Alzheimer’s and many other cognitive dysfunctions come about as a result of problems in signaling pathways particularly in the CNS. Misfiring of electrical impulses of failure to fire the signals completely result in the cognitive problems.
AD treatments and treatments available for other neurodegenerative disorders aim at resolving the causes of the neurological signaling malfunctions. Therefore the medicines given should target amyloid proteins/ plagues, or the ones that kill microbes responsible for the protein secretions should be available.
There also should be medicines that can rebuild or re-grow neurons and CNC cells. To help treat the high number of individuals with AD, or other conditions the following treatment regimens are available:
Cholinesterase inhibitors
Cellular communication is impaired in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Boosting the levels of cellular communication between the cells is important because acetylcholine, the important signal transducer, is depleted in patients with Alzheimer’s. Use of the cholinesterase inhibitors has been effective in improving neuropsychiatric symptoms like depression or agitation.
Memantine
This drug is effective in building cell to cell communication in the brain. It also slows down the progression of the disease as well as occurrence of symptoms in persons with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. It works well in tandem with the cholinesterase inhibitors.
Nutrition
It has been mentioned severally that you are what you eat. A person suffering from a neurodegenerative disorder might forget meals thus their health could be adversely affected. Juices, water, smoothies, healthy shakes and high calorie foods and drinks are recommended.
Curcumin is recommended for persons with any neurodegenerative disorder because the natural turmeric herb has active compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These will help in preventing inflammation of brain cells. Omega 3- fatty acids are also much recommended as well as ginkgo extracts and Vitamin E rich foods. Awareness and cure of AD needs to be improved and efforts to develop a cure promoted ad sensitized. Health education, programs and government interventions should be enhanced to enhance standards of living of all persons with Alzheimer’s.
Exercise
The brain and the brain cells are considered muscles as they get better with practice. Simple exercises and puzzles keep people active and minds alert. Constant training and participation will help in keeping the brain active for long. Neurons will still work in a healthy fashion and the speed at which the disease progress is lowered.
Exercise is also a great mood booster because of endorphins that are released reducing depression cases and promoting a healthy CNS. You should however have the patient wear an Alzheimer’s identification card or a medical alert bracelet if they have to go out for walks on their own.
In conclusion, Alzheimer’s and most other neurodegenerative conditions can be managed with these regimens. In most cases, the disease progression is fast and the symptoms too frequent close care and attention should be offered.
You can also help the patient by keeping photographs and meaningful objects around the house, the number of mirrors around the house reduces because they can cause confusion and fear, sturdy fixtures and fittings installed and have appointments scheduled for the same day and time. You may also consider keeping essential items at the same place, minimizing clutter and using whiteboards/ calendars for easy tracking.
Author Bio Tiffany Bloom is a champion for Alzheimer’s awareness and cure. She is renowned for her talks and campaigns to create awareness on care of persons with neurodegenerative disorders. Check her Facebook Page to learn more.