May 30, 2008

Alzheimer's Research: The Present and the Future

Alzheimer's research are actually been provided by entire organizations. Among them are medical organizations searching for treatments and cures, and others work on the political aspect of getting increased funding for that research. Some even sponsor conferences that bring together doctors and scientists in the field of Alzheimer's research from all over the world. And there are some organizations that carry out all of these, with great benefit to the patients and their caregivers.

Alzheimer's research has yielded two types of medicines for Alzheimer's that treat the cognitive symptoms of the disease. Since the disease itself affects the chemicals and nerve endings in the brain, these medicines address those two

Cholinesterase and memantine are both inhibitors that stop the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in the brain that's important for learning and memory. Both are suitable for mild to moderate Alzheimer's. Research shows that they don’t cure the disease, but both offset the progression of its symptoms for some time.

Alzheimer's disease affects more than only memory. Many patients experience behavior symptoms as well, including paranoia, irritability, annoyance, outbursts, impatience, and delusions. Alzheimer's research has shown that some medications can be prescribed to help control these side effects of the disease. Though, if you would like to try a non-medical approach, there are things that one can do. Understanding that their behavior problems are simply part of the disease helps the caregivers to cope tremendously.

Some Alzheimer's researchers believe that they have pinpointed a certain gene that causes or contributes to the disease. Nevertheless, there is still much work to be done in this area. Research data shows that those with the gene do not necessarily get the disease and those without it still can contract it. There is much controversy over the tests for this gene as they can be very misleading.

Organizations devoted to Alzheimer's research have done much good on the way to the treatment of the disease and the help needed for the caregivers. While doctors are still a long way off from finding a permanent cure, they are able to do quite a bit in helping to delay the progression of the disease in the meantime. And as long as they are able to go on funding Alzheimer's research, there is always hope that one day Alzheimer’s disease will be in the past.

May 29, 2008

Non-medical Approach to Alzheimer’s Treatment

What can we do to effectively help those people with Alzheimer’s? Does it only medical treatment can help them? Certainly not…



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May 28, 2008

Why You Must Know the Alzheimer's Stages

It is well-known that Alzheimer's disease is degenerative, meaning that it gets worse eventually. However, few know that there are really Alzheimer's stages through which the disease progresses. If you know these stages, you may know what to expect next for the care of your Alzheimer's patient.

In the first two Alzheimer's stages, there is little impairment (none at first) and then slight memory lapses when it comes to familiar words, phrases, and names. These memory slips may not be clear to friends and family, and may even be easily dismissed as due to old age.

In the next two Alzheimer's stages, the memory drops become more apparent to those closest to the patient. Names become forgotten or easily confused, concentration is difficult, and performance problems may show up at one's place of employment. In these Alzheimer's stages, tasks that are to some extent complicated are the ones most missed, such as planning dinner for many people, doing math exercises in the head, and recalling personal history. Again, while these issues are more obvious, they may still be dismissed as just common problems with old age, declining health, stress, and so on.

In the last of the Alzheimer's stages, more common issues become evident. The patient may have difficulty choosing proper clothing for the weather or occasion and even dressing correctly (putting street clothes on over pajamas, shoes on the wrong feet), remembering the name of their spouse or other close family members, and with things such as simple hygiene and bathroom habits. In these last Alzheimer's stages, the patient will have problems with all matters of hygiene and may experience incontinence, and may even have difficulty sitting, standing, walking, and with normal reflexes. Swallowing is difficult, as is even holding up their head.

The progression of these Alzheimer's stages will be different for everyone and will go at a different pace for each patient. Some notice the disease progressing quickly, some will take years before they reach the end stages.

There may not yet be a cure for Alzheimer's but there are several ways to delay its onset and its progression. There are new medications and therapies being developed every day for the treatment of this disease, so it's important that you recognize the Alzheimer's stages as they progress so that your doctor can assist you every step of the way, and so that you know what to expect and how to deal with the situation.

