How to Treat Alzheimer's Disease

There is new hope for the 4 million or so people who currently suffer from Alzheimer's disease, as well as for their family members. Advances in treatment options have made it possible to slow the progression of the disease.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Cholinesterase Inhibitors
• Books On Medical Conditions
• Antianxiety Drugs
• Gingko
• Medical Journals

1. Consider taking antioxidants, such as vitamin E. Although it is not known exactly why antioxidants work, it is speculated that the nutrients protect nerve cell membranes from being damaged by oxidation.
2. Try taking special Food and Drug Administration-approved medications called cholinesterase inhibitors, which prevent the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine that occurs with Alzheimer's disease. As a result, this may improve memory enough to make it possible for the patient to function day-to-day, although it is unlikely to reverse long-term memory loss.
3. Ask your doctor about trying gingko biloba, which is an extract from the gingko tree that can be found in most health stores. This alternative approach to treatment has been known to slow progression of the disease.
4. Look into antianxiety and antipsychotic drugs that can help improve behavioral problems that often accompany Alzheimer's disease if no other form of behavior modification works.
5. Take medication to control behavior at very low doses to start, and increase them only as needed.
6. Keep in mind that advances are being made regularly, providing additional ways to slow the progression of the disease or perhaps to prevent it completely. For instance, researchers are now looking at ways to use anti-inflammatory medications to slow the brain inflammation that occurs with the disease.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor about using music or aroma therapy to calm you and help improve your quality of life.
• Understand that with advances in medicine Alzheimer's may someday be treatable like asthma and diabetes.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.