Two of the most common reasons why older people lose their minds are Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disease that makes memory, thinking, and behavior worse over time. It’s the main reason why people get dementia. A general term for a loss of brain function that is so bad that it gets in the way of daily life is dementia. Though there are many kinds of dementia, Alzheimer’s is by far the most common. No one knows for sure what causes Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, but it is thought that a mix of family and environmental factors plays a role.
Different Signs and Symptoms
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia have different signs and symptoms that depend on the type of dementia and how bad the disease is. Here are some common symptoms:
Language problems mean having trouble learning or using language.
Problem-solving: Need help making choices or figuring out what to do.
Attitude changes: Mood, behavior, or attitude changes.
Behavior changes, like how much you sleep, eat, or move around.
Memory loss means having trouble remembering new things or events. Confusion means being unable to figure out what’s happening or what to do.
There is no fix for Alzheimer’s or dementia, but there are medicines that can help people deal with their symptoms. Some of these solutions are drugs, therapy, and changes to how you live your life. At this time, there are no medicines that can fix Alzheimer’s or dementia. There are, however, some medicines that can help control the symptoms.
Some of These Medicines Are:
Cholinesterase inhibitors: These drugs raise the amount of acetylcholine in the brain, a neurotransmitter that helps with learning and recall. Cholinesterase inhibitors are medicines like donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne).
Memantine: This is a different kind of medicine that works by stopping glutamate, a chemical that can hurt brain cells, from doing its job. To help some people, taking cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine together may be most helpful. People with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia may be able to remember things better, think more clearly, and behave better when they take these medicines.
They might not work for everyone, though; some people may feel sick or have diarrhea, vomiting, or sickness. Talk to your doctor if you are worried about how well your brain is working. They can test your brain abilities and advise you on how to improve them.
Finally, here are some more things to remember about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: There isn’t a single way to treat Alzheimer’s disease or dementia that works for everyone. The best treatment for you will depend on what you need and how you’re feeling. It’s essential to find out about Alzheimer’s and dementia early on. If you get a diagnosis early, you can get the care you need and plan for the future. There are a lot of places that can help families and people who have Alzheimer’s or dementia. These sources can give you knowledge, support, and valuable tips.
There are many things you can do to help someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, whether it’s you or someone you know. Here are some ideas:
Have patience and understanding. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can be challenging and frustrating for both the person who has them and the people who care about them.
Actively encourage the person to do things they enjoy. Keeping your mind and body active can help slow the disease’s growth.
Help people and be their friend. A person with Alzheimer’s may need help eating, cleaning, and dressing. They might also need help with their feelings.
Take part in studies. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia have no fix, but scientists are always looking for new ways to treat them.
You can help find a cure for this terrible disease by participating in studies.