What You Need to Know About Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. It is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease usually starts slowly and gets worse over time, ultimately leading to death.

What Are the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease typically develop gradually and worsen over time. The most common symptoms include:

• Memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information
• Difficulty with familiar tasks, such as dressing or cooking
• Problems with language, such as forgetting simple words or using the wrong words
• Disorientation, such as getting lost in familiar places
• Decreased or poor judgment
• Problems with abstract thinking
• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
• Changes in mood and behaviour, such as depression, anxiety, or paranoia
• Changes in personality, such as becoming passive or withdrawn
• Loss of motivation and interest in hobbies and activities

What causes Alzheimer’s?

The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not yet fully understood, but there are several risk factors and theories that have been proposed. Some of the most commonly cited causes of Alzheimer’s include:

• Age: Alzheimer’s is more common in people over 65 years of age.
• Genetics: Some genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
• Lifestyle factors: Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and smoking may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.
• Head injury: Traumatic brain injury can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to toxins such as lead and mercury may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.
• Brain changes: Abnormal deposits of beta-amyloid and tau protein in the brain are associated with Alzheimer’s.

Diagnostic procedures in Alzheimer’s

1. Medical and neurological examination: A doctor will perform a thorough physical and neurological examination to rule out other conditions that may cause memory loss.
2. Cognitive and memory testing: Standardized tests may be used to assess the patient’s memory, thinking, and reasoning skills.
3. Brain imaging: Brain scans, such as a CT scan or MRI, may be used to look for any physical changes in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer’s.
4. Lab tests: Blood tests may be used to rule out other conditions that can cause memory loss, such as vitamin deficiencies or hormonal imbalances.
5. Neurological assessments: A neurologist may perform additional tests to assess the patient’s ability to move, balance, and coordinate.
6. Neuropsychological evaluations: These tests may include memory tests, language tests, and assessments of mood and behaviour.

Treatment options for Alzheimer’s

• Cholinesterase inhibitors: medications that help improve memory, thinking, and daily functioning.
• Memantine: a medication that helps regulate the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain.
• Lifestyle changes: such as exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying mentally and socially active.
• Psychotherapy: for managing behavioural and psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and agitation.
• Caregiver support: to provide support for the person with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

Simple Ways to Assist People with Alzheimer’s

1. Create a familiar and comfortable environment: Surround the person with familiar objects and try to maintain a consistent daily routine.
2. Use simple language: Avoid complex sentences and instead use short, simple words and phrases.
3. Be patient: People with Alzheimer’s may need more time to process information and may repeat themselves.
4. Offer physical assistance: Offer support with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
5. Encourage activities: Engage the person in activities they enjoy, such as listening to music or going for walks.
6. Provide emotional support: Offer comfort, listen, and show empathy towards the person’s feelings and experiences.
7. Manage challenging behaviours: Try to understand the behaviour behind challenging behaviours and respond with patience and empathy.

Natural Treatments for Alzheimer’s to Enhance Memory

1. Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve memory and thinking skills.
2. Diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in sugar and saturated fat, may help slow down cognitive decline.
3. Mental stimulation: Engaging in activities that challenge the brain, such as reading, playing games, or learning a new skill, may help improve memory and thinking skills.
4. Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, may help reduce stress and improve cognitive function.

Nutritious Foods That May Help Improve Memory Function In Those With Alzheimer’s

There is no specific diet that has been proven to cure Alzheimer’s disease, but a healthy diet that is rich in nutrients can help improve overall brain health and possibly improve memory function. Here are some nutritious foods that may help:

1. Fish: Fish such as salmon, sardines, and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health.
2. Berries: Berries, such as blueberries and strawberries, contain antioxidants that may protect the brain from damage.
3. Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds, such as almonds and chia seeds, are rich in healthy fats, fibre, and antioxidants.
4. Leafy greens: Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for brain health.
5. Whole grains: Whole grains, such as whole-grain bread and brown rice, are high in fibre and can help improve overall brain health.
6. Turmeric: This spice contains curcumin, an antioxidant that may have anti-inflammatory effects on the brain.
7. Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and flavonoids, which may protect the brain from damage.

Conclusion

Altor Hospitals approach to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease by offering a range of medical and non-medical interventions. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and slow down the progression of the disease.

Medical treatments may include medications to manage specific symptoms, such as depression or sleep disturbances.

Non-medical treatments may include lifestyle changes, such as exercise and a healthy diet, and psychological and social support, such as therapy and support groups.