Alzheimers overview 
mo123
16 y
2,245
R
TimesPeople
Alzheimer's Disease Overview
Alzheimer's disease (AD), one form of dementia, is a progressive, degenerative brain disease. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior.
Memory impairment is a necessary feature for the diagnosis of this or any type of dementia. Change in one of the following areas must also be present: language, decision-making ability, judgment, attention, and other areas of mental function and personality.
The rate of progression is different for each person. If AD 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.
Reference from A.D.A.M.
Back to TopAlternative Names
Senile dementia/Alzheimer's type (SDAT)
Back to TopCauses »
The older you get, the greater your risk of developing AD, although it is not a part of normal aging. Family history is another common risk factor.
In addition to age and family history, risk factors for AD may include:
* Longstanding high blood pressure
* History of head trauma
* High levels of homocysteine (a body chemical that contributes to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, depression, and possibly AD)
* Female gender -- because women usually live longer than men, they are more likely to develop AD
There are two types of AD -- early onset and late onset. In early onset AD, symptoms first appear before age 60. Early onset AD is much less common, accounting for only 5-10% of cases. However, it tends to progress rapidly.
The cause of AD is not entirely known but is thought to include both genetic and environmental factors. A diagnosis of AD is made based on characteristic symptoms and by excluding other causes of dementia.
Prior theories regarding the accumulation of aluminum, lead, mercury, and other substances in the brain leading to AD have been disproved. The only way to know for certain that someone had AD is by microscopic examination of a sample of brain tissue after death.
The brain tissue shows "neurofibrillary tangles" (twisted fragments of protein within nerve cells that clog up the cell), "neuritic plaques" (abnormal clusters of dead and dying nerve cells, other brain cells, and protein), and "senile plaques" (areas where products of dying nerve cells have accumulated around protein). Although these changes occur to some extent in all brains with age, there are many more of them in the brains of people with AD.
The destruction of nerve cells (neurons) leads to a decrease in neurotransmitters (substances secreted by a neuron to send a message to another neuron). The correct balance of neurotransmitters is critical to the brain.
By causing both structural and chemical problems in the brain, AD appears to disconnect areas of the brain that normally work together.
About 10 percent of all people over 70 have significant memory problems and about half of those are due to AD. The number of people with AD doubles each decade past age 70. Having a close blood relative who developed AD increases your risk.
Early onset disease can run in families and involves autosomal dominant, inherited mutations that may be the cause of the disease. So far, three early onset genes have been identified.
Late onset AD, the most common form of the disease, develops in people 60 and older and is thought to be less likely to occur in families. Late onset AD may run in some families, but the role of genes is less direct and definitive. These genes may not cause the problem itself, but simply increase the likelihood of formation of plaques and tangles or other AD-related pathologies in the brain.
In-Depth Causes »
Back to TopSymptoms »
In the early stages, the symptoms of AD may be subtle and resemble signs that people mistakenly attribute to "natural aging." Symptoms often include:
* Repeating statements
* Misplacing items
* Having trouble finding names for familiar objects
* Getting lost on familiar routes
* Personality changes
* Losing interest in things previously enjoyed
* Difficulty performing tasks that take some thought, but used to come easily, like balancing a checkbook, playing complex games (such as bridge), and learning new information or routines
In a more advanced stage, symptoms are more obvious:
* Forgetting details about current events
* Forgetting events in your own life history, losing awareness of who you are
* Problems choosing proper clothing
* Hallucinations, arguments, striking out, and violent behavior
* Delusions, depression, agitation
* Difficulty performing basic tasks like preparing meals and driving
At end stages of AD, a person can no longer survive without assistance. Most people in this stage no longer:
* Understand language
* Recognize family members
* Perform basic activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, and bathing
In-Depth Symptoms »
Back to TopExams and Tests »
The first step in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease is to establish that dementia is present. Then, the type of dementia should be clarified. A health care provider will take a history, do a physical exam (including a neurological exam), and perform a mental status examination.