May 27, 2008

Personal Locations GPS Tracker for Alzheimer's Patients

What if your loving one with Alzheimer’s disease went on walk and got lost? Now personal GPS systems can help us. Look this video…



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May 26, 2008

Mental Care and Proper Alzheimer's Treatment

Everybody caring for an Alzheimer's patient knows this condition affects much more than just their memory. Alzheimer's patients exhibit angry outbursts, paranoia, restlessness, and even delusions. Knowing that, it's clear why Alzheimer's treatment must include care for their mental health as well as their physical.

From time to time just reminding the caregiver that the patient's behavior is part of the disease can go a long way toward helping them with right Alzheimer's treatment. It's easy for a caregiver to get discouraged when the patient asks the same questions repeatedly, but they can remind themselves that it's not the patient's mistake that they really don't remember that they a moment ago asked that question and just got an answer.

Part of the appropriate Alzheimer's treatment for the mental problems associated with the disease may also include making their surroundings as comfortable as possible. Alzheimer's patients often suppose that someone is stealing from them if they can't easily find their checkbook or other papers. Putting those types of things out in the open and labeling it obviously can help with such troubles. Arguing with them about any of these problems will not help Alzheimer's treatment, as the patients are not responding to logic or reason. This also is part of the disease and not something they're doing purposely.

It's thought that Alzheimer's treatment also does better when the patient is as physically healthy as possible. Even though vitamins and exercise will not cure Alzheimer's, they can help the medications that a patient is taking to respond better. Regular exercise also helps with blood circulation which helps the brain to function and heal itself better overall. Like all other organs of the body, the brain needs a supply of fresh oxygen to keep itself healthy.

Moreover it is helpful to remember that some patients respond well to their Alzheimer's treatment while others do not respond as well. Extra care and patience is needed on the part of caregivers when the patients exhibit extreme anger issues or outbursts. Some are even known to be so impatient that they start to tear up papers and other objects, much like a puppy that's trapped indoors. These things can evidently try the patience of the caregiver. Everyone who needs help with the Alzheimer's treatment for their particular patient should approach their doctor about their needs and ask for help. It can be readily available for both the physical care and the mental care of the patient as well.

May 23, 2008

Don't Surrender to Alzheimer's Disease!

Really, the Alzheimer’s disease isn’t the end of life. If only you don’t give up and continue resist to it.

Look how this granddaddy bravely plays the piano…



Do you want to learn more about Alzheimer's and dementia?

May 22, 2008

How to Deal With Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease

When someone gets the form of dementia known as Alzheimer's disease when they are younger than age 65, it is considered early onset Alzheimer's. While Alzheimer's disease itself is not a certain symptom of aging, it is not commonly seen in those that are this young. It is also very rare. Only six to eight percent of those with the disease have early onset Alzheimer's. This translates to roughly about 300,000 Americans who contract the disease each year.

Very seldom does someone get early onset Alzheimer's in their thirties or forties. It is more common to see the disease when a person is in their fifties. The risk of contracting the disease of course increases with age.

But does early onset Alzheimer's progress at a faster rate? Alzheimer's disease is degenerative, meaning that it gets worse as time goes on. The rate at which it progresses is different for everyone. There seems to be a common misconception that early onset Alzheimer's progresses quicker than normal, but this doesn't seem to be the case. Hard data from actual research on patients does not support the idea that it will progress faster than any normal case of Alzheimer's.

Here are special considerations with early onset Alzheimer's. Because Alzheimer's is considered to be an aged person's disease, when someone has the early onset of the disease in their fifties, it's often overlooked as being a medical condition. Alzheimer's causes uncertainty, irritability, forgetfulness, and neglect of basic everyday routines such as hygiene and safety concerns (locking doors, bringing in the pets, etc.). When such things show themselves with someone in their fifties, it may be assumed that they're simply becoming ratty and irritable, or purposefully careless. Rarely do even doctors consider checking for early onset Alzheimer's.

Difficulties on the job and within families can be magnified. Someone that contract Alzheimer's in their 80's is probably already retired and expects their life to be winding down. Someone in their fifties may be completely unprepared for the problems that accompany early onset Alzheimer's, as will be their spouses and other family members. The thought of so many years that they expected to still be strong and active suddenly slipping away can be upsetting.

