Alzheimers Symptom

Alzheimer’s Disease:

Scientists think that approximately 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease. It usually begins after the age of 60 and risk goes up with age. Younger people may have the disease. However, Alzheimer’s Disease is not a normal part of aging. Scientist don’t fully understand the causes of Alzheimer’s Disease. They think not one single Alzheimer’s symptoms cause, but several, that effect each person differently. Age is the most important known risk factor. The number of people with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. Family history is another risk factor. It is believed that genetics may play a role in many Alzheimer’s Disease cases.

Alzheimer’s Symptoms begin slowly at first. The only Alzheimer’s symptom may be mild forgetfulness, which is easily confused with age related memory change. However, as the disease goes on, Alzheimer’s symptoms are more easily noticed and cause family members to seek medical help.

Forgetfulness begins to interfere with daily activities. Some possible signs in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s Disease may be that they forget how to brush their teeth or comb their hair. They fail to recognize familiar places and people, and can no longer think clearly. They begin to have problems understanding, speaking, writing, reading. In later stages they may become anxious, or aggressive. Some may wander away from home.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but with medication it can help slow down and provide relief for the Alzheimer’s symptoms. Although the Mayo Clinic suggests prescription and non-drug treatment, a professional should be consulted at all times before and during treatment. Along with the medication treatment, the Alzheimer’s patient may need to be in contact with someone to help them relearn skills such as walking and motor skills. But the two main steps in helping slow down Alzheimer’s symptoms are to slow down the decline of the faculties with either drug or non-drug treatment and to help monitor and control the behavioral symptom. Also important is instruction and support for the family of the Alzheimer’s patient.

The type of drug treatments include the following:
Cholinesterase Inhibitors are used because the gradual loss of memory is expected because the disease destroys acetylcholine cells, which are the cells responsible for carrying messages to the brain. Cholinesterase Inhibitors work by blocking the enzyme that destroys the acetylcholine cells. This aids in delaying the memory loss and allows better functioning to continue for a longer period of time. Meantime is another drug that was FDA approved in 2003 for Alzheimer’s Disease patients under-going treatment, that are suffering from moderate to severe symptoms. This is a favorable treatment, because it aids in the patients ability to complete daily activities and they suffer from less amounts of mood swings and behavioral changes. The main focus of drug treatment is anti-anxiety and sleep medication, because lack of sleep and anxiety are common symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease. Some other treatments may include administering vitamin E, but this should be discussed with the physician, before going this route as well.

Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s symptoms that turn into the full-blown disease can be fatal. But with the proper treatment and care it can be slowed down and the quality of life can be good.