Tests may be ordered to help determine if there is a treatable condition that could be causing dementia or contributing to the confusion of AD. These conditions include thyroid disease, vitamin deficiency, brain tumor, drug and medication intoxication, chronic infection, anemia, and severe depression.
AD usually has a characteristic pattern of symptoms and can be diagnosed by history and physical exam by an experienced clinician. Tests that are often done to evaluate or exclude other causes of dementia include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and blood tests.
In the early stages of dementia, brain image scans may be normal. In later stages, an MRI may show a decrease in the size of the cortex of the brain or of the area of the brain responsible for memory (the hippocampus). While the scans do not confirm the diagnosis of AD, they do exclude other causes of dementia (such as stroke and tumor).
In-Depth Diagnosis »
Back to TopTreatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for AD. The goals in treating AD are to:
* Slow the progression of the disease.
* Manage behavior problems, confusion, and agitation.
* Modify the home environment.
* Support family members and other caregivers.
The most promising treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, and antioxidant supplements like vitamin E and ginkgo biloba.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
The following steps can help people with AD:
* Walk regularly with a caregiver or other reliable companion. This can improve communication skills and prevent wandering.
* Use bright light therapy to reduce insomnia and wandering.
* Listen to calming music. This may reduce wandering and restlessness, boost brain chemicals, ease anxiety, enhance sleep, and improve behavior.
* Get a pet dog.
* Practice relaxation techniques.
* Receive regular massages. This is relaxing and provides social interactions.
DRUG TREATMENT
Several drugs are available to try to slow the progression of AD and possibly improve the person's mental capabilities. Memantine (Namenda) is currently the only drug approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease.
Other medicines include donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), galantamine (Razadyne, formerly called Reminyl), and tacrine (Cognex). These drugs affect the level of a neurotransmitter in the brain called acetylcholine. They may cause nausea and vomiting. Tacrine also causes an elevation in liver enzymes and must be taken four times a day. It is now rarely used.
Aricept is taken once a day and may stabilize or even improve the person's mental capabilities. It is generally well tolerated. Exelon seems to work in a similar way. It is taken twice a day.
Other medicines may be needed to control aggressive, agitated, or dangerous behaviors. These are usually given in very low doses.
It may be necessary to stop any medications that make confusion worse. Such medicines may include pain killers, cimetidine, central nervous system depressants, antihistamines, sleeping pills, and others. Never change or stop taking any medicines without first talking to your doctor.
SUPPLEMENTS
Folate (vitamin B9) is critical to the health of the nervous system. Together with some other B vitamins, folate is also responsible for clearing homocysteine (a body chemical that contributes to chronic illnesses) from the blood. High levels of homocysteine and low levels of both folate and vitamin B12 have been found in people with AD. Although the benefits of taking these B vitamins for AD is not entirely clear, it may be worth considering them, particularly if your homocysteine levels are high.
Antioxidant supplements, like ginkgo biloba and vitamin E, scavenge free radicals. These products of metabolism are highly reactive and can damage cells throughout the body.
Vitamin E dissolves in fat, readily enters the brain, and may slow down cell damage. In at least one well-designed study of people with AD who were followed for 2 years, those who took vitamin E supplements had improved symptoms compared to those who took a placebo pill. Patients who take blood-thinning medications like warfarin (Coumadin) should talk to their doctor before taking vitamin E.
Ginkgo biloba is an herb widely used in Europe for treating dementia. It improves blood flow in the brain and contains flavonoids (plant substances) that act as antioxidants. Although many of the studies to date have been somewhat flawed, the idea that ginkgo may improve thinking, learning, and memory in those with AD has been promising. DO NOT use ginkgo if you take blood-thinning medications like warfarin (Coumadin) or a class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
If you are considering any drugs or supplements, you MUST talk to your doctor first. Remember that herbs and supplements available over the counter are NOT regulated by the FDA.
