Besides antidepressants and antipsychotics, doctor recommends lifestyle changes to control Alzheimer's
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia that makes brain tissue break down over time, rendering an individual incapable of communication and thinking. It usually happens to people above 65 years. While people with Alzheimer's might live long with mild cognitive damage, others experience a more rapid progression of the disease.
Symptoms of Alzheimer
According to the Alzheimer's Association in the US, people with Alzheimer's often lose track of dates and get confused about the day of the week. They not only find it difficult to focus but also to understand visual images. As time goes on, other symptoms can appear. He or she may find it hard to do ordinary activities and suffer dramatic mood swings.
Outbursts of anger, anxiety and depression are common. People with Alzheimer's may start to withdraw themselves from work and social activities. They avoid being social because of the changes they have undergone.
Tips to control Alzheimer
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are ways to slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. Doctor recommends antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications or antipsychotics to treat symptoms related to Alzheimer’s: aggression, depression, restlessness, and hallucination.
The doctor also recommends lifestyle changes to help an individual manage his or her condition. He can devise a strategy to help you focus on tasks and avoid confusion. Avoiding confrontation, getting enough rest every day and staying calm are common recommendations to those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
Risk factors for Alzheimer
Besides old age, family history is another risk factor. Those who have an immediate family member suffering from the condition are more likely to get it too. Genes have a role as well. In fact, diet may be playing a more important role than genes in triggering Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for about 70 per cent of dementia cases worldwide.
According to William B Grant of Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center of San Francisco, this disease could be linked to animal products, which are a source of cholesterol, aluminum and transition metals like copper, iron, mercury and zinc. While cholesterol is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s, the transition metal ions increase the production of free radicals, which have the potential for destroying neurons.
Alzheimer’s prevention
Grant suggests that reducing meat consumption could significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Smoking, obesity and low vitamin D levels are some other risk factors, according to him. This is why researchers are focusing on maintaining healthy lifestyle to prevent cognitive decline. Eating a plant-based diet, consuming more antioxidants, doing cognitive training exercises and giving up smoking could be the way to go.
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While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are ways to slow the progression of the disease.png)
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