What Causes Alzheimer's?
Although how the disease begins, it is still unknown, we know that brain damage begins as early as 10 to 20 years before the problems are obvious. This occurs in the formation of abnormal clumps (amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (neurofibrillary tangles). As the plaques and tangles form, healthy neurons lose their ability to function, and they eventually die. This process of spreading damage to the hippocampus, a structure of proximity that is essential for forming memories. Since the death of neurons increases, the affected brain regions begin to decrease. At the last stage of Alzheimer's disease, the damage is widespread and brain tissue decreased significantly.
It is likely that over a long period of time, changes related to age, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors occur and contribute to the progression of the disease.
Age-related changes in brain atrophy (shrinkage) of parts of the brain, inflammation and the production of unstable molecules called free radicals that harm neurons.
Genetics - people who develop Alzheimer's disease before age 65 generally have a mutation or a permanent change in one of three genes located on chromosomes inherited 1 (SEN2), 14 (SEN1) and 21 (APP A4 ). These mutations cause "early" disease, however, not all early cases are caused by these mutations. Most people have "late" disease, which usually develops after age 65, and is linked to the APOE gene. Having APOE e4 form of APOE increases the risk of someone getting Alzheimer's disease. Forty percent of all people who develop Alzheimer's disease in late onset conduct APOE e4. However, achieving APOE e4 does not always mean that a person will develop Alzheimer's disease, and those carrying no APOE e4 forms can still develop the disease.
additional genes may influence the development of late-onset disease. Scientists have identified variants of SORL1, CLU, PICALM and CR1 genes that may play a role in the risk of late-onset Alzheimer's.
looking for lifestyle factors suggests that a nutritious diet, physical activity, social engagement, and mentally stimulating activities can all help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease . Scientists are now studying the associations between cognitive decline and vascular and metabolic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes and obesity to determine whether the reduction of risk factors for these diseases can help Alzheimer's disease.
New information on Alzheimer's disease from 2010
As indicated by the ratio of the Alzheimer's Association in 2010, new information on several aspects of the disease is obvious:
5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and 5.1 of them are over the age of 65.That is 1 to 8 people over 65 years. More women have the disease than men, mainly because women live longer than men. Less education is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, probably due to less cognitive reserve, low socioeconomic status, and poorer medical care. Afro-Americans are twice and Hispanics are half times more likely than whites to have dementia. This may be related to the incidence of hypertension, diabetes, low socioeconomic status and education.
Current treatment - from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved five medications to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by disease stage.
Donepezil (Aricept) for all stages. Galatamine (Razadyne), rivastigmine (Exelon) and tacrine (Cognex) for mild to moderate stages. Memantine (Namenda) moderate to severe stages.
Future-three separate treatments begin clinical trials to determine the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Improving diagnosis using biomarkers to identify the disease at a very early stage where the symptoms and impairments are milder. Immunoglobulin Treatment Use of intravenous immunoglobulin IVIG to reduce the presence of amyloid plaques. Ceregene treatment of CERE-110 - a gene therapy product designed to provide nerve growth factor (NGF) in the brain of an overall treatment strategy Finally, most people who require Alzheimer outside care. Consider the options, respite care and adult day care assisted living and nursing home.
From the beginning, many people who have Alzheimer's do well at home. Ultimately, however, even the most loving families and may be incapable of accommodating the needs of a person who has Alzheimer's disease. As difficult as it may be to seek treatment abroad, it is important to take account of a loved one long term care options. Here's help getting started.
Keep your loved one at home
Initially, you may be more comfortable now your beloved home. A continuum of home care resources may be available in your community, including:
Respite care.
You can use respite services to care for your loved one when you need a break. Various community organizations or residential facilities may provide respite care services. Respite care may be available through resources and informal. For example, family, friends or neighbors may be available to help.
day services for adults.
Also known as care programs for seniors, adult day services provide socialization and activities for adults who need assistance. Some programs are specifically designed for people who have Alzheimer's disease. These programs are usually available during the day, usually on weekdays only. Staff members will conduct various activities such as music programs and support groups. Most programs provide a meal for lunch, and some offer transportation as well.
home health services.