SUPPORT AT HOME
Someone with AD will need support in the home as the disease worsens. Family members or other caregivers can help by trying to understand how the person with AD perceives his or her world. Simplify the patient's surroundings. Give frequent reminders, notes, lists of routine tasks, or directions for daily activities. Give the person with AD a chance to talk about their challenges and participate in their own care.
OTHER PRACTICAL STEPS
The person with AD should have their eyes and ears checked. If problems are found, hearing aids, glasses, or cataract surgery may be needed.
Those with AD may have particular dietary requirements such as:
* Extra calories due to increased physical activity from restlessness and wandering.
* Supervised meals and help with feeding. People with AD often forget to eat and drink, and can become dehydrated as a result.
The Safe Return Program, implemented by the Alzheimer's Association, requires that a person with AD wear in identification bracelet. If he or she wanders, the caregiver can contact the police and the national Safe Return office, where information about the person is stored and shared nationwide.
Eventually, 24-hour monitoring and assistance may be necessary to provide a safe environment, control aggressive or agitated behavior, and meet physiologic needs. This may include in-home care, nursing homes, or adult day care.
Back to TopSupport Groups
For additional information and resources for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, see Alzheimer's disease support groups.
Back to TopOutlook (Prognosis)
The probable outcome is poor. The disorder usually progresses steadily. Total disability is common. Death normally occurs within 15 years, usually from an infection or a failure of other body systems.
Back to TopPossible Complications
* Loss of ability to function or care for self
* Bedsores, muscle contractures (loss of ability to move joints because of loss of muscle function), infection (particularly urinary tract infections and pneumonia), and other complications related to immobility during end-stages of AD
* Falls and broken bones
* Loss of ability to interact
* Malnutrition and dehydration
* Failure of body systems
* Reduced life span
* Harmful or violent behavior toward self or others
* Abuse by an over-stressed caregiver
* Side effects of medications
Back to TopWhen to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if someone close to you experiences symptoms of senile dementia/Alzheimer's type.
Call your health care provider if a person with this disorder experiences a sudden change in mental status. (A rapid change may indicate other illness.)
Discuss the situation with your health care provider if you are caring for a person with this disorder and the condition deteriorates to the point where you can no longer care for the person in your home.
Back to TopPrevention »
Although there is no proven way to prevent AD, there are some practices that may be worth incorporating into your daily routine, particularly if you have a family history of dementia. Talk to your doctor about any of these approaches, especially those that involve taking a medication or supplement.
* Consume a low-fat diet.
* Eat cold-water fish (like tuna, salmon, and mackerel) rich in omega-3 fatty acids, at least 2 to 3 times per week.
* Reduce your intake of linoleic acid found in margarine, butter, and dairy products.
* Increase antioxidants like carotenoids, vitamin E, and vitamin C by eating plenty of darkly colored fruits and vegetables.
* Maintain a normal blood pressure.
* Stay mentally and socially active throughout your life.
* Consider taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), sulindac (Clinoril), or indomethacin (Indocin). Statin drugs, a class of medications normally used for high cholesterol, may help lower your risk of AD. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of using these medications for prevention.
In addition, early testing of a vaccine against AD is underway.
In-Depth Prevention »
Back to TopReferences »
Rakel P. Conn ’s Current Therapy 2005. 57th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2005.
Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004.
Goetz CG, Pappert EJ. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2003.
See All References »
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
A.D.A.M. Copyright
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
More
- Re: JOker poker mo123
16 y
1,906
R
MoreThis is a reply to # 1,303,835One of the main things I did to get my brain to work again was play joker poker over and over again. Shockwave has a simple one. It takes a lot of eye movement and this is very important.
http://www.shockwave.com/gamelanding/joker_poker_2.jsp
- Re: JOker poker dsr
16 y
1,817
This is a reply to # 1,303,838Greetings
I was wondering if you could look over this source for tumeric from mountainrose herbs
and tell me if is ok. Am wanting to get some for my mother with the Alzhiemers
thank you
http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/turmeric_root.php
- Re: JOker poker mo123
16 y
1,935
This is a reply to # 1,304,115I have a high respect for the company itself but the ad tells nothing about the tumeric. So can't say if it is good or not. The yellower the tumeric the better. Try it and if she has an allergic reaction to it then you know that it was not good. There are hundreds of brands and some are not as good as others. We buy it dirt cheap here and it was funny I get the best brand at my grocer. Went to the herbalist and broke out in hives. So try it and see. She will not be able to drink it in a tea so hopefully you have some vegetarian caps.
