Archive for March, 2008

At the Water Cooler at work, there was talk that Senator McCain displays the early signs of Alzheimers?

Thursday, March 13th, 2008
Alzheimers
Ahhhh….Yup asked:


How will this effect his abilty to govern if he becomes President, and wont the Alzheimers be in advanced stages after 2 or 3 years?

Warren
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Complete Information on Alzheimer Disease With Treatment and Prevention

Thursday, March 13th, 2008
Alzheimers
Juliet Cohen asked:


Alzheimer disease is the one of the most average cause of dementia. For Alzheimer disease there is currently no cure. The cause and improvement of Alzheimer’s disease is not well understood, but is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain. AD is a brain disorder named for German physician Alois alzheimer. In its most common form, it occurs in people over 65 years old although a less-prevalent early-onset form also exists. Alzheimer’s disease has been identified as a protein misfolding disease, or proteopathy, due to the accumulation of abnormally folded A-beta and tau proteins in the brains of AD patients. Possible causes and potential cures of thedisease have been conjectured, with varying evidence supporting each claim. There are other risk and protective factor genes that influence the development of late onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Due to the incurable and exhausting nature of the disease care-management of Alzheimer’s is vital. The character of the principal caregiver is frequently taken by the partner or a good relative. Carers may themselves sustain from strain, over-work, depression, and being physically strike or struck. Nonetheless, Alzheimer’s disease is not a natural region of aging and is not something that necessarily happens in late living. For instance, many folk lively to over 100 years of age and never produce Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms alter as the circumstance develops, and it may head to disarray, personality changes and an overall difference in behavior. People with this disease normally expect extensive maintenance during the sophisticated stages of the disease. Alzheimer disease are classified as intermittent or nonfamilial, which means they do not seem to operate in families.

The disease can start many years before it is finally diagnosed. In its earlier stages, short-term memory departure is the almost popular symptom, frequently initially thought to be caused by aging or emphasize by the sufferer. Later symptoms include disarray, ire, climate swings, word dislocation, long-term memory departure, and the general withdrawal of the sufferer as his or her senses drop. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are mostly reported to a physician when memory-loss causes worry, and on suspecting Alzheimer’s disease, the doctor or healthcare specialists will affirm the diagnosis with a behavioral appraisal and cognitive tests, frequently followed by a mind read. Over moment, folk with the disease suffer their power to believe and cause understandably, evaluate situations, resolve problems, focus, recall helpful data, go maintenance of themselves, and still talk.

No treatment has been organize to reverse the disease, and it is not known whether current treatments slow the progression, or simply manage the symptoms. Many preventative measures have been suggested for Alzheimer’s disease, but their value is often uncertain: mental stimulation, exercise and a balanced diet are usually recommended, both as a possible prevention and as a sensible way of managing the disease. Combining memantine with other AD drugs may be more effective than any single therapy. One controlled clinical trial found that patients receiving donepezil plus memantine had better cognition and other functions than patients receiving donepezil alone. Also, other medications may help control behavioral symptoms such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression.

Clara

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A Look Into Alzheimers Medicine As We Know It

Tuesday, March 11th, 2008
Alzheimers
Clive Jenkins asked:


Although there is no known cure for Alzheimers, there are a number of treatments which can be used to ensure the symptoms are kept under control and the sufferer’s overall standard of life for the duration of the condition is as comfortable as it can possibly be. The treatments combine Alzheimers medicine and non-medicated treatments, with a view to maintaining the patient’s condition and ensuring the patient is as comfortable and happy as possible.
To date, there are no medications which can alter the course or progress of the condition, although there is a great deal of research into different types of Alzheimers medicines which may have these highly desirable effects. There are however, numerous medications available to help deal with the psychiatric element of the condition, and the symptoms which arise from the same.
There are some Alzheimers medicines which have been proven to temporarily delay the process of mental deterioration. There is also the option of drugs available for other conditions which can be used to treat behavioural and emotional problems in patients with the condition. Although they cannot stop the progression of the illness, they can go towards improving the patients general state of mind, and have a real impact on the debilitating symptoms synonymous with this condition.
The main type of Alzheimers medicine is known as Cholinesterase inhibitors, which are shown to consistently outperform prescribed placebos in improving patient’s conditions. These help improve the networks and pathways in the brain, which are damaged and ineffective as a result of the condition. Having said that, as with any medication there are potential side effects, which with this type of Alzheimers medicine include vomiting and diarrhea.
The best idea for anyone suffering the symptoms of Alzheimers is to consult their medical professional immediately. That way, the patient will be afforded expert diagnosis and treatment, including the full range of Alzheimers medicine which can go someway to calming the symptoms and improving the patient’s overall well-being.
The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be a tragic and frustrating time for anyone and their families, although it doesn’t have to be seen as a life sentence. There are a diverse range of accessible Alzheimers medicines to improve patient’s conditions in the short term, so keeping in close contact with your physician is key. He will know best how to maintain treatment to keep the symptoms at bay, and will have access to alternative medications which may be more suitable. Additionally, there are support groups to offer help and support during this time, and to allow patients to understand they are not alone, and there are people out their in similar circumstances.
Alzheimers can be depressing if you let it get you down, but if you look after yourself or your loved one and keep in touch with your physician, you can continue to lead your life as normal for as long a period as possible before the symptoms eventually take their toll. Try to remain mentally and physically active and involved, and above all, remember not to lose hope.