The aid is the most common personal care such as eating, bathing, dressing, grooming and toilet. Some agencies also provide help with meal preparation and household chores. Most nursing care to patients which may include using drugs, equipment care and wound care. Some agencies offer additional services such as physical therapy. Considering the investment options
Home security.
Discover that a family member has Alzheimer's disease may be a sad and difficult discovery. The disease is very difficult to treat because it is so radical changes as the person. There are many home security precautions you've probably never considered before having a family member at home diagnosed with this disease. However it is important that you start to pay attention to these details so that your loved one can live safely in your home as long as possible. This article describes some precautions you should consider taking your home. Many of these may seem excessive to you at first. It's up to you to decide what is appropriate for your beloved in your home.
- Keep your list of emergency numbers near every phone in the house.
- Make sure you have enough smoke detectors and carbon monoxide throughout the house and the batteries are working and have been replaced recently.
- Do not take things like electrical outlets and drawers and cabinets is a good idea.
- Store all potentially hazardous or toxic substances in a closed and locked. With this you can never be too careful. Once you realize that you should have something stuck there, it's usually because it's already too late.
- Drugs should be locked up from your family member to take to avoid unnecessary medication without realizing it.
- Hide a key somewhere on the exterior of a house. There have been cases where a person with Alzheimer's locks in a confused state of their relatives. If this happens, you will have a key to re-enter the house.
- Make sure you have adequate lighting throughout the house and outside the home.
- If you have a security system make sure the company understands that you have someone at home with Alzheimer's disease. alarm systems often have a kind of panic button installed and you do not want your dear alert the security company at home when there is not an emergency. On the other hand, this feature can be used by you and other family members if a family member needs to alert the security company home of a situation.
- Keep all floor areas free of clutter and things that could cause tripping. It could be strings, son, carpets, and other clutter in the house.
- Consider installing an automatic shutoff in your stove at home. You can also remove buttons on the stove and use it only when you are there to supervise.
It may not be necessary to make these changes immediately. The important thing to do is remain aware and continue to observe the evolution of your beloved. If it seems like it might be appropriate to make additional changes to the house at some point, so feel free to do so. The safety of your beloved and the rest of your family comes first.
Safety is the first step when it comes to alarm systems. Contact ADT Security for more tips on how to keep your home safe.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laila_Jefferson
As Alzheimer's progresses, your loved one will need more help. At some point, you can consider other housing options in your community. For example:
Assisted living services.
Those who need support with personal care and daily activities, such as preparing meals, but did not need medical care a nursing home may be well suited for assisted living facilities. These facilities also known as board and care, group homes or community-based residential facilities, are best for those with moderate functional impairment, but can take care of themselves with the assistance and travel safely without assistance.
specialized facilities for dementia care. Those who need more guidance and assistance that may be offered in assisted living facilities can benefit from "memory care" assisted living. These facilities generally provide more staff, training of specialized personnel and activity-based programming and outputs guaranteed and improved visual cues (such as signs or pictures) to help residents feel more oriented in an unknown environment. Nursing home. If your loved one needs care medical, nursing home may be the best option. These facilities provide room and board of nursing 24 hours. Some nursing homes have special units for people with Alzheimer's disease - designed so that environment, activities, philosophy of care and staff training revolve around the specific needs of people who have Alzheimer's disease. Choose the type of care
To determine which type of care is best for your beloved, consider the following questions:
Your dear need help preparing meals or taking care of other personal needs? Your dear need help taking medications or to manage other medical problems like heart disease or diabetes? Your dear need 24 hour supervision or special care? If yes, what type of skills should be a caregiver to provide care? Do you prefer a facility that specializes in the care of Alzheimer's disease? How will you cover the cost of your beloved care?
Keep in mind that some settings are not designed for people who have Alzheimer's disease- the change of your loved one needs, options for care may also change. Any new arrangement for the care you bring your skills involve mixing as a person with your loved one's needs.
Sharing the burden improves care
Remember that seeking help can alleviate the physical and emotional burden of caregiving, which benefits both you and your beloved. And the sooner you review the options, the better. If you wait until a crisis occurs, you can be encouraged to take a hasty decision. Instead, take time now to assess your loved one's future options.
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