Every day for early onset Alzheimer's new treatment methods are being researched, so perhaps one day doctors will find a way to cure the disease, and perhaps even prevent it in general.

May 21, 2008

Does lead exposure lead to Alzheimer’s problems?

Maybe it is so. Here is a scientific evidence of a link between lead and Alzheimer's disease.



And don't forget other important information about Alzheimer's disease...

May 20, 2008

How to Determine the Early Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

It is important for any disease or condition to get the correct diagnosis as early as possible in order to getting proper medication and treatment as soon as possible. It can go a long way toward delaying its onset or reducing its symptoms. Alzheimer's disease is no exception. While there is no cure for this destructive disease, doctors are researching new medications and therapies for it all the time. So, it's important to know about any early sign of Alzheimer's disease in an aging parent or spouse. The appropriate medication, if given early enough, can do wonders to keep that person alert and active for much longer than without them.

Apparently memory loss is an early sign of Alzheimer's disease, but memory loss bothers everyone from time to time and is typically a normal part of aging. It does not automatically mean Alzheimer's. What may be a better indicator is what the patient is forgetting in particular. For instance, if you forget to pick up your child after soccer practice, that may be somewhat normal and due to stress, an overworked schedule, assuming it was your spouse's turn this week, and so on. But if you're looking right at your child and don't remember who he or she is, that's an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. Unusual things can be forgotten easily, but everyday things that are forgotten can be more serious.

Paranoia is another early sign of Alzheimer's disease. It's not unusual for those in the middle stages of the disease to start becoming very mistrustful and harsh of those around them. One of the ways that you can suspect that this is an early sign of Alzheimer's disease is that their accusations often make no sense. They may be convinced that you are stealing from them, or that you've come into their house and done things - rearranged drawers, put clothes in the hamper, etc. - and may have a long list of complaints about others as well.

Changes in personality and behavior are also common, as the patient becomes touchier and downright angry for no noticeable reason.

If you expect a family member is displaying early signs of Alzheimer's disease, you may want to make some notes of their symptoms and activities, being as definite as you can. Then make an appointment with the family physician who can conduct further tests for a correct diagnosis.

May 19, 2008

Alzheimer's Disease - Is It a Cost of Growing Old?

What is a cost of growing old? Is it necessary to be Alzheimer's disease? See this video...



And if you want to learn more about Alzheimer's disease, visit this website...

May 16, 2008

How We Can Impede the Effects of Alzheimer's Disease

Unfortunately Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative and debilitating condition that has no cure up till now. While doctors and scientists work on finding that mysterious cure, they are recognizing ways that one can delay the effects of Alzheimer's disease at least for some time.

It was just reported by the Associated Press that if you train your brain you may be able to put off the effects of Alzheimer's. This may be because as you stay mentally active, the brain continues to build neurons and renew itself. Alzheimer's is often thought to be caused by the breakdown of neurons and nerve cells in the brain. By building new ones, you are offsetting the effects of Alzheimer's by at least a small amount.

Challenging your brain may include doing any type of mental activity that challenges you. This could include doing crossword puzzles, playing chess, learning a foreign language, taking a class of any type, learning a new card game, or anything else that you find fresh and exciting.

The effects of Alzheimer's may also be delayed or offset by protecting your social functions as well. Being around other people and having healthy relationships also protect your brain functions and neurons. It's important then to stay active and socially connected, especially as you age. If you find that your family is no longer close, take the initiative to join a book club, a church, a volunteer organization, or any type of social setting that will keep you connected with people. By keeping yourself tied with other persons on a regular basis you can help keep the effects of Alzheimer's from taking over or setting in too early.

Keeping stress and anxiety at bay also seems to help keep your brain healthy as well. Unnecessary stress causes your blood vessels to compress and your heart to work overtime, both of which are very bad for your circulatory system. The brain needs fresh blood and oxygen just as much as any other part of the body to delay the effects of Alzheimer's.