***A very good hint. I have a pepper shaker and I mix tumeric and salt together in it. So when I eat popcorn I shake it right on the popcorn. When I make rice, I add it to the rice (basmatti or brown only). When I add veggies I sprinkle it right on top. This softens the harshness and makes it so delicious.
Tumeric is something no one should be without. It is a preventative along with a cure.
- Re: Parasites and aluminum mo123
16 y
1,736
Heavy Metal Detox Kit
Removes heavy metals from the body
Wormwood Capsules, Clove Tincture
Hulda Clark Parasite Cleanse
This is a reply to # 1,304,144I am hoping that you have your mom deworming as well. This company sells wormwood by the pound. Also it is more important than the worming is getting rid of all aluminum products from pans to foil to watching the supplements that have foil lined caps.- Re: Parasites and aluminum dsr
16 y
1,902
Heavy Metal Detox Kit
Removes heavy metals from the body
Wormwood Capsules, Clove Tincture
Hulda Clark Parasite Cleanse
This is a reply to # 1,304,146Yes I have finally got her taking Barefoots dewormer now as of the last wk or so. It is very hard to get her to take things. I doubt if I ever will get her diet to be what I would like it to be, she has to have her candy bars, chocolate is good for us you know. I also have and have had her on lecithin for along time, she is taking barefoots,lower bowel, grapeseed, sorgum mollasses, and barefoots memory balance. Thank you so much for your replies
many blessings- Re: Parasites and aluminum mo123
16 y
1,824
Heavy Metal Detox Kit
Removes heavy metals from the body
Wormwood Capsules, Clove Tincture
Hulda Clark Parasite Cleanse
This is a reply to # 1,304,158I understand how she feels. Look she is so sick and she just wants to scream and quite frankly food is an outlet so if you take everything away from her, she feels hopeless. So there are many alternatives like making sure she is eating dark chocolate not milk chocolate. Make sure it is 70 percent cocoa powder. She needs to have sweets as it makes her mind happy and when her mind is happy she can fathom the reasoning to change her diet. Small steps and then gradually we fit her into the right path. Lecithin is excellent for the rest of her life. Make sure she is taking that with olive oil and not mixed in a smoothie. I am a big fan of barefoot so I see you are on the right path.
Have you seen my recipe for chocolate ice cream. It is frozen bananas with 1 t. of cocoa powder, 1 t. of vanilla and 1 T of honey. Placed in a food processor and it is exactly like ice cream and oh so delicious.
When my mind snapped I was not able to think so when people tried to talk I just could not understand. I could see your lips moving but my mind could not gather enough info to understand. I so hope you are giving her fresh juices as this is so imporant. Cleansing the colon important also and slowly she will improve but only if you do it quickly. It is important to heal the brain before it is gone too far.
Happiness so important, no stress so important, yah sure in this world. Well try at least.
God Bless you my friend for I see very much you extreme care and treatment of your mother.
SARA
- Re: Parasites and aluminum dsr
16 y
1,869
This is a reply to # 1,304,168yes I mix the lecithen half and half with olive oil and put a dropper or two of Barefoots wild oreganeo oil in it. Have been giving her this for almost two yrs. I have been at this for 2 yrs and she just is getting worse not better, I do lack in getting her fresh juices I do not live with her and have to work so it is hard. Though not sure how long she will be safe at home by herself. I get no support from other siblings, they don't believe diet has any effect and that she should be on all the drugs that medical people would like her to be taking which is alot.
