- Alzheimer's disease - can be slowed down, it can not be cured
- Steps
- Treatment
- Symptoms and treatment
The therapy used in Alzheimer's disease
The planet's population is aging and as a result of Alzheimer's care humanity more and more. According to some projections for the next five years is expected to increase the incidence of this disease. To date medications to get rid of the disease, not invented. Unfortunately, people continue to lose memory and Alzheimer's disease deprives them of basic essential skills.
Alzheimer's disease - of complex disease. Scientists continue to search for clues - what changes in platelets and fibers cause memory loss and other symptoms, how it is possible to reverse this process, and what can be done to prevent and control the disease. However, at the moment, there are drugs that help to alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and slow down their progress.
Despite the fact that memory loss is considered a "calling card" of Alzheimer's disease, those suffering from this disease, and people are also observed other symptoms of cognitive, behavioral and psychiatric nature.
There are various kinds of therapeutic treatment for Alzheimer's disease, which are aimed directly at solving the above problems. In the course of disease symptoms vary, so physicians need to modify or supplement treatment as manifestation of new symptoms.
Medications
In practice several different types of drugs that are aimed at solving the problems with memory loss, changes in behavior, sleep problems and other symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, these drugs are not able to stop the disease, but they can slow down the symptoms for several months or even years. It is worth noting that all of these drugs have side effects that occur in more severe in the elderly.
There are two classes of four drugs that have been tested and approved, and can be used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
- Cholinesterase inhibitors
Helps to relieve the patient's condition during the manifestation of cognitive symptoms of the disease. They prevent deterioration of the circulation in the brain matrix chemical called acetylcholine, which plays an important role in the process of new information, memory and concentration.
To date, the treatment of Alzheimer's disease are used three kinds of cholinesterase inhibitors. Donepezil (Aritsept) is used for mild, moderate and severe forms of the disease. Rivastigimin (Exelon) and galantamine (Razadin) indicated for mild to moderate forms. Exelon today also available in the form of special patches, which are very convenient for some patients.
When using cholinesterase inhibitors can be shown side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness.
Memantine (Namenda) regulates the amount of another chemical matrix in the human brain, called glutamate. Namenda is indicated for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Side effects can be dizziness, confusion, headache, constipation, nausea, excessive excitement or anxiety. Impact Namenda passes in a different scenario, in contrast to the cholinesterase inhibitors, so they may be combinative use.
It is difficult to argue that one drug is better than another, it all depends on the individual case. With the help of a specialist, patients may determine that it is more suited to them.
In Alzheimer's disease is also used therapy aimed at behavioral and psychiatric symptoms, if these symptoms are really caused by this disease. They include hallucinations, excessive agitation or anxiety, sleep problems
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. But it is worth noting that none of the drugs in this series it has not been approved as a drug with an indication for use in Alzheimer's disease.
- Antidepressants and tranquilizers
Antidepressants such as citalopram (Tseleksa), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft) are used in the spleen
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and mood swings. Tranquilizers such as lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Zeraks) are shown in the restlessness and increased excitation.
Such as aripiprazole (Ebilifay), clozapine (Klozaril), haloperidol (Haldol), and olanzapine (Zaypreksa) used in hallucinations, delusions
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, Increased anxiety attacks and aggression. It is important to know that neuroleptic drugs are often associated with increased risk of death in people suffering from dementia, which is why these drugs are in the "black list", and experts do not recommend to get involved in them, especially the elderly.
Other therapies
Some non-drug therapies can also help people suffering from Alzheimer's disease to deal with its symptoms.
Vitamin E came to the attention of specialists dealing with the disease Altsgemera as vitamin antioxidant that is believed to be a very beneficial effect on nerve cells in the brain. However, many doctors do not prescribe it in a hurry, because today there is no compelling evidence that it is indeed effective and can positively interact with other drugs, such as antithrombotic drugs group.
- Hormone replacement therapy
As a result of studies found that the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in postmenopausal women who undergo hormone replacement therapy significantly lower. It is believed that the female hormone estrogen
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It helps in building links between brain cells, and inhibits the development of beta amyloid protein, which is the main component of plaques, which leads to the formation of Alzheimer's disease.
However, the latest studies show that hormone replacement therapy actually does not improve, there was even a hypothesis that this type of therapy increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and breast cancer.
In some cases, touch therapy, and by this term refers to listening to music, chatting with different kinds of art can have a positive effect on mood, behavior, and activities of daily living of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Appeal to the senses of man can activate the processes of memory, and to some extent help the patient to reconnect with the outside world.
Alternative Therapies
Some people for preventing Alzheimer tried to use alternative means of treatment such as coenzyme Q10, calcium derived from corals, huperzine A or omega-3 fatty acids. However, in this area we have not yet been carried out sufficiently thorough investigations, in order to be able to recommend these funds, as some of the used to combat the disease. Most of these agents are food additives, and not drugs, therefore their use can cause quite dangerous side effects and interactions with other drugs may be unpredictable.
Lifestyle changes help to slow the decline in cognitive abilities in Alzheimer's disease. Studies have shown that the so-called Mediterranean diet, rich in fish, seafood, nuts, healthy oils, may reduce the risk of disease, and moderate exercise to some extent eases the symptoms of the disease.
Scientists do not stop looking for new tools in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. In particular, the high expectations in research beta amyloid. The main purpose of these studies is to provide a new means of treatment which prevents the formation of beta-amyloid, or destroy it, thereby preventing the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease.
