Searching for the latest treatment and preventative support for an Alzheimer’s patient is a natural tendency for many loved ones. It is important to note that at all times, the loved one and the patient should be in direct contact with a medical professional in order to alleviate some of the burden from loved ones and understand what aspects of the disease are treatable.
The first and easiest treatment possibility is to make drastic changes in one’s lifestyle. This will mean that all patients should reduce their intake of high-fat content with unhealthy cholesterol levels, and instead adopt a lean-meat, high vegetable content diet. This will reduce the intake of fatty acids, as well as increase the omega-3-fatty acid content, making the brain tissue more resilient and stronger. Other chemicals that are found in foods have preventative and treatable measures associated with Alzheimer’s disease, such as antioxidants, and linoleic acid. These biochemicals can be found in a variety of foods such as vegetables and dairy products (that are low in fat). Finally, the diet must consist of vitamins, which are sometimes not found in many foods, to ensure a healthy body that remains active. Important vitamins to note are Vitamins A and E, which will help to decrease degradation of the brain due to plaque, and can be found in vegetables.
Chemicals that are factors in increasing risk and progression of Alzheimer’s disease must be halted. Doctors may then recommend that the patient be involved in a hormone replacement therapy program, which has abundant evidence in decreasing one’s progression into dementia. This may only be available to women, especially after post-menopause. Do consult your doctor to see the options available, as well as your research, as along with many other treatment options, the research is still quite controversial!
Other drugs are available for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs may lower cholesterol content in the body, and are called “statin drugs”. Coupled with drugs that reduce inflammation and thin the blood, also preventing heart diseases, may also limit the effect of symptoms in debilitating the patient. With all these preventative and treatment measures, it is important to note that much of the research being done is trying to support and prove the efficacy of these drugs.
Finally, a major factor in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease is the ability to stay positive and healthy. This means staying mentally healthy, and mentally active as well as exercising daily. Studies have shown that patients who are more involved in mental workouts and problem solving at older ages improve their chances of outlasting the Alzheimer’s disease’s heavy dementia symptoms in the late stages. Reading daily, and being involved in mentally stimulating work, while not giving up to retirement age, can have some major improvements in one’s mental health during this grave neurological disorder’s destructive path. The main thing will be to just stay positive, as research supports those patients who stay positive during medical treatment have a higher likelihood of success!