What is Alzheimer’s?
Before we get into solutions, it’s important to understand the problem. And to understand what Alzheimer’s really is.
Alzheimer’s is one of the most common causes of dementia. It is a disease that inhibits the brain’s cognitive abilities, and its symptoms vary among patients.
Common symptoms include:
- Memory loss
- Memory confusion
- Trouble finding the right words
- Visual decline
- Spatial decline
- Emotional distress
What causes Alzheimer’s?
We don’t know for certain what directly brings about Alzheimer’s. But, we do know that it is linked to a sort of plague that seems to grow in the brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer’s.
Further research indicates that patients with Alzheimer’s dementia exhibit extreme neuron loss or damage. And, loss of nerve connection in the brain means an inability to send messages within the brain from one part to another.
Is there a cure for Alzheimer’s?
Unfortunately, there is no be-all and end-all cure for Alzheimer’s.
At least not yet, anyway.
However, there are some medications that can still help patients with Alzheimer’s dementia.
There have been several drugs developed that have the ability to aid with some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Things like memory loss, mental fogginess, loss of motor ability, etc. However, these medications only target the wound rather than the disease. And, they don’t last forever.
Fortunately, a new solution may be close and in our reach.
Sometime in early 2020, a U.S drug company hopes to bring to the world a new kind of treatment therapy. Rather than only attack the symptoms, this treatment would go straight to the heart of the problem, slowing down the disease itself. This new drug treatment would work to destroy the toxic plaque build-up that is thought to be the main cause of Alzheimer’s dementia.
There is not much else known about the treatment, but we are keeping our fingers crossed in anticipation.
How to help patients of Alzheimer’s?
The best thing you can do for Alzheimer’s patients is to try to keep them healthy -mentally and physically.
If someone you love has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia, try playing memory games and puzzles to make sure they’re exercising their brain muscles consistently. Take them outside (or inside) regularly for long walks to keep their blood pumping and their bodies happy. And, make sure they are eating the right foods. A balanced diet and good nutrition can really go a long way.
Lastly, consider hiring a home care professional.
It may be easy to care for your loved one at first. But chances are, it’s going to get much harder later on. Alzheimer’s dementia is a progressive disease. Which means it gets worse as time goes on. And when that happens, you’re going to want some backup you can trust.
If it’s still too early for you to bring a home care aid to the house, it’s a good idea to at least have one on file in case of an emergency. This way, when times get tough, you’ll have someone to help right away.