You evidently cannot stop Alzheimer's disease completely; nevertheless, there are steps you can do to keep yourself mentally healthy and socially active in order to fend off the disease as long as possible, and to make it more controllable if you do contract it. Work hard to keep yourself healthy and you'll experience the benefits of long-term health when it comes to the effects of Alzheimer's disease.

May 15, 2008

What If You Have Alzheimer's Disease?

See what are people with Alzheimer's disease telling you...



More information about Alzheimer's disease...

May 14, 2008

What are Symptoms of Alzheimer's?

A lot of people are forgetful from time to time; this is just a common result of being imperfect and of living in very stressful times. However, if you're dreadfully forgetful of things that are really rather regular, you may be wondering if you are exhibiting the symptoms of Alzheimer's, or if someone you know is.

Forgetfulness is one of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, which is a form of dementia or brain malfunction that typically affects elder persons. But how do you know if you really are revealing symptoms of Alzheimer's or if you're just stressed and maybe absentminded?

A good way to tell the difference between normal forgetfulness and symptoms of Alzheimer's is to recognize how memory works. The more you repeat something and the longer you know a certain piece of information, the more it's going to be lastingly stored in your brain. It takes at least 8 seconds of concentration on any bit of information to move it from short-term memory to long-term. This is why it's so easy to forget where you put your keys – you only think about where you've dropped them for half a second, so that information is not in long-term memory storage.

We do a large amount of things every day because they're in our long-term memory storage. General symptoms of Alzheimer's include forgetting to do things or forgetting how to relate to things that should be in that long-term storage. You know how to wash your hair because you've been doing it for so long that it's stored in your memory permanently, and you know what shampoo is because you've been using it for so long that its use is in that memory storage as well.

Forgetting where you put your car keys is normal because it's not in long-term memory storage. However, symptoms of Alzheimer's might mean forgetting what car keys are used for. Forgetting to buy shampoo at the store happens because you didn't think about it long enough to put that chore into long-term memory storage, but recognizing what a bottle of shampoo is should be there. If you look at a bottle of shampoo and have no idea what it is, that is perhaps a symptom of Alzheimer's.

Naturally, if you suspect that you or someone you know is showing symptoms of Alzheimer's, you should make an appointment with a doctor to be tested and find out for sure, and to begin treatment immediately.

May 13, 2008

Going Public With the Alzheimer's Diagnosis

In 2002 video interview with Peter Jennings, Charlton and Lydia Heston discuss the beginnings of Alzheimer's disease and their decision to go public with the diagnosis.



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May 12, 2008

What You Must Know About Testing For Alzheimer's Disease

Very often people are not aware of the fact that Alzheimer's disease does not show up on some type of blood test or MRI. In fact, testing for Alzheimer's disease frequently involves only physical tests that are meant to rule out other causes for a patient's symptoms, such as Parkinson's disease, a stroke or a brain tumor. The rest of any testing for Alzheimer's disease is generally just a series of psychological tests meant to measure a person's mental abilities and faculties.

There are exists physical and cognitive testing for Alzheimer's disease.

A number of patients may get an MRI or PET scan to rule out the possibility of brain injury, and of course blood is almost always taken for any medical test to see about hormone imbalances, chemical imbalances, cancers, and things such as these. But predominantly, testing for Alzheimer's disease involves a series of probing questions that will enable the doctor to assess a patient's mental condition.

So the cognitive testing for Alzheimer's disease has to be used.

Since Alzheimer's is a disease of the mind that mostly affects one's memory and problem-solving abilities, doctors find it helpful to question a patient in order to evaluate his or her mental state.

The patient may be asked about what day of the week it is, the month and date. They may be asked if they know where they are and what they are doing there. They may be asked the name of the current President of the United States. This will tell the physician their level of awareness of their environment.

Testing for Alzheimer's disease also includes assessing a patient's memory. They will be asked about their personal history, when they were married, how many children they have, the names of their spouse and children, and so on. An incapability to recall such information is a very strong indicator for Alzheimer's.

There may be other easy questions or problems presented as part of testing for Alzheimer's disease. For example, the patient may be requested to spell a short word backwards, or to do a simple math equation in their head.

