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Alzheimer's disease is a disorder in which there is a progressive
decaying of brain tissue. It is characterised by a decline in mental
and emotional capabilities.
What to
look for…
mood changes:
depression, paranoia, agitation,
anxiety,
selfishness, childish behaviour.
disorientation, confusion, inattention, loss of memory for recent events,
inability to retain new information.
tendency to misplace things.
dizziness.
What to
look for…
Memory,
comprehension, and speech deteriorate in a person affected by this disease.
The person’s world begins to change as they cannot function as they once had
- simple arithmetic skills are impossible and they find it hard to keep
their attention on one thing for too long.
Dramatic mood
swings occur ending up with the person becoming confused. Alzheimer’s
patients often become lost and may quite frequently wander off causing havoc
for their families. Eventually, the person may become totally introverted,
not able to communicate, helpless, and incontinent. The disease is usually
fatal.
Once
diagnosed with the disease, the person usually lives about 7 years. However
the person may continue to function for longer.
Causes
Many people
develop Alzheimer's as they grow older, however the disease is not a normal
process of growing old.
The gradual
loss of brain function that characterises Alzheimer's disease seems to be
due to two main forms of neural damage: Nerve fibres grow tangled, and
protein deposits known as plaques build up in the affected tissue.
Researchers are not yet sure why or how this occurs.
Another
theory suggests that aluminium from cookware, for example may lead to
Alzheimer's. But this has not been proven.
Too much zinc in the diet has also
been sited as a possible factor but this is also debateable.
In a minority
of cases, trauma may be a contributing factor. About 15 percent of
Alzheimer's sufferers have a history of head injury.
Traditional Treatment
Unfortunately
Alzheimer's disease is incurable. There are medications that can slow the
onset of the disease, however.
Caring for an
Alzheimer's patient is often very stressful for family members. Eventually,
full-time nursing care will be necessary.
Alternative/Natural Treatments
The treatment
of Alzheimer's with alternative remedies may help slow the progress of the
disease or help with the symptoms.
Chelation Therapy -
a non surgical way of removing the traces of accumulated metals such as
aluminium in the body. This may have side effects so it is important to
seek medical advice before attempting this.
- a non surgical way of removing the traces of accumulated metals such
as aluminium in the body. This may have side effects so it is important to
seek medical advice before attempting this.
Herbal Therapies -
Ginkgo Biloba extract is said to alleviate early symptoms of
Alzheimer's. Also taking a good antioxidant vitamin supplement may help in
the early stages of the disease. -
Ginkgo Biloba extract is said to alleviate early symptoms of
Alzheimer's. Also taking a good antioxidant vitamin supplement may help in
the early stages of the disease.
Vitamins A,
B,
C and
E are helpful. A,
B,
C and
E are helpful.
Dietary considerations
- avoid eating deep fried foods and other foods with unsaturated fats such
as fast food and butter. Try to eat more fish and fruit, vegetables and
steamed white meat. Avoid salt, sugar, alcohol and caffeine. Drink plenty
of filtered water daily.
- avoid eating deep fried foods and other foods with unsaturated fats
such as fast food and butter. Try to eat more fish and fruit, vegetables
and steamed white meat. Avoid salt, sugar, alcohol and caffeine. Drink
plenty of filtered water daily.
Homoeopathy - Seek
Professional advice for remedies that may help in treating unusual or
disruptive behaviour.
- Seek Professional advice for remedies that may help in treating unusual
or disruptive behaviour.
Personal
Care
Maintain a stable and familiar household
Have
the patient wear an ID bracelet with a phone number on it.
Talk to
the Alzheimer’s patient about memories or positive events that happened
long ago. It will be something they can remember and recall.
See
Organizations or professional associations that may help you and the
patient cope.
Although some
studies suggest a link between Alzheimer's and zinc, doctors do not
recommend that you attempt to limit your daily intake. Talk to your doctor
in depth about this.
When to
seek further professional advice
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