Treating Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among older people. Alzheimer’ destroys a person’s memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. Genetic factors are suspected, and dominant mutations in three different genes have been identified that account for a much smaller number of cases of familial, early-onset AD. People with dementia often have trouble thinking and speaking clearly, remembering recent events, and learning new things. Over time, it becomes hard for them to handle everyday activities and take care of themselves. Age is the most important risk factor for AD; the number of people with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. Three genes have been discovered that cause early onset (familial) AD. Other genetic mutations that cause excessive accumulation of amyloid protein are associated with age-related (sporadic) AD. AD is part of an immune response that is attempting to contain the disease. The former may be more likely, since research indicates that anti-inflammatory drugs can prevent or retard AD development.
Alzheimer’s disease advances at widely different rates. Family history is another risk factor of Alzheimer’s. Several risk factor genes may interact with each other and with non-genetic factors to cause the disease. Cardiovascular Risk Factors The same factors that increase the risk for heart disease and stroke, such as high blood pressure, may also increase the risk for late-onset AD. Most people with mild forgetfulness do not have AD. In the early stage of AD, people may have trouble remembering recent events, activities, or the names of familiar people or things. Oxidative damage refers to cell damage caused by excess free radicals, which are highly reactive chemicals. Free radicals are often formed as a by-product of metabolism, or chemical processes within the cell. Excess free radicals may cause substantial neuronal damage, contributing to AD development. Type 2 Diabetes. A link between AD and type 2 diabetes, the form of diabetes in which insulin levels are high. One theory is that too much insulin in the blood promotes inflammation and oxidative damage in the brain, both of which contribute to AD development.
Symptoms of AD include memory loss, language deterioration, impaired ability to mentally manipulate visual information, poor judgment, confusion, restlessness, and mood swings. Alzheimer’s disease may also include behavioral changes, such as outbursts of violence or excessive passivity in people who have no previous history of such behavior. In the later stages, deterioration of musculature and mobility, leading to bedfastness, inability to feed oneself, and incontinence, will be seen if death from some external cause (e.g. heart attack or pneumonia) does not intervene. Moderate -As the disease progresses to the middle stage, the patient might still be able to perform tasks independently, but may need assistance with more complicated activities. Severe — As the disease progresses from the middle to late stage, the patient will undoubtedly not be able to perform even the simplest of tasks on their own and will need constant supervision. They may even lose the ability to walk or eat without assistance. They might forget to eat and starve.
Treatment Alzheimer’s Disease Tips
1. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-inhibitors reduce the rate at which acetylcholine (ACh) is broken down and hence increase the concentration of ACh in the brain (combatting the loss of ACh caused by the death of the cholinergin neurons).
2. Ginkgo for the treatment of “cognitive impairment and dementia,” a Cochrane Review concludes that “there is promising evidence of improvement in cognition and function associated with Ginkgo According to this review the two randomized controlled studies that focused on Alzheimer’s patients both showed significant improvement in these areas.
3. Tramiprosate (3APS or Alzhemed) is a GAG-mimetic molecule that is believed to act by binding to soluble amyloid beta to prevent the accumulation of the toxic plaques.
4. R-flurbiprofen (MPC-7869) is a gamma secretase modulator sometimes called a selective amyloid beta 42 lowering agent. It is believed to reduce the production of the toxic amyloid beta in favor of shorter forms of the peptide.
5. Leuprolide has also been studied for Alzheimer’s. It is hypothesized to work by reducing leutenizing hormone levels which may be causing damage in the brain as one ages.
6. Antihistamine drug Dimebon has also recently been found to show beneficial effects against Alzheimer’s disease in preliminary trials
7. Vaccines or immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s, unlike typical vaccines, would be used to treat diagnosed patients rather than for disease prevention.
8. Proposed alternative treatments for Alzheimer’s include a range of herbal compounds and dietary supplements.
9. Cognitive and behavioral interventions and rehabilitation strategies may be used as an adjunct to pharmacologic treatment, especially in the early to moderately advanced stages of disease.
