Treatment of Delirium
Delirium is an organic psychiatric syndrome characterized by fluctuating consciousness and impairment in cognition, perception, and behavior. It is generally short-lived and has symptoms similar to longer duration psychosis seen in patients suffering from schizophrenia, major depression with psychosis, or bipolar disorder with psychosis. Read more
Treatment For Alzheimer’s Disease
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and no way to slow the progression of the disease. For some people in the early or middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease, medication such as tacrine (Cognex) may alleviate some cognitive symptoms. Donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Reminyl) may keep some symptoms from becoming worse for a limited time. A fifth drug, memantine (Namenda), was recently approved for use in the United States. Combining memantine with other Alzheimer’s disease drugs may be more effective than any single therapy. Read more
Brian Injury Dementia
Head injury occurs when an outside force hits the head hard enough to cause the brain to move violently within the skull. This force can cause shaking, twisting, bruising (contusion), or sudden change in the movement of the brain (concussion). In some cases, the skull can break. If the skull is not broken, the injury is a closed head injury. If the skull is broken, the injury is an open head injury. Read more
Alzheimer’s Disease and Diet
Dark-Colored Fruits and Vegetables. According to several studies, eating plenty of darkly colored fruits and vegetables may slow brain aging. Of interest was a 1999 study on animals, in which extracts taken from blueberries and strawberries actually reversed age-related decline in brain function. Blueberries were the most effective. Dark-colored fruits and vegetables are recommended in any case for good health. Read more
Delirium and Hallucinations: Alzheimer Disease
Delirium is a syndrome, or group of symptoms, caused by a disturbance in the normal functioning of the brain. The delirious patient has a reduced awareness of and responsiveness to the environment, which may be manifested as disorientation, incoherence, and memory disturbance. Delirium is often marked by hallucinations, delusions, and a dream-like state. Read more
Ibuprofen May Reduce Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Long-term use of ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published in the May 6 issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Previous studies have shown conflicting results, but this is the longest study of its kind. Read more
Coping With Difficult Behavior
People with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia behave in ways that others find odd or difficult to handle. The person you are caring for is not being deliberately difficult. Due to memory loss they are unable to understand or make themselves understood. They are confused, frightened and frustrated. Caregivers often report that persons with dementia seem to be lost. Read more
Legal and Financial Responsibilities
Individuals with dementia have difficulty managing their business affairs. As they decline they cannot deposit checks, pay bills, sell personal property, or make personal health care decisions. A responsible person must have the legal authority to handle these matters. In many Read more
Nursing Home Care of Alzheimer’s Disease
There is no perfectly “right” time for placing the person with Alzheimer’s disease in an adult care facility. The timing depends upon the needs of the individual and the ability of the caregiver to meet those needs. It is a good idea to begin considering a choice for placement well in advance of the need. This will give you adequate time to research your decision. Read more
Physical Needs And Safety For Alzheimer’s disease
Nutrition
During the middle and late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, eating becomes difficult. The individual may not remember when they ate, recognize feelings of hunger, be able to determine if food is too hot or too cold, or even remember to chew or swallow.
Self-feeding may be made easier by using adaptive Read more
