IPLin

Registry services for correction and stabilization of the disease in people suffering from Alzheimer’s: 

Introduction:

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that results in loss of memory and mental function. It progresses in stages, and people with Alzheimer's experience gradual memory loss as well as loss of judgment, difficulty concentrating, loss of language skills, personality changes, and a decline in the ability to learn new tasks. In advanced stages, people with Alzheimer's can lose all memory and mental abilities.

Alzheimer's in the most common kind of dementia. About 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's and this number is expected to increase as the population grows older. How it progresses is different for each person. If Alzheimer's develops rapidly, it is likely to continue to progress rapidly. If it has been slow to progress, it will likely continue on a slow course.

The effects of Alzheimer's come because the disease kills brain cells. In a healthy brain, billions of neurons generate chemical and electrical signals that are relayed from neuron to neuron and help a person think, remember, and feel. Neurotransmitters -- brain chemicals -- help these signals move from cell to cell. In people with Alzheimer's, neurons in certain places start to die, causing lower levels of neurotransmitters to be produced. That causes the brain to have problems with its signals.

There is no cure for Alzheimer's, but there are some medications that can help slow the progression of the disease in some people. Some herbs and supplements, and lifestyle adjustments, may help reduce the risk or improve quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms:

The early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can be missed because they resemble signs that many people attribute to "natural aging." The following are the most common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's:

Psychological Symptoms

·         Increasing memory loss, starting with forgetting recent events and new information, and progressing to not recognizing friends and family members

·         Difficulty concentrating

·         Difficulty understanding words, completing sentences, or finding the right words

·         Getting lost in familiar surroundings

·         Restlessness

·         Depression

·         Aggression, agitation, anxiety, restlessness

·         Distrusting others

·         Withdrawal, disinterest, hostility, loss of inhibitions

Physical Symptoms

·         Impaired movement or coordination

·         Muscle stiffness, shuffling or dragging feet while walking

·         Insomnia or change in sleep patterns

·         Weight loss

·         Incontinence

·         Muscle twitching or seizures

Causes:

Researchers aren't sure what causes Alzheimer's disease. Both genetics and the environment may combine in some cases. Recent research indicates that free radicals (molecules that can cause oxidation, and damage cells and DNA) may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's is characterized by the buildup in the brain of two types of proteins. Clumps of abnormal cells are called plaques, made of beta-amyloid protein. These plaques build up between neurons and may prevent them from communicating with each other. Inside nerve cells are tangles, made of twisted tau protein. Tau protein is necessary for the brain to function, but in people with Alzheimer's the protein becomes twisted, which may cause damage to neurons (brain cells).

People with the APOE-e4 gene are more likely to develop Alzheimer's -- it's known as a "risk gene" for the condition. But scientists think there may be many more genes involved. And even people without inherited genes for the disease can get Alzheimer's.

Risk Factors:

The causes and risk factors associated with Alzheimer's disease are not entirely clear, but include:

·         Family history of Alzheimer's

·         Older age -- the risk of developing Alzheimer's doubles every five years after age 65

·         Long-term high blood pressure

·         Heart disease

·         History of head trauma -- one or more serious blows to the head may put a person at an increased risk.

·         Down syndrome

·         Education level -- people with higher levels of education are less likely to develop Alzheimer's

Diagnosis:

There is no single test for Alzheimer's disease. A true diagnosis can be made only after a person dies and an autopsy is performed on the brain.

However, Alzheimer's usually has a characteristic pattern of symptoms. A doctor will start by ruling out other possible causes. The doctor will ask questions about medical history and symptoms and do a physical exam (including a neurological exam).

The following tests may also be used:

·         Mental status evaluation, to test memory and attention span. It can also reveal difficulties in problem-solving, social, and language skills.

·         Genetic test, using a blood test for the APOE-e4 gene. The presence of the gene in the blood may suggest Alzheimer's, but it does not always make an accurate diagnosis.

·         Imaging tests such as CT, MRI, or PET scans.

In the early stages of dementia, brain scans may be normal. In later stages, an MRI may show a decrease in the size of certain brain areas. While the scans do not confirm the diagnosis of Alzheimer's, they rule other causes of dementia such as stroke and tumor.

There is no cure for Alzheimer's. The most promising treatments include lifestyle changes and medications.

Lifestyle

Research indicates that the following lifestyle changes may help improve behavior in people with Alzheimer's disease:

·         A regular walk with a caregiver or trusted companion may improve communication skills and lessen the chance of wandering.

·         Bright light therapy may reduce insomnia and wandering.

·         Calming music may reduce wandering and restlessness, boost brain chemicals, and improve behavior.

·         Pets can increase appropriate social behaviors.

·         Relaxation training and other exercises that require focused attention can improve social interaction and the ability to perform tasks.

The Safe Return Program, implemented by the Alzheimer's Association, encourages identification bracelets, wallet cards, and clothing labels for patients with Alzheimer's. Information is stored in a national database and distributed to authorities when a person is reported missing.

Massage and Physical Therapy

People with Alzheimer's disease become frustrated and anxious because they cannot communicate well with language. Using touch, or massage, as a form of nonverbal communication has been shown to benefit those with Alzheimer's. In one study, people with Alzheimer's who received hand massages and were spoken to in a calming manner had a reduction in pulse rate and in inappropriate behavior. Health care professionals speculate that massage may be good for people with Alzheimer's not only because it is relaxing, but because it provides a form of social interaction.

Mind-Body Medicine

Music Therapy