Alzheimers: The Facts
Index of Diseases / Health Conditions ... Medicinal Foods, Herbs, Spices & Household Items
The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner ... Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.
Other Web Resources: |
Food Items That Combat Alzheimer's Disease
Also Refer to:
- Memory Loss (potential causes and solutions)
- Exposure to Heavy metals, such as Aluminum, is associated with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.
- Impaired insulin response involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimers: The Facts
by: David McFarlane
Someone in your family has Alzheimers disease, and you have been gathering info on Alzheimers disease to try to help you make decisions about what to do next, but everything you find is so scientific and complicated. What can you tell your kids to make them understand why their grandfather or uncle does not recognize them anymore? The info on Alzheimers disease below is aimed at children and families, so read it together.
Alzheimers: What Is It?
Alzheimers disease is a form of a mental disorder known as dementia. Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously hampers the brains ability to process rational or normal thought and inhibits the daily activities of its sufferers because of this. Alzheimers disease, therefore, affects the part of the brain that is responsible for thought, memory, and language.
Alzheimers disease is one of the leading causes of death in America. The German physician Alois Alzheimer first identified this disorder in 1907. This disorder is a serious illness that affects the memory ability of the brain, capability of learning, making rational decisions and capacity to function routinely.
Alzheimers disease robs millions of people each year of their memories, their personalities, and the ability to complete daily activities. For the longest time, it was believed that nothing could be done to prevent this awful disease; that it was simply something that people had to look forward to when they reached their golden years. However, new research indicates that there is a number of ways to prevent Alzheimers disease.
The hallmark sign of Alzheimers disease is the loss of memory. Generally, those 65 years of age or older, begin to concern themselves with this disease at the first episodes of forgetfulness. Although forgetfulness is a sign of Alzheimers disease, it is important to note that there are other signals that may herald the onset of this malady. Therefore, being knowledgeable about Alzheimers, through exhibited signs, and is paramount for our loved one’s health as well as our own.
Dealing With Alzheimers
Hearing the news that a family member has received an Alzheimers diagnosis can be an emotionally devastating moment in anyones life. However, before the Alzheimers diagnosis can be given to the patient and their family, the patient must undergo a variety of laboratory tests, such as medical assessments and laboratory measurements. There is no single test existing that will categorically give the Alzheimers diagnosis.
With this proactive stance, diagnosticians have been able to devise a set of Alzheimers disease testing tools that can detect symptoms of Alzheimers disease in its earlier stages. As of yet, there is no single diagnostic test that is able to determine if a person has Alzheimers disease, but the battery of testing that is available makes it possible for physicians to diagnose it with about 90 percent accuracy. Alzheimers disease testing can take anywhere from one day to several weeks to ensure accuracy and proper diagnosis.
An Alzheimers test is important to ensure that the person is not just going through the usual memory loss associated with age; however, sometimes an Alzheimers test is not necessary. Alzheimers disease doesn’t just affect a persons memory; it can make people see things that aren’t there, and even send them into screaming fits. If you think a loved one is starting to become senile or experience other symptoms of dementia, you may want that person to undergo Alzheimers testing. Unfortunately, there is currently no definitive test for Alzheimers disease that a person can undergo. The only way doctors diagnose Alzheimers with 100% certainty is through physical examination of the brain after the person has passed away. Rather than Alzheimers testing, what you want to look for is some type of psychological and behavioral screening coupled with extensive tests to rule out other types of dementia.
Living With Alzheimers
Living with Alzheimers can be a crippling experience for both the disease sufferer and the family that is involved. There are many moments of misunderstanding or confusion for most and the symptoms can become frustrating and difficult. The loss of memory and other associated factors can often cause immense separation in families and can create a nervous tension on relationships that is not necessary if suitable information is available and utilized by all parties involved.
Finding in-house Alzheimers help should not be an emotionally laden issue for the entire family. Tackling this need in an organized way, from evaluating to planning, is the key to making in-house Alzheimers help feasible. First, you should sit down and evaluate the needs of the family caregiver and the patient. From there, creating a job list and a set of guidelines becomes easy to make and follow.
Caring for someone with Alzheimers can be a daunting task. You will need all of the support you can get, along with the latest and most significant Alzheimers info and research. It is a confusing time, and the more you know, the more confident you will feel in your ability to give your loved one the best possible care and support. It is also important to build a support network that will help you to avoid the common problems associated with caretaker burnout.
About The Author David McFarlane is a proud contributing author and writes articles on alzheimers. You can visit his site at http://www.alzheimers-world.com. Reprinted from articlecity.com |
Food items that may combat Alzheimer's disease:
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) helps deliver long-chain fatty acids into the nerve cells' mitochondria for ATP production and acts as a potent antioxidant. Recent research suggests that levels of ALC decrease with age, which may lead to decreased ATP production and free-radical stress in neurons, potential factors in the loss of mental acuity and age-related dementias. Several studies have indicated that ALC supplements delayed the progression of Alzheimer's disease and improved energy creation in the brain. (500 mg to 2 grams daily may be recommended by health practitioners).
- N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is the precursor of glutathione, a significant antioxidant and a key detoxifying agent in the liver. Research suggests that NAC levels may drop with age, which could lead to oxidative stress within brain cells, a conspicuous suspect in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. (250 mg to 750 mg daily may be recommended by health practitioners).
- Nutrient Deficiency: Our brain requires a lot of nutrients to properly function. Vitamin C and E have been shown to delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The B vitamins can help improve memory. Zinc, Co-Q10 and essential fatty acids also help maintain healthy brain function. Dr. Friedland suggest supplementing with E and B vitamins and folic acid. ... Antioxidants
- B12 is critical in the production of red blood cells and maintaining nerve cell's myelin sheaths. (Recommended dosages are usually between 10 mcg to 500 mcg per day - discuss with your doctor).
- Vitamin D: This antioxidant may mitigate free radicals in red blood cells, possibly maximizing their nutrient-carrying capacity. (Recommended dosages are usually between 200 IU to 400 IU per day - discuss with your doctor).
- Vitamin E: This well-known antioxidant significantly slows the progression of Alzheimer's and stroke-related dementia. However, research shows that overdoing it with too much vitamin E does more harm than good. (Recommended dosages are usually between 30 mg to 400 mg per day - discuss with your doctor).
- Turmeric: Greg Cole, Ph.D., associate director of the UCLA Alzheimer Disease Center, is one of the researchers currently studying the health-promoting potential of curcumin - found in the spice turmeric, which is an ingredient in most curry powders. "Because curcumin helps clear toxic proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease, we think that the spice may be very helpful in preventing it."
- Green Tea - Please refer to "Memory Loss"
- Fish - click here to find the best and the worst fish to eat ... Omega 3 Fish Oil ... Cod Liver Oil
- Bananas ... Beans ... Corn ... Blueberries ... Eggplant... Green Beens ... Potatoes ... Peanuts ... Mushrooms ... Red Cabbage ... Spinach ... Strawberries (organic only) ... Grapes
- Walnuts ... Peanuts
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with the AvianWeb visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the AvianWeb Webmaster.
Photo contributions and articles are welcome!
