ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Mar
27
2009

Posted by: admin in Categories: Men's Health-Erectile Dysfunction.
Using Tags: Men’s Health

During the past few years it has been shown that the loss of intellectual abilities and memory experienced by some older individuals is due to Alzheimer’s disease. This disease was previously thought to be a rare and unusual disorder, but now, due to medical research and public awareness, Alzheimer’s disease is recognized as being more common and is better understood.

Unfortunately no known treatment can prevent the progress of the mental confusion and lapses of memory that are the symptoms of this neurological disturbance. Family members are often the first to recognize the problem and an individual afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease may not be aware of it. At times individuals may realize that their memory is seriously impaired and that help is necessary for certain normal activities.

How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Treated? Because a number of illnesses, some of which can be treated, seem to mimic Alzheimer’s disease, it is worth having a thorough evaluation by a physician who is knowledgeable in the field, before a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is made. No special test proves that a person has this disorder, but investigations can be done to show that no other recognizable illness can account for the symptoms. Sometimes medications that may have been given for other problems can aggravate the symptoms of mental confusion and when these are stopped, the person may feel and function better. On occasion, a person with Alzheimer’s disease also develops depression, which may improve slightly when treated with antidepressant medications. Drugs such as Hydergine®, which are commonly prescribed, have never been shown conclusively to help maintain memory or intellectual function.

Although at present there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, many things can be done to help the families cope with their loved ones who are so afflicted. This includes counseling on how to deal with personality changes, abnormal behavior, and forgetfulness. Respite programs are becoming available to give the caregivers some relief from the constant needs of Alzheimer victims. Special day programs are being developed that may allow Alzheimer patients to be involved in suitable and satisfying activities which are designed for people with intellectual impairment. There is hope that treatments may be developed to halt the progress of this ailment and perhaps prevent the symptoms from interfering with the normal, enjoyable activities that most of us look forward to during our later years.