Alzheimer's
A lzheimer'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 persons 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. Alzheimers 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
Alzheimers 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
|