Alzheimer’s is an irreversible brain disorder that progressively worsens over time. In the course of the disease, the brain’s neurons stop functioning, lose their connections to other neurons, and eventually degenerate and die. Over time, this eventually destroys the patient’s memory and other critical mental functions. The main symptoms include confusion and memory loss. Although there is no cure, proper management strategies and medication can temporarily improve the patient’s symptoms.
Can Alzheimer’s Disease be Prevented?
Although the disease is not preventable as yet, there is strong evidence regarding key factors that are associated with living a healthier lifestyle that may play a significant role in reducing the risk of it as well as other forms of dementia. However, more research must be conducted before these different factors are seen as a preventative strategy. In population-based research studies, factors that are associated with good health may also decrease the risk of succumbing to the disease.
Despite the need for additional research regarding preventative strategies for the disease, the following steps could reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia while promoting better health and well-being in the process:
- Avoid or quit smoking
- Be more active physically and socially (aerobic exercise is recommended)
- Control certain vascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension (high blood pressure), and diabetes
- Eat a balanced diet comprised of fruits, lean proteins, and vegetables
- Take care of your mental (psychological) health
- Work on your cognitive or thinking skills (e.g. your memory skills)
One might suggest considering the Mediterranean diet which is rich in fish, fruits, legumes, vegetables, and whole grains. Plus, olive oil is used as the main cooking fat rather than other cooking oils.
Coping with Alzheimer’s Disease
As a caregiver for someone suffering with the disease, you will most likely face some challenges when trying to understand what the individual is going through. Learning about the nature of their changes in behavior will help you overcome these challenges. A person suffering with Alzheimer’s often exhibits certain behaviors such as:
- Apathy or a noticeable lack of initiative or motivation about daily routines and tasks
- Extreme anxiety about their daily lives
- Frequent agitation and an inability to control their emotions
- Repeatedly asking questions about places, people, and/or events
The following will enable you to cope better when caring for an individual suffering with Alzheimer’s disease:
- Anticipate misinterpretation
- Be flexible to the person’s needs as they will change over time
- Enjoy the good times when they occur
- Keep in mind that their behavior has a purpose
- Make their personal safety your #1 priority
- Reminisce with the person about the past
- Set attainable and realistic goals
Although diagnostic imaging can provide a look into the body or skull, it cannot detect the presence of the disease in the initial stages. However, recent research has found that there are slight changes in the size of the brain for those diagnosed with this disease. In the final stages of the disease, brain atrophy can be detected as there is consistent shrinkage as the neural network breaks down. Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is determined by the existence of specific symptoms and digital imaging can help.