10. DNA-based therapy is also Treating Alzheimer’s Disease.
About the Author
Juliet Cohen writes articles for health care clinic and home remedies.
The Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is marked by slow development, and its characteristic decline in cognitive and behavioral function typically takes place gradually over a period of several years. It is because of this slow onset that many cases go undiagnosed until more severe symptoms become apparent. Over time, the disease affects a person’s memory, language skills, decision making abilities and reasoning. Though the disease may be classified in individuals as mild, moderate or severe based on the extent of the symptoms, it is important to remember that each case is unique and progression will vary from one person to the next.
Although the stages of Alzheimer’s are not concrete time periods, knowing generally what to expect over time can be helpful in future care planning for anyone who has a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Here we examine some of the characteristic behaviors observed in the mild, moderate and severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease:
Mild/Early: In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms such as forgetfulness, a limited attention span and forgetting where things belong are often disregarded as typical signs of aging. Though some of the symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease are similar to those experienced by a healthy person with age, a person with Alzheimer’s disease will exhibit such behaviors with more frequency and severity over time. A person in the mild stage of the disease may become less motivated, resist change and confuse one word with another when speaking. Often, the patient does not realize that he or she is experiencing these changes, and a close family member is the first to notice symptoms. People in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease can usually remain at home, particularly when there is a spouse or other loved one there to help out.
Moderate/Middle: As the disease progresses into the moderate stage, symptoms become more severe, more recurrent and more apparent to other people as well as the patient. The middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease is marked by a decline in memory function, particularly short term memory, though a patient may retain his or her long term memory. Personality changes and an inability to make judgments are also extremely common in this stage. It is in the moderate stage that a person with Alzheimer’s may begin to have difficulty recognizing people they know, or confusing the identity of one person with another. People in this stage of Alzheimer’s do best having a caregiver available full time to help with daily needs and ensure their safety.
Severe/Advanced: Severe Alzheimer’s disease calls for fulltime care from a loved one or a professional caregiver. Patients at this stage have difficulty communicating and frequently do not recognize loved ones. Advanced Alzheimer’s disease causes patients to feel disoriented with their surroundings and exhibit severe mood swings.
Alzheimer’s disease affects every person differently, and all people with Alzheimer’s disease will not experience every described symptom. Though the disease is divided into stages to make understanding its progression easier, there is no set timeline for any one patient’s progression. Today, the progression of the Alzheimer’s symptoms can sometimes be delayed with medications and lifestyle changes.
About the Author
About the Author: John Trevey is the C.E.O. of Uncommon Care, a leading provider of Austin Alzheimer’s care. He is the manager of both The Barton House and the Breckinridge. For more information, please visit http://www.uncommoncare.com.
Health Matters - Ol’ Timers (Rhymes with Alzheimer’s) Disease
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My Dad is a funny guy. I owe the title of this article to him. Fortunately, he still has his mental faculties intact. However, he has what he refers to as ’senior moments’. When that happens he often says jokingly (as he abruptly feigns as if he is looking for something) “where did I place my aluminum pills?”
It’s one of those sort of funny, sort of not-so-funny things that he says, in gest.
Some people think aluminum is the cause of Alzheimer’s. Now, where would we get enough aluminum to cause aluminum poisoning? Perhaps all the soda pop cans we’ve been drinking out of for xx number of years? But is that it? Is that the only cause? And most of us don’t need much proof that having aluminum in our brains is probably not a good idea.
What else might be the cause of Alzheimer’s?
The University of Calgary has done some research and, in fact, they’ve produced an interesting video. The video shows the visual evidence of neural degeneration caused by the presence of mercury on a developing neural fiber. It is compelling information.
Granted, they did not use human brain neurons in their experiment, thankfully, but I think the point is still valid.
