What should you know about Alzheimer’s disease?

What should you know about Alzheimer’s disease?                                                                                  

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer is the name of a disease that is an unchangeable, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and as the result, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks comes to an end. Mostly Alzheimer’s, symptoms, in people appear in their mid-60s.

Alzheimer’s disease is known as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, but according to a recent survey, the disorder may be ranked third, just behind heart disease and cancer, as a reason of death for older people.

Alzheimer’s disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In1906, Dr. Alzheimer treated a woman who had died because of a rare mental illness. The doctor observed changes in the brain tissue of the woman. Her symptoms included memory loss, language problems, and uncertain behavior. After she died, he examined her brain and found many abnormal clumps and twisted bundles of fibers.

What are the causes of Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder. The main cause of Alzheimer is the death of brain cells which results in memory loss and mental weakening.

It is the most common type of dementia, according to an estimated figure, there is 60 to 80 percent of cases of dementia in the United States. At first, symptoms are mild, but they become more severe with the passage of time. As symptoms get worse, it becomes hard to remember recent events, to reason, and to recognize people they know.

Good Mental Health For All

What are the stages of Alzheimer’s disease?

You can help and support your loved one who is facing Alzheimer's by learning more about how the condition develops.

Stage 1: Normal Outward Behavior

When your loved one is in this early phase, he won't have any symptoms,  you can judge. Only a PET scan that is an imaging test shows how the brain is working and can reveal whether he's got Alzheimer's.

Stage 2: Very Mild Changes

At this stage, it is difficult to describe symptoms of Alzheimer's and they don't affect his ability to work or live independently. This phase could include forgetting a word or misplacing objects.

Keep in mind, these changes are not only because of Alzheimer but these can be the result of aging.

Stage 3: Mild Decline

 At this point, you start to notice changes in your loved one's thinking and reasoning, such as:

• Forgets something he just read

• Asks the same question again and again

• Has more and more trouble making plans or organizing

• Can't remember names when meeting new people

Stage 4: Moderate Decline

During this period, the problems in thinking and reasoning get more noticeable, and new issues appear. Your friend or family member might:

• Forget details about himself

• Forget what month or season it is

• Have difficulty of cooking meals or even ordering from a menu

Stage 5: Moderately Severe Decline

He may forget his address, phone number, or his school. He could get confused about what kind of clothes to wear for the day or season.

Stage 6: Severe Decline

As Alzheimer's progresses, the patient might recognize faces but forget the names. He might also mistake a person for someone else, for instance, considering his wife as his mother. Misconceptions might a set in, such as thinking he needs to go to work even though he no longer has a job.

Stage 7: Very Severe Decline

Many basic abilities in a person with Alzheimer's, like eating, walking, and sitting up, disappear during this period. You can help in feeding your loved one soft, easy-to-swallow food, helping him use a spoon, and making sure he drinks. Many people at this stage can no longer tell when they are thirsty.

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?

• Memory loss

• Difficulty planning and solving problems

• Difficulty completing familiar tasks

• Difficulty determining time or place

• Vision loss

• Difficulty finding the right words

• Misplacing items often

• Difficulty making decisions.

• Moving back from work and social events

• Experiencing personality and mood changes

 What is the latest treatment for Alzheimer’s disease?

Medication that scientists are currently developing to treat stroke survivors might also help hold off Alzheimer's disease. Researchers are testing a new treatment that may help people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

 What are the foods that fight Alzheimer’s disease?

1. Green leafy vegetables

The MIND diet is different than other diet plans in a few significant ways and proved more effective than each of them at reducing the risk of Alzheimer's. The MIND diet recommends regular portions of green leafy vegetables. Kale, spinach, broccoli, collards, and other greens are full of vitamins A and C and other nutrients. The MIND diet study found that including greens in addition to other veggies helps in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's.

2. Salad 

Eating a salad and at least one other vegetable every day may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.

3. Nuts

Nuts are good food for brain health, according to the MIND diet study. Nuts contain healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.

4. Berries

Blueberries are one of the more effective foods in terms of protecting the brain," Morris said. 

5. Beans 

Beans are high in fiber and protein, and low in calories and fat, they also help keep your mind sharp as part of the MIND diet. Beans can help reduce the risks of Alzheimer.

6. Whole grains

Whole grains are a key element of the MIND diet. 

7. Fish

According to the MIND diet study, eating fish at least once a week helps protect brain function.

8. Poultry

Poultry is another effective food being a  part of a brain-healthy eating plan.

9. Olive oil

Olive oil is more effective than other forms of cooking oil and fats in the MIND diet. The researchers found people who used olive oil as their primary oil at home saw greater protection against mental weakening.

A connection between exercise and brain health

How can you spend a happy life with Alzheimer’s disease?

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you may feel speechless. This is a difficult time, but it’s helpful to know about the condition once a proper diagnosis has been made. There will be a time in the future to continue enjoying life and pleasurable activities, even if it’s in a different way, and to make important plans and decisions with loved ones. Gathering more information can help relieve your anxiety and stress. After adjusting to the new diagnosis and preparing for the future, you can focus on living and dealing with the disease.

1. Take some safety measurements for the patient and other members of the family.

• Install locks out of sight

• Keep walkways well-lit

• Remove and disable guns or other weapons

• Keep medications in a locked drawer or cabinet

• Remove tripping hazards

• Watch the temperature of water and food

• Avoid injury in the bathroom

• Be prepared for emergencies

• Make sure safety devices are in correct mode and are in working position.

• Take care of the person's needs.

2. Physical and mental activities can enhance everyday life

• Exciting activities can help people with Alzheimer’s

• Encourage self-expression

• Short-term emotional connections with others

• Lessen any anxiety  that Alzheimer’s may bring

• Make people with Alzheimer’s feel more engaged

• Stir memories

3. Challenges, emotions, and commitments that family members encounter

Consider some strategies that can lessen family conflicts.

• Share responsibility

Make a list of roles and responsibilities for each family member according to his ability, resource, preference, and emotional capacity.

• Meet regularly

Hold family meetings to discuss care and other related issues. 

• Communicate honestly

Talk about your feelings in an open, constructive manner during family meetings and informal conversations. If you're angry or stressed, say so.

• Don't criticize

There are many "right" ways to provide care. Respect each caregiver's abilities, style, and values.

• Consider counseling

Even with effective communication and cooperation among family caregivers, you may need help resolving conflicts or managing stress.

 4. Organizations, people, and services that may help you build a support network

To make living well with Alzheimer’s, you should be aware of what to expect and what resources are available that can make the process easier for you and those close to you.

There are many supports group that can help you to treat Alzheimer. Share stories and take advice from them. They are available to listen to you on a regular basis and can help lower caregiver stress and lessen the health risks that caregivers face. Support groups have information on community resources for Alzheimer’s education and other programs that can ease some of the workloads.

These support groups give assistance and comfort to Alzheimer’s caregivers trying to balance their many responsibilities.