar within the home
Exercise: Exercise is very important for everyone. Even for patients with Alzheimer's exercise has been proven to help behaviors and maintain body function. Walking is a great way for Alzheimer's patients to get their daily exercise. If an Alzheimer's patient is walking alone, make sure they have a cell phone with them as well as identification. Even if the patient does not know how to use the phone, it can provide for a tracking device in serious situations.There are other opportunities for exercise for these patients, they include: stationary bikes, small weights, and chair exercises. Below is a link to a chair exercise workout routine.
Nutrition: With Alzheimer's patients, it is easy for them to forget to eat. They also tend to lose interest in eating and preparing meals. Dehydration is also a concern. As a caregiver, it's very important to help your loved one maintain an effective nutritional status. Offer liquids all throughout the day and stress the importance of drinking enough water. Avoid caffeinated drinks. Assist loved ones with making their meals, or simply provide meals for them. Make sure they are high in calorie and have the adequate nutrients needed through fruits and vegetables. Eating regularly is also very important, this adds to making sure they have a routine. |
Treatments for anxiety, depression, and psychosis
Aside from memory and cognitive difficulties, other symptoms may need to be managed. Anxiety, depression, and psychosis (delusions, and hallucinations) are common symptoms that Alzheimer's patients suffer from. They are manifested by agitation, aggression, and pacing. It's important to understand that these behaviors can also be caused by medication side effects, consult a doctor when these behaviors occur so these behaviors can be determined as to what they are caused by. The patient may need a change in their medication schedule. Behaviors such as these can also be caused by changes in environment and routine. It's important for caregivers to understand the importance of regular routines in order to decrease anxiety, fear, and agitation. Because Alzheimer's patients have difficulty communicating it can be frustrating for caregivers to determine what causes such behaviors, again this emphasizes the importance of consulting a doctor when the behaviors arise.
Prevention
No advancements have been made when it comes to preventing Alzheimer's disease. However, research is being done on the correlation between Alzheimer's disease and heart disease. There is evidence that they are related and that if you lower your risk for heart disease you may also be able to lower your risk for Alzheimer's disease. Ways to lower the risk for heart disease include managing the following: weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. |
References for this page:
Alzheimer's disease. (n.d.). Retrieved March 3, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/basics/treatments /con-20023871
Alzheimer's Treatments. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2015, from http://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/treatment/common/
NAMENDA XR | Official site from Forest Laboratories, LLC. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.namendaxr.com /?guid=04PBingCPCTreatmentEx
10 Min Chair Workout for Seniors - HASfit Seated Exercise for Seniors - Chair Exercises for Elderly. (2013, April 24). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Uzk6f2GnO8
Images retrieved from:
http://www.uspharmacist.com/content/c/10175/?t=alzheimer%27s_and_dementia
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_standard_prescriptions.asp
http://picsandwall.blogspot.com/2012/12/fruits-and-vegetables.html
http://www.grandparents.com/health-and-wellbeing/health/heart-disease-women-symptoms
Alzheimer's disease. (n.d.). Retrieved March 3, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/basics/treatments /con-20023871
Alzheimer's Treatments. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2015, from http://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/treatment/common/
NAMENDA XR | Official site from Forest Laboratories, LLC. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from http://www.namendaxr.com /?guid=04PBingCPCTreatmentEx
10 Min Chair Workout for Seniors - HASfit Seated Exercise for Seniors - Chair Exercises for Elderly. (2013, April 24). Retrieved March 17, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Uzk6f2GnO8
Images retrieved from:
http://www.uspharmacist.com/content/c/10175/?t=alzheimer%27s_and_dementia
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_standard_prescriptions.asp
http://picsandwall.blogspot.com/2012/12/fruits-and-vegetables.html
http://www.grandparents.com/health-and-wellbeing/health/heart-disease-women-symptoms