It is not just that my mother has Alzhimers, she has and is a hoarder, she has been a obsesive compulsive shopper and spender all her life. I have hauled truck load after truck load of junk and clothes out of her house and there is still so much in there it is mind boggling, but she throws such a fit if you touch her stuff, so it is not just the Alzhimers like I say. Thank you for listening to me and responding with your post of information and kindness, for this is somedays so very hard and seems like I have no one that understands.
many blessings- Re: Parasites and aluminum mo123
16 y
1,811
Heavy Metal Detox Kit
Removes heavy metals from the body
Wormwood Capsules, Clove Tincture
Hulda Clark Parasite Cleanse
This is a reply to # 1,304,205I so want to help you and others who deals with what I went thru. No one understood me either. I was all alone and had to do everything myself. So whatever I can do I will. A juicer is imperative to clean her system out and no meats and no fry foods. I know it is a uphill battle but if you just do one thing and she sees a little fog lifted.
She is living a world full of fog and she cannot think or see clear so when you take her precious things away she responds. But understand I do understand you did what had to be done and I appreciate that. She needs to be in an open house with no smells so that is an important step. Did you follow my homemade alexir with yogurt and figs? It helped me greatly. The other thing I did was no drugs. I believe this is the one thing that makes people worse as the side affects are tremendous.
God Bless and let me know what I can do.
- Re: Parasites and aluminum dsr
16 y
1,811
Heavy Metal Detox Kit
Removes heavy metals from the body
Wormwood Capsules, Clove Tincture
Hulda Clark Parasite Cleanse
This is a reply to # 1,304,209Yes I had to get rid of tons of perfume and deoderant and soaps and chemicals, it is hard to get someone who is 75 to change her ways and not sure if I can do it totally which makes this whole thing harder. May I ask what your age is? I am not just fighting with other siblings on keeping her off drugs, don't know one person around here that don't think I am doing the wrong thing, trying the natural route, they have drugs for that don't you know. What a world.
many blessings
dsr- Re: For you our friend "The White He... mo123
16 y
1,767
This is a reply to # 1,304,216Well I tell everyone I am 19 but that is not true. I am 55 and had Early onset dementia. I told the docs, I am too young and if you are reading the latest news you will see they are diagnosing people with eod at 40 now. So it is not a rare happening but it is depilitating for sure. I know they have drugs but never, never take them. People thought I was crazy and even crazier when I did it on my own. Now people come and want me to put a sign outside my house for Dr. Sara. Doctor's wives are asking me for advise. It was difficult and I got a bunch of bad advise but thru prayer I chose the right route and was cure quickly. I have my life back so I owe God big time so that is why I am here. Pay it forward. If God cures your mom, pay it forward always.
Now lets say your mom doesn't get cured, it is God's decision and you must thank him every day either way. Disease is a way of cleansing the body and we must be thankful. I got alot of people mad at me because I was not angry at the disease, what God gives is good. I was angry about the decisions I had to make. Lord , which diet, which supplement, which bath, which drink , which protocol. It made me crazy. Then everyone was yelling at me and pulling me in all directions. So I know your frustrations big time. I had to scream and get it all out before I could think. I always came back to budwig and I have a budwig mix two times a day still. I love it, it is delicious. Know that I always have to be careful because I know it could flare up again.
Ok, forgive me if I preach too much but I know that is where my answer was and I hope yours too. We don't always get what we want but whatever happens be thankful. I was not sad when my husband died, because it was God's decision and I thank God everyday that he loved him so much to call him home. Just so you know I do what I preach.
I hope you will always be happy and you are so welcome here. I want to present you with the "White Heart Award" because of the purity of your soul.
Sara
- Re: For you our friend "The White He... dsr
16 y
1,734
This is a reply to # 1,304,223Thank you Sara
What kind of figs do you use for the memory drink? And is the yogert just the regular kind you get at the grocery store.- Re: For you our friend "The White He... mo123
16 y
1,777
This is a reply to # 1,304,226this is from a very famous arab doctor for the memory and it works
I use 1/2 cup of yogurt (raw is best but if you can't get raw use a good brand from the store) goat yogurt is the best but second choice is cow.