All of these questions are considered in coincidence with any other symptoms that are reported to the doctor, such as changes in mood or behavior, increased irritability, paranoid thoughts or actions such as accusing persons of stealing, and similar things. When bringing in a loved one for testing for Alzheimer's disease, be prepared to talk to the doctor frankly and honestly about such circumstances so that he or she can reach the correct diagnosis.

May 09, 2008

New Secret Drug for Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's experts from California have welcomed an avant-garde American treatment being used to help Alzheimer's patients.



Learn more about Alzheimer's treatment...

May 08, 2008

How the Alzheimer's Association Can Help You

The Alzheimer's Association is a national site dedicated to helping those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, along with their family members and caregivers. They present helpful instructions on what Alzheimer's disease is, how to recognize the signs and symptoms, and how to deal with general problems. The Alzheimer's Association also spearheads political actions to help with research funding and connects volunteers with clinical trials in which to participate.

If you're looking for help with the care of your loved one, there exist many ways that the Alzheimer's Association can help. They have forums and boards where you can speak with others who are going through the same thing that you are. They have local licensed facilities in your area that offer nursing home care, or those that can help with in-care options such as visiting nurses and the like.

The Alzheimer's Association also provides information on new caregiving and coping skills. You can learn how to better communicate with your patient and with those around you. They also host a 24/7 hotline for emergencies, and have an online calendar system you can use to coordinate with those who are also providing assistance and care for your loved one.

Still, this is not the only Alzheimer's association that can help you with the problems related to being a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's. There are many online sites that have similar aids and assistance for patients and their families.

When looking for an Alzheimer's association, you may want to think about what you need specifically. Is it local medical care and specialists? Do you need forums to talk with others who can lend support and answer questions? Or are you someone that wants to give back and can organize fundraisers or is willing to contact political leaders to request more funding for research? Many of the Alzheimer's associations that are available online do much of the same thing, but you need to find one that you're comfortable with and where you can meet those who are of similar mind.

And remember: if you need help with care or medical treatment, you should speak with your doctor about your selections. He or she can point you in the direction of an Alzheimer's association that would work for you, and can also recommend the services of in-home professionals. No matter what your needs as a patient or caregiver, your doctor can help you.

May 07, 2008

Alzheimer's Association Video. What are Celebrities Speaking About...

Do you know what do celebrities think about Alzheimer's Disease?



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May 06, 2008

What Alzheimer's Disease Really is?

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia associated with elderly age. The term dementia refers to a brain disorder that manifests itself in several ways. A person may become confused even in familiar settings, may ask questions repeatedly, or may neglect such basic things as their own hygiene or basic safety issues.

The disease is named after German doctor Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Doctor Alzheimer noticed differences in the brain tissue of a patient of his that died with unusual mental illnesses and dementia. His study led him to discover abnormal clumps and tangles of fiber in the brains of those patients who were suffering from this same disease. So while it was common for persons who were older and losing their mental faculties to be dismissed as "senile," Doctor Alzheimer was able to pinpoint the actual breakdown in the brain that led to the loss of their mental faculties.

According to the National Institute on Aging, there are actual brain changes in persons with Alzheimer's Disease. They can see how nerve cells die in areas of the brain that affect memory and basic abilities. It may seem strange, but everything that we do on a daily basis is because of memory. We remember that we need to shower on a regular basis, that we need to close the door behind us when we leave the house. We don't realize that we're doing these things because of memory, and assume that they just happen naturally. But when those memories break down because of Alzheimer's or any other mental disorder, even the most basic everyday functions begin to be confusing or neglected.

The brain works by a series of connections between nerve endings, all of which are related. For example, the part of the brain that controls speech sends signals to the nerves that spark the muscles and parts of the mouth when we want to talk. All of our mental and physical functions work this way. With Alzheimer's disease, these nerve signals are disrupted or broken. If the brain cannot continue to make connections in the nerve cells that control memory, all the basic functions are interrupted. The brain cannot remember that it just asked a question, so a person repeats it. They cannot remember their own children, so they are now strangers. Alzheimer's can be a very startling and debilitating disease for the patients and the families as well.