Alzheimer’s Disease Vs. Dementia
“What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?” It’s a common question, and doctors are some of the best at confusing us. Physicians seem to prefer the word “dementia,” possibly because Alzheimer’s has become such a loaded word. “Dementia” somehow sounds less frightening to many people, and now even the experts have started using the words interchangeably. Read more
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia (mental deterioration of memory and thought processes) among the elderly. It is estimated that 4.5 million Americans over the age of 65 are affected with this condition. After the age of 65, the incidence of the disease doubles every five (5) years and, by age 85, it will affect nearly half of the population. 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
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
Types of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. It is marked by progressive and, at present, irreversible declines in certain cognitive functions. These impairments may include declines in memory, time and space orientation, abstract thinking, the ability to learn and carry out mathematical calculations, language and communication skills, and the performance of routine tasks. 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
The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
There are many things the medical community understands about Alzheimer’s disease and many things it doesn’t yet know. For example, it’s not clear why some people with Alzheimer’s disease experience faster decline than others. Early Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment may help to slow progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms. 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
Do people who have Alzheimer’s disease become depressed?
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
In 1986, President Ronald Reagan’s “I don’t remember,” “I don’t recall” responses seemed to many to be lame answers to questions about political dealings. However, it turns out that they may have been the truth. In 1994, former President Ronald Reagan announced that he had Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Read more
