Conditions
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a serious, degenerative condition that involves the deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, resulting in memory loss and disorientation.
Originally thought to be rare, this disease has become the number one type of dementia in those over 65 years of age. Although common in the elderly, this disease can affect people in their forties and the actual deterioration of critical areas of the brain may precede the symptoms by as much as twenty to forty years.
Currently, the disease is irreversible and progressive.
Signs and Symptoms:
There are three stages generally associated with Alzheimer's. In the first stage, an increased level of forgetfulness may be noted.
In the second stage, forgetfulness becomes severe memory loss, particularly effecting the short-term memory. Long-term memory may not be affected at all. Disorientation may occur, often causing the victim to lose his or her way home. A marked decrease in intellectual ability can be observed. Often it becomes impossible for the person to do simple math problems or to find the right words. Personality changes such as anxiety, mood swings and apprehension also begin to occur in this stage.
In the final stage, the patient is severely disorientated and tends to suffer from hallucinations and paranoid delusions. Muscle control may be effected causing loss of bladder and bowel control. Belligerence and violent behavior are not uncommon, although some victims become more docile and withdrawn.
Note: Many older individuals suffer from malnutrition, which can cause symptoms that mimic Alzheimer's. Thus, it is important that the person's diet be assessed and that vitamin and mineral supplements be added to determine if nutritional depletion is the cause. Also, it is important to rule out drug-induced dementia, which can be mistaken for Alzheimer's disease.
Diagnosis:
There is no positive way to diagnose Alzheimer's (other than a post mortem autopsy or a biopsy). Physicians can, however, make a probable diagnosis by performing a comprehensive evaluation including a complete health history and physical examination, a mental status assessment, neurological test, blood tests and urinalysis. Additional tests may be conducted and are often necessary to rule out other possible causes of dementia. Also, there is no known cause, although speculation ranges from heredity to excess consumption of aluminum.
Treatment Options:
There are very few treatment options for Alzheimer's disease at this time. However, some treatments may help slow the degeneration or lower the chances of developing the disease.
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Traditional Treatments:
Research on Alzheimer's disease is continuing to produce new treatment techniques. However, none have proven effective.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies:
Alzheimer's disease is believed to respond to some alternative therapies.
Nutritional Supplementation:
Phosphatidyl choline increases acetylcholine levels which clinical data suggests might improve memory in Alzheimer's patients. 100 mg, three times daily, with meals.
Phosphatidyl serine is one of the primary phospholipids found in brain tissue. Animal and human studies have found that supplementing this nutrient can improve memory and age-related changes in brain.
Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which have been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's. 5,000 IU of beta-carotene and 100 mg of selenium, twice a day, may help slow the degenerating effects of this disease.
Magnesium deficiencies, in conjunction with high concentrations of aluminum, have been found in Alzheimer's patients. Thus, 250 mg of magnesium should be taken twice daily to combat the deficiency.
Alternative Therapies:
- Currently, the single most effective treatment for Alzheimer's is Ginkgo biloba extract. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, ginkgo biloba extract can stabilize and, in some cases, improve the mental functioning and social behavior of people with Alzheimer's. This treatment is particularly effective in the early stages of the disease. Make sure to choose a standardized extract containing at least 24 percent ginkgo heterosides. Take 80 mg, three times daily.
- The Chinese herb qian ceng ta (Huperzia serata), also known as club moss, has been shown to increase clear-headedness, language ability, and memory in a significant percentage of subjects with Alzheimer's.
- Chinese ginseng protects the cells of the brain, increases mental alertness, and boosts serotonin levels. It is recommended that you start at half the recommended dose and gradually work up to what's on the label if you have Alzheimer's.
- Seeking out a homeopathic physician may be wise. Although Alzheimer's can't be reversed the patient can sometimes find relief with a proper homeopathic remedy tailored to their needs (if administered in the early stages of the disease).
- Rosemary oil stimulates mental function; lavender and neroli can calm and ease agitation. Diffuse one or more of these oils into the air of your home.
- Heavy metal cleanses are available, containing herbs and nutrients necessary for removing heavy metals from the body, prepackaged by Renew Life.
General Recommendations:
- Treatments are most effective when started early.
- Avoid exposure to aluminum. Avoid using aluminum cookware, canned drinks, some antacids and antiperspirants.
- Have a hair analysis to rule out the possibility of heavy metal intoxication as the cause of symptoms.
General Warnings:
Due to the difficulty of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, other forms of dementia are often mistaken for Alzheimer's. Malnutrition and drug induced behavior may be the culprits. These are treatable and should be ruled out first.
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