It appears likely, from the research and video, that mercury is a likely cause of Alzheimer’s. In other research, autopsies performed on people that were known to have Alzheimer’s showed that their brains have the same kinds of twisted neural fibers seen and described in the video (post mercury exposure).
Until more compelling evidence is available that contradicts this conclusion, for my money, I’m betting that mercury is the primary cause of Alzheimer’s Disease. How convinced am I? Enough to chelate mercury out of my system, including my brain. But then, I was already going through chelation before I saw this video. I had also already done a lot of mercury related research. Thus I didn’t need a firestorm of new information to be convinced of the connection between the two.
If that is the case, what can you do to lower your risks? Plenty. But you need to see an outstanding Doctor that understands the proper protocols for determining if you have mercury in your body and how to get it out if you do.
I can tell you that depending on your condition, chelation can be relatively easy or it can be quite a difficult process to endure. In any case, it beats the possibility of enduring the loss of your mind to “Alzheimer’s” or mercury poisoning of the brain.
Copyright 2007 Thomas Mayhew
About the Author
Thomas Mayhew is the Webmaster for Crimson Books. Since going through a death-defying health experience (in 2005), he has taken a keen interest in sharing his health knowledge with others. You can subscribe to his blog at Health Matters Blog.
Using Vitamins to Prevent Alzheimer’s
Understanding what happens when an individual develops Alzheimer’s is still something that is being investigated. What scientists do know about Alzheimer’s is that it is a slow-developing disease of the brain that is characterized by dying brain cells. While the direct cause is unknown, it is theorized that the death of the cells is attributed to a lack of chemicals necessary to keep brain cells healthy.
After the age of 20, human brain cells (neurons) start to die at a rate of about 9000 per day. This results in a natural decline of mental acuity. There are reports that some vitamins can help to restore brain cells, but these reports are highly controversial. Once brain cells die, there really is no way to restore them. What scientists focus on is how to prevent Alzheimer’s. In the last few years, scientists have been testing the effects of vitamins on the brain. Those that seem to provide the most benefit are vitamins C and E.
In the world of vitamin supplementation, vitamin C and E are building blocks of good health. These vitamins are antioxidants that has proven beneficial in numerous health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stress. The body normally produces enough vitamin C and E in the body to protect the brain from damage from free radicals. However, the amount of vitamin C may be depleted by factors, such as diet and genetics. Scientists believe that taking 500 milligrams of vitamin C and 500 milligrams of vitamin E daily protects brain cells from premature destruction, a key to Alzheimer’s prevention.
These recommended amounts of vitamin C and E supplementation to prevent Alzheimer’s is way beyond what is recommended for general health. Before you consider taking these vitamins, you should discuss your plans with a medical doctor. Excessive amounts of vitamin C are flushed out in the urine and don’t usually cause serious problems, but excessive amounts of vitamin E can result in some unpleasant side effects. As with any vitamins or medication, you should store them in a location that is out of reach from children. Vitamins C and E can cause serious problems in children.
Why not check out our nutrition guide at http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com/nut-ebook.html
and also what supplement we personally use for our nutrition needs at http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com/what-we-use.html
About the Author
John Gibb is the owner of Nutrition guides, a website offering free nutrition advice and a quality nutrition book for newsletter subscribers.
News Alzheimer’s Immune Treatment
While there are medications that can slow-slightly–the progression of Alzheimer’s, the end inevitably comes in all those affected.
While there are medications that can slow, slightly, the progression of Alzheimer’s, the end inevitably comes to all those affected. New data suggests that Immunoglobulin, used to treat multiple sclerosis patients, could work in Alzheimer’s patients as well.
Immunoglobulin contains antibodies against a protein thought to be a main suspect in Alzheimer’s disease. That protein, called beta-amyloid, causes the formation of protein deposits which can damage and destroy sensitive nerve cells, leading to the early senility of Alzheimer’s.
