Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Treatments

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved five drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. All of the following prescription medications work by affecting particular chemicals in the brain and offer modest improvement in memory and cognitive function in some people with Alzheimer's.

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Alzheimer's Treatments

Research on alternative treatments has been inconclusive. While Vitamin E may prolong someone's ability to perform simple daily tasks, such as getting dressed, it will not increase brain function -- and large doses can be dangerous. Another popular alternative medicine, Ginkgo, shows no evidence to support its benefits with regards to Alzheimer's treatment, and it can have negative effects when combined with blood thinning medications.               Click below to continue.
 

Alzheimer's Treatments

Brain damage influences the way people act and react. While no treatment can stop the cognitive deterioration of Alzheimer's, there are ways to help with some behavior problems. Simplifying the environment, establishing a routine that places minimal demands on the patient, and establishing simple management techniques are all effective behavioral treatments.
 

Alzheimer’s Awareness

A condition that affects 5.4 million Americans, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. The disease takes a physical, emotional and financial toll on the person who suffers from it as well as their family and friends. Meet the Top 10 Online Influencers sharing information, support and answers to Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers alike.                                                    Click below to learn more.

Alzheimer’s in America

1 out of every 8 Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and nearly half of people 85 years old and up have it. Know the warning signs of Alzheimer’s, and steps you can take to reduce your risk.

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Alzheimer’s and Caregiving

More than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care for a person with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Caregivers should look for changes in memory, communication, mood or behavior. Find out what it’s like to be an Alzheimer’s caregiver, and test your smarts with our quiz, “Caregiving Support.”

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Brain Changes in Alzheimer’s Patients

The brain changes that cause Alzheimer’s can begin up to 20 years before symptoms actually appear. Know the difference between signs of Alzheimer’s disease and normal aging, and take our brain boosters quiz to test your knowledge about memory.

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Exercise Boosts Brain Power

Studies show that people who exercise at least 15 minutes three or more times a week had a 40% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Some research also suggests that exercise can restore lost brain volume and cognitive function in people with early stage Alzheimer’s disease. Other lifestyle factors that can prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias include a healthy diet, quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.

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Never Stop Learning

The more years of education you have, the less likely you are to develop Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Learning a new language or musical instrument has also been linked with a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s. Researchers believe that challenging yourself helps build up your brain, making it less susceptible to the lesions associated with Alzheimer’s.

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Alzheimer’s on the Rise

By 2050, the number of people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s is expected to triple. But don’t lose hope—better treatments that could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and slow its progression are in the works, and more than 1,000 new medicines are currently being developed.

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Caregivers and Stress

33% of Alzheimer’s caregivers have symptoms of depression, and 61% of Alzheimer’s caregivers say they’re under high stress. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself to avoid caregiver burnout.

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Factors that Increase Risk

Age, family history, lack of social engagement, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, lack of physical activity, obesity, a high-fat diet and head injury are all factors that increase Alzheimer’s risk.

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The Progression of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s progresses in five stages, beginning with brain changes and leading to an inability to communicate and eventually, death. Regardless of the progression of this disease, communicating and connecting go far beyond words. Even in advanced stages, a person with Alzheimer’s may still be able to sense kindness and love.