1/2 cup of water
2 figs
1 sprig of rosemary or dried can be substitute
1 T. of cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
Place all in the frig and leave over night. the next morning put in blender and blend well and drink every day. You will see the fog is lifting within two weeks.
You can drop some pumpkin oil in also for parasite cleansing but this is optional.
- Re: For you our friend "The White He... dsr
16 y
1,785
This is a reply to # 1,304,229thank you , but what kind of figs do you use, does it matter?. Dried right? and what kind as there are many different kind. Hope I do not get to be to much a pain.
thank you- Re: For you our friend "The White He... mo123
16 y
1,784
This is a reply to # 1,304,234Fresh is better but the doc says dried is good. What I do is when figs are in season, I freeze them and then cut them in half and they are ready accessible in the freezer. You know when they dry them they put drying agents on them, so pure is better. But if you cannot get fresh, then of course use dried. all of these ingredients are brain foods, rosemary, figs and oil. If you research olive oil, you will find it is the number one ingredient for memory.
Did you know that olive oil needs to be put in a dark bottle and closed in a cabinet as the light will cause it to go rancid. What I do is put it in a spray bottle and wrap foil around the bottle so no light gets in and then I put my bottles in the cabinet. Do you know that you cannot cook with extra virgin olive oil, only virgin. Evoo goes rancid at temps of 320 degrees. Many people add a dab of butter to virgin olive oil to get the higher temps.
- Re: For you our friend "The White He... mo123
16 y
1,784
- Re: For you our friend "The White He... dsr
16 y
1,785
- Re: For you our friend "The White He... mo123
16 y
1,777
- Re: For you our friend "The White He... dsr
16 y
1,734
- Re: For you our friend "The White He... mo123
16 y
1,767
- Re: Smoothies mo123
16 y
1,837
This is a reply to # 1,304,209You do not need a juicer for these and these will get your mom to injesting lots of fruits and things good for her.
Orange Julius
1/8 T of almond flour or 1 cup of almond of milk not soy
1 cup of water
Place in blender and blend on high speed for one minute add 2 whole peeled oranges, 1 frozen banana, 1 t. of vanilla, 1 T. of honey. 5 ice cubes. Blend well until ice melted. Really deliciious.
A really healthy thing is if you can get mangosteen juice and add 1/2 cup of juice and 1/2 cup of milk.
Watermelon slurpee
Take 3-4 cups of frozen watermelon and put in blender with one cup of water. Pulse until the appearance of cruncy ice. No sugar at all.
Cantaloupe smoothie
Use frozen cantouloupe instead of milk and add bananas, strawberries or any fruit you like. I love nectarines, grapes, pineapple, etc. Add honey to sweeten with. Or you can add some fresh coconut instead of honey.
Green smoothie, really delicious
1 cup of spinach, 1 raw egg, 1 frozen banana, 5 strawberries. Blend well with 1 cup of water. I like to use frozen spinach.. Top with some ground flax.
One cup of almond milk, pineapple, papaya, orange juice and honey.
The list goes on. It is easy to make delicious smoothies that are healthy for you.
Like milk, banana, vanilla and honey.
- Re: Parasites and aluminum dsr
16 y
1,811
- Re: Parasites and aluminum mo123
16 y
1,811
- Re: Parasites and aluminum dsr
16 y
1,869
- Re: Parasites and aluminum mo123
16 y
1,824
- Re: Parasites and aluminum dsr
16 y
1,902
- Re: JOker poker dsr
16 y
1,761
- Re: Parasites and aluminum mo123
16 y
1,736
- Re: JOker poker mo123
16 y
1,935
- Re: JOker poker dsr
16 y
1,817
- Re: JOker poker mo123
16 y
1,906
R
Share:
Translate This Page: