mpaired.
Early diagnosis is important in order to start treatment, ensure an environment in which the person is able to function safely, and to allow them to make their own plans for the future.
There are several medications that work by increasing levels of acetylcholine in the brain, improving symptoms in mild-to-moderate AD. These medications delay the inevitable, and may improve brain function during earlier stages of disease. The substances used by the body to manufacture acetylcholine have been tried as supplements without success. Good clinical trials to evaluate Ginkgo biloba and other herbal remedies have failed to demonstrate effectiveness.
Treatment should be supportive. Create a simple, safe, and controlled environment. Ensure proper nutrition, exercise, and physical comfort. Avoid excess medications, although a low-dose sedating antidepressant is often helpful for mood and sleep.
Care for caregivers
Caring for a person with Alzheimer's requires extra patience and acceptance. Set realistic goals, both for the caregiver and the patient. Get community help, a homemaker, homecare nursing, and a visit from an occupational therapist to help with minor but important modifications in the home. When the time comes, be willing to turn to a residential extended care agency with skill in managing patients with AD. They know how to make your loved one most comfortable. You will be able to sleep better and refresh yourself so that when you do visit you are more positive. Most important to caregivers is to remember to look after yourself. It's easy to burn out.
10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease
(from Alzheimer Society: www.alzheimer.ca/english/disease/warningsigns.htm)
- Worsening memory loss for day-to-day activities, such as names, phone numbers, and recent events.
- Loss of ability to perform certain familiar tasks.
- Forgetting simple words, sometimes replacing them with less appropriate words.
- Disorientation in time and place, becoming lost and not knowing how to get home.
- Worsening judgement, such as dressing inappropriately for the weather or not seeking help for a serious problem.
- Losing abstract reasoning, such as understanding the significance of events or the ability to understand a principle.
- Misplacing things, even placing things in strange places, sometimes becoming paranoid or suspicious because they have disappeared.
- Rapid mood swings for no apparent reason.
- Personality change, becoming apathetic, confused, suspicious, or fearful.
- Loss of initiative, to the point the person may not spontaneously engage in any activities.
original article by Dr. Ray Baker, MD
with revisions by the MediResource Clinical Team