In the study of five patients, this drug, IVIG, given intravenously every four weeks over six months, lowered the levels of the beta-amyloid protein in the fluid around the brain by more than 30 percent.
Dr. Mark Mehler, Chairman of the Department of Neurology at Montefiore Medical Center, New York, says, “There’s evidence from other diseases that the pathology is on going. And there is some hope that if you could reverse part of the pathological process before the cells actually die, you may be able to intervene even late in a disease. But there is also a lot of evidence because theses diseases are biologically complex, that if you intervene late the chance of you effecting either a cure or a significant retardation of the progression is little. That’s the problem.”
The researchers also found four of the five patients actually improved slightly on mental status tests…none deteriorated over the six month period. Still, Dr. Mehler thinks this would only be a disease halting approach, not one that can reverse the problem.
“The only way you’re really going to cure the disease is to re-establish the neuro-networks that have been damaged in the disease. And probably the only way that you can do that and effectively in the future is through stem-cells. So I think that research in these fields really needs to happen because it’s really become an epidemic.”
There is a lot of controversy in the field as to whether or not these beta-amyloid plaques are just the by-product of the disease or if the plaques are central to the problem. That still to be worked out, but this research gives a small boost to support the thinking it does indeed contribute to the disease.
About the Author
To find more relatd articles please visit www.empowereddoctor.com/specialty_104.html and www.empowereddoctor.com/story_269.html
Full Detailed Information on Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), also known simply as Alzheimer’s, is a neurodegenerative disease that, in its most common form, is found in people over age 65. Approximately 24 million people worldwide have dementia of which the majority (~60%) is due to Alzheimer’s.
Clinical signs of Alzheimer’s disease are characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration, together with declining activities of daily living and by neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioral changes. It is the most common type of dementia. Plaques which contain misfolded peptides called amyloid beta (Aβ) are formed in the brain many years before the clinical signs of Alzheimer’s are observed. More than 4 million Americans today are affected with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to escalate to approximately 12 million within the next 30 years. This serious disease is plaguing America in such a way that just about every individual has had an experience with someone with Alzheimer’s in one way or another. Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that affects the mind, and more specifically your memory. 1 in 8 individuals over the age of 65 will develop it.
Risk Factors:
We currently don’t know what exactly causes Alzheimer’s, and it remains a disease that is diagnosed by eliminating other possibilities. However, experts have found a number of factors that reoccur in Alzheimer’s patients. It is believed that a combination of the following factors can cause a person to be predisposed to develop Alzheimer’s.
1. Family history of the disease – especially a parent or sibling.
2. Heart-disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and diabetes.
3. Previous head injury
4. Environmental toxins
5. Advancing age
6. Stress- high levels of anxiety
What Are the Symptoms of AD?
AD begins slowly. At first, the only symptom may be mild forgetfulness, which can be confused with age-related memory change. Most people with mild forgetfulness do not have AD. In the early stage of AD, people may have trouble remembering recent events, activities, or the names of familiar people or things. They may not be able to solve simple math problems. Such difficulties may be a bother, but usually they are not serious enough to cause alarm.
However, as the disease goes on, symptoms are more easily noticed and become serious enough to cause people with AD or their family members to seek medical help. Forgetfulness begins to interfere with daily activities.
Main Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease:
Experts have identified a number of stages to help define and group people suffering from this devastating and difficult disease. With no cure the best thing you can do is be aware of what this disease may bring in the future and use this knowledge to help plan care for your loved one.
The following are the Three Main Stages:
1. Early-State – In the early stage, the individual will suffer memory loss and possibly some other cognitive difficulties, however, they can continue to function independently.
2. Mid-Stage – In the mid-stage, the disease has progressed past basic memory troubles and the individual’s mental abilities have continued to decline. They start to suffer personality changes and physical problems, and in turn become more dependent on caregivers.
