Alzheimer Symptom
By: Joan

Alzheimer's Disease:

Are you or someone you know one of the 4.5 million Alzheimer's Disease sufferers? Do you know age and genetics both play a factor is if you or someone you love can get Alzheimer's? Do you think with age your memory is just getting worse? That could be the case, but memory loss could be an Alzheimer's symptom. Symptoms may be different in each person.

Alzheimer's Symptoms begin slowly at first. The only Alzheimer's symptom may be mild forgetfulness, which is easily confused with age related memory change. However, as the disease goes on, Alzheimer's symptoms are more easily noticed and cause family members to seek medical help. Forgetfulness begins to interfere with daily activities. Some possible signs in the middle stages of Alzheimer's Disease may be that they forget how to comb their hair or brush their teeth. They fail to recognize familiar places and people, and can no longer think clearly. They begin to have problems speaking, reading, understanding, writing,. In later stages they may become anxious, or aggressive. Some may wander away from home.

There is no actual "cure" for Alzheimer's Disease. There are two recommended approaches by the Mayo Clinic, to treat it. Prescription drugs and non-drug treatment. It depends on the functioning capability of the individual to determine the type of treatment. Drug treatments are used to the cognitive abilities, or disabilities of the individual, such as thinking changes, memory and perception. Because there is no cure for Alzheimer's drug treatment only provides relief of the Alzheimer's symptoms and does not prevent or end the disease. They have been known, however, to slow the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms. No drug treatments should be used without the advice and supervision of a qualified physician of course. Non-drug treatments are also important aspects of care, which include plans and strategies to help some of the more problematic Alzheimer's symptoms. They are used because they help the social aspect and mental state of the patient. It includes activities that will help them re-learn, some of the basic motor skills as well as communication skills. The goal in Alzheimer's Disease treatment is to ease the pain and complications of the disease and to improve their quality of life. The first step of treatment is to slow down the decline of the faculties with any type of treatment, whether drug or non-drug. The second step is to help monitor and control the behavioral symptoms. This often may include the hiring of a social worker. Finally, instruction and support for the family of the affected Alzheimer's patient is necessary. The more those involved in the care know, the more the situation is helped.

The type of drug treatments include the following: Cholinesterase Inhibitors are used because the gradual loss of memory is expected because the disease destroys acetylcholine cells, which are the cells responsible for carrying messages to the brain. Cholinesterase Inhibitors work by blocking the enzyme that destroys the acetylcholine cells. This aids in delaying the memory loss and allows better functioning to continue for a longer period of time. Memantine is another drug that was FDA approved in 2003 for Alzheimer's Disease patients under-going treatment, that are suffering from moderate to severe symptoms. This is a favorable treatment, because it aids in the patients ability to complete daily activities and they suffer from less amounts of mood swings and behavioral changes. The main focus of drug treatment is anti-anxiety and sleep medication, because lack of sleep and anxiety are common symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. Some other treatments may include administering vitamin E, but this should be discussed with the physician, before going this route as well.

Unfortunately, Alzheimer's symptoms athat turn into the full-blown disease can be fatal. But with the proper treatment and care it can be slowed down and the quality of life can be good.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

Lowell Larson give an expert opinon on Alzheimers Symptoms. He is also the author of many other articles on elderly care. Read his most current article on www.alzheimerssymptom.org.

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