Ella
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How does alzheimers disease affect the brain?

Monday, March 10th, 2008
Alzheimers
ilovesports02 asked:


How does this disease affect the brain?

Todd
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Alzheimers: Psychological Malfunctioning of the Brain

Saturday, March 8th, 2008
Alzheimers
Farzina Naznin asked:



Alzheimer is a brain disease which generally affects the normal functioning of the brain. Alzheimer is basically the sudden drop of the memory capacity which leads to forgetfulness. Alzheimer is also termed as the cognitive process of deterioration and weakening of the memory power. Alzheimer is a disease which is found to be popular in the old stage of one’s development. Alzheimer is most commonly found above the age group of 60 years. The signs which are generally visible during Alzheimer are besides loss of the memory power are lack of proper means of communication which can be characterized through stuttering and stammering. Alzheimer also leads in the problems which are directed towards everyday works, incapability to solve simple problems and impaired judgements. Change of moods, change of benevolent nature, personality change as well as loss of undertaking initiative in certain fields of works are outcomes of Alzheimer.
Alzheimer affects the person in such a way that the sufferer faces various problems in simple and normal situations. Alzheimer is a common disease which is quite visible in the old stage of one’s development. Thus the older a person gets in the age, the signs of Alzheimer basically crops up in him. Besides old age, there are certain other factors which are associated with Alzheimer. Some of the risk factor in this respect is brain injury, addiction to drugs, and smoking of cigarettes etc. Diabetes, depression and hypertension also cause Alzheimer.
Alzheimer’s treatment helps to control certain symptoms which are associated with certain diverse behavior. There is no any specific treatment which will help in the removal of Alzheimer’s disease altogether. But it is to be estimated here that during the initial and in the middle stage of the occurrence of the disease, certain drugs can be to a certain extent help in overcoming the disease by moderating the effects and the symptoms which are associated with the disease.
Considerable Alzheimer’s disease treatment will however help to control certain symptoms which are associated with behavior like confrontation, drifting moods, insomnia, and certain emotions like depressions and anxieties. As the specific cause of the Alzheimer’s is not known, therefore the Alzheimer’s disease treatment also is not specified. Alzheimer’s disease treatment before it is provided to the patients, the doctor makes an overall estimation of the patient’s health, age, and medical case history of the patients, tolerance of the patients to certain therapies, medicines and procedures. Alzheimer’s disease treatment can be provided with certain specific drugs namely Aricept, Exelon, Namenda and Cognex.

Gregory
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Caring for Parents With Alzheimer’s Disease

Thursday, March 6th, 2008
Alzheimers
Boone Swann asked:


Alzheimer’s disease directly affects about four million people in the United States, though it affects many more of us indirectly. While we may not be suffering from the disease personally, many of us are in a position where it has become necessary to care for someone with Alzheimer’s. To understand how best to cope with a parent diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you must first have a clear understanding of what it is and how it affects the people you love.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Although there known genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the disease, the exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown. It is a degenerative disease of the brain that results in progressive dementia. This often begins with progressive memory loss, followed by increasingly disorganized thought and speech patterns. Due to the continual deterioration of the brain, the disease progresses to a point in which the person becomes helpless and can no longer care for themselves. It eventually results in death.

Getting Prompt Medical Care

If you suspect Alzheimer’s disease in a parent, it is important to get a prompt diagnosis. You’ll want to find a family physician or internal medicine doctor familiar with the disease, preferably one specially trained in diseases of the elderly. Other doctors that may diagnosis Alzheimer’s include neurologists and psychologists. While there is no cure, there are many medications available that can help treat and slow down the progression of the disease.

It is also important so set up a support system for yourself as soon as you learn of the diagnosis. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is an overwhelming task. A good place to start is your local Alzheimer’s Association. They are extremely helpful and can offer advice on caring for your parent and personal coping strategies. They can also direct you to local support groups and other helpful organizations. You may want to locate a place early on as well that can help with care if it becomes too much.

Finding an Appropriate Facility

Many times it becomes too much to care for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease on your own. Often you cannot be there to consistently take care of their needs. If this should happen, be sure to find an appropriate facility adept at caring for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Research your options to find the most appropriate place for your loved one. An assisted living situation may best meet your needs. There are also nursing facilities and smaller licensed residential care homes. Though it is more costly, there are Alzheimer’s disease dedicated facilities that treat Alzheimer’s patients only and focus solely on their specific needs.

Remember, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is an emotionally stressful experience, and you’ll need to remember to care for yourself also. Be sure to take time out for a break and to meet your needs so that you can be at your best to deal with your affected parent. There are many day facilities that can care for them when you need a break on a temporary basis. Also, become as knowledgeable about the disease, available treatments, and options as you possibly can so that you can be prepared for what is to come. This will also help in reducing the stress involved if you are prepared in what to expect and how to handle the progression of the disease and have also adequate coping strategies in place.



Donna

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where can I get financial help for alzheimers mom?

Tuesday, March 4th, 2008
Alzheimers
z28 asked:


I am the care giver for a mom with alzheimers, where can I get help in Montgomery Co. KY?

Dana
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