3. Late-Stage – The late-stage is the most severe. Individuals will suffer complete deterioration of the personality and loss of control over bodily functions. They will become totally dependent on caregivers for even basic daily needs.
There is no set time as to when a person will progress from one stage to the other. One individual may move quickly from the early-stage to the mid-stage, while another may stay in the early-stage for several years. Every person is different. Here is a basic break down of the types of symptoms and their severity for each stage:
How is the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease made?
As of June 2007, there is no specific “blood test” or imaging test that is used for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed when: 1) a person has sufficient cognitive decline to meet criteria for dementia; 2) the clinical course is consistent with that of Alzheimer’s disease; 3) no other brain diseases or other processes are better explanations for the dementia.
Treatment
Currently, there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Doctors sometimes prescribe drugs to improve symptoms that often accompany Alzheimer’s, including sleeplessness, wandering, anxiety, agitation and depression. But only two varieties of medications have been proved to slow the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s.
What can I do to help myself?
The first thing is not to worry unnecessarily. A problem with forgetfulness doesn’t mean that you have dementia.
If you find yourself forgetting certain things, you could try to give yourself memory prompts. If (for instance) you find that you forget to buy food, leave notes in your kitchen cupboards near the back, reminding you to go to the shops. So when you come across the notes, keep them on you until you have bought more food.
This may seem cumbersome, but it’s only an extension of the ‘to do’ lists that people make in everyday life.
About the Author
Read out for Anxiety. Check out stress
Facts About Alzheimer’s Diseases
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease. It is found in people over age 65. AD is also considered a tauopathy due to abnormal aggregation of the tau protein, a microtubule-associated protein expressed in neurons that normally acts to stabilize microtubules in the cell cytoskeleton. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a slowly progressive disease of the brain that is characterized by impairment of memory and eventually by disturbances in reasoning, planning, language, and perception. Alzheimer’s disease attacks the brain; it is not a normal part of aging. People with AD have a gradual memory loss and difficulties with language and emotions. The progressive loss of intellectual abilities is termed dementia. Several genetic factors have been identified that play a role with genes that are associated with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). As the disease advances, the person may need help in all aspects of life: bathing, eating, and using the restroom. About 5-6% of the US population has AD or a related dementia.
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene on chromosome 19. This is most interesting because it is both negative and positive. The e4-type is linked to significantly higher risk for AD, the e2-type is linked to significant protection from AD symptoms. Memory loss, especially of recent events and newly acquired information, is perhaps the most noticeable trait of AD. Alzheimer’s disease ranks fourth in the cause of death among adults. About 100,000 people die per year as a result of AD. It is estimated that by 2050, 14 million people in the US will suffer from AD. There are now more than 5 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s. Every 72 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s. Some changes in memory are a normal consequence of aging, but when changes in memory, spatial navigation, and concentration are affecting activities of daily living, then you may be experiencing some type of dementia. AD is just one form of dementia and dementia is just one reason for changes in memory.
There are treatments that can help with memory impairment and improve mental functioning and to help stabilize symptoms. Donepezil also appears to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s for about a year in people who have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). AChE-inhibitors reduce the rate at which acetylcholine (ACh) is broken down and hence increase the concentration of ACh in the brain. Proposed alternative treatments for Alzheimer’s include a range of herbal compounds and dietary supplements. Cognitive and behavioral interventions and rehabilitation strategies may be used as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment. Vitamin E (an antioxidant) and aspirin (an anti-inflammatory) are being considered as treatments. Risk factors are characteristics of the person, their lifestyle and environment that contribute to the likelihood of getting a disease.
Alzheimer’s Diseases Treatment Tips
1. Donepezil also appears to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s for about a year in people who have mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
2. AChE-inhibitors reduce the rate at which acetylcholine (ACh) is broken down and hence increase the concentration of ACh in the brain.
3. Cognitive and behavioral interventions and rehabilitation strategies may be used as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment.
4. Vitamin E (an antioxidant) and aspirin (an anti-inflammatory) are being considered as treatments.
About the Author
Juliet Cohen writes articles for online medical clinic and skin disorders.
Alzheimer’s Disease Information: When Someone You Love Has Been Diagnosed
Has someone you love recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease? If so, you probably have many questions about the disease and are concerned about getting the best Alzheimer’s disease information available.
In the early course of Alzheimer’s your affected family member or loved one may have only mild impairment of their thought processes which may manifest as problems with short term memory and lapses in judgement. You may notice subtle changes in their general personality and mood on a daily basis with occasional periods of agitation or withdrawal. At first these symptoms may be mild but over time they will likely become more pronounced as the disease progresses. Up-to-date Alzheimer’s disease information is critical early in the course of the illness in order to make the right decisions regarding long term care of your loved one.
Alzheimer’s disease may progress at a variable rate depending on the individual. An affected person may have only mild symptoms and maintain a fairly normal lifestyle for many years. Others will progress rapidly, requiring constant monitoring and around the clock care early on. It’s important that your affected loved one undergo a thorough physical exam, mental status exam, and functional status evaluation to determine their level of functioning. At this point, your doctor will be able to give you more in depth Alzheimer’s disease information relating to long term prognosis.
Once the diagnosis is made, your doctor may start your loved one on one of a several medications that have been shown to slow down progression of the disease by acting on certain brain biochemicals. While these medications may delay progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms, they’re not a cure. Thus, it will be important to plan for the long term welfare of the patient.To do this, your doctor may recommend additional specialists such as a psychiatrist, therapist, or counselor along with consultation with a neurologist to help you get the best care for your family member. They can make recommendations as to what level of care the patient will need.
Other resources for Alzheimer’s information relating to care of your loved one include Alzheimer’s support groups where you can interact with other family members dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, as well as the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center. These groups can provide you with the support you need to get through the challenges of caring for an Alzheimer’s patient.
By having the best Alzheimer’s disease information resources available to you, you’ll be able to make the appropriate decisions necessary to provide for the long term well care of your loved one.
http://www.firsmedicalonline.com
About the Author
The author has put together a medical site that will explain in plain english various medical problems.
Mind-Robbing Alzheimer
What is Alzheimer?
The gray-haired old lady cannot wait to leave the building to search for her dad. Unless watched, she will walk the streets in an effort to locate her father, who died 30 years ago. Yes, she is afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, a condition so debilitating, it robs a patient not only of memory, sight and mobility, but even personality.
Alzheimer’s disease is a physical illness that causes changes in the brain. It is a form of dementia. Dementia affects a person’s memory, mood, and behavior.
Alzheimer’s disease usually affects people over 65. A person with this disease has trouble remembering, speaking, learning, making judgments, and planning. Some people feel restless and moody. It may take many years for Alzheimer’s disease to get worse.
People often do become more forgetful as they grow older. However, Alzheimer’s disease causes more than just memory loss. Its symptoms can impact every part of a person’s life. Alzheimer’s disease leads to changes in behavior, personality, and abilities. Over time, people with the disease have trouble doing common daily activities, such as bathing or getting dressed.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be frustrating for a person with the disease. Dealing with these symptoms can also be difficult for family members of the suffering patient. It may help to understand that these changes are no one’s fault. They are part of the disease.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and no way to slow the progression of the disease. For some people in the early or middle stages of the disease, certain medications may alleviate some cognitive symptoms.
In addition, some medications may help control behavioral symptoms such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression. These treatments are aimed at making the patient more comfortable.
However, scientists have identified the region of the brain responsible for long-term memory, bringing closer the development of treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
American researchers pinpointed a part of the brain - the anterior cingulate - that controls the storage and retrieval of distant recollections. The breakthrough opens up a new field of research into ways to treat diseases, like Alzheimer’s that affect the memory.
About the Author
For more information, visit: http://www.AlzheimersInfoHelp.com
