Alzheimer's Disease - 1st Stage

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that

gradually destroys brain cells. The result of this massive

destruction of the brain effects a person's memory, ability to learn,

reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities.

The steady onslaught of this dreaded disease affects both physical

and emotional responses. As Alzheimer's progresses, individuals may

also experience changes in personality and behavior, such as anxiety,

suspiciousness or agitation, as well as delusions or hallucinations.

Alzheimer's disease advances at widely different rates depending on the

individual. The duration of the illness may vary from 3 to 20 years.

The areas of the brain that control memory and thinking skills are affected

first. Cells die that affect other regions of the brain.

Eventually, the person with Alzheimer's will need complete care. If the

individual has no other serious illness, the loss of brain function

itself will cause death. New research however provides hope that

effective treatment for this disease may be on the horizon.

There are treatment plans for Alzheimer's disease when the

diagnosis is made in the early stages of the disease. An

effective treatment plan is key to slowing the progression of symptoms.

Effective care and support can improve the quality of life for individuals

over the course of the disease.

When a person first starts to experience any of the symptoms associated

with the 3-stages of Alzheimer's, a doctor should be contacted immediately.

Medications are available to treat and slow the symptoms of the disease.

These medications do not cure Alzheimer's disease but they have been shown

to slow the progression of the disease.

The chance of having Alzheimer's disease increases with age. Individuals

younger than age 60 rarely have this disease. Alzheimer's disease affects

up to 50 percent of people older than 85. For each year over 85, the risks

of having Alzheimer's disease will increase.

The first symptom to look for in a person who fits the age category is

confusion. Individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease are often confused.

These individuals have trouble making a mental connection with the familiar

world around them. Memory loss may be a sign of aging but the depth of

memory loss for individuals in the latter stages of Alzheimer's is

severe

In the normal course of aging, grandmothers and grandfathers seem to lose some

touch with the real world. They may forget addresses and phone number but

can remember in detail events that happened twenty years before.

In the same moment they may forget where they put their coffee cup.

In many cases, this is a normal part of aging. Short term memory is

impacted in older people.

But with Alzheimer's disease, the basic mechanics of life become

difficult. There is a disconnect from basic tasks, people, places

and things. Sometimes these patients cannot determine what a key

is used for Or they do not remember where the bathroom is located

in their own house. Caregivers and family member are often caught off

guard when the full blown results of the disease appear.

It often takes time for an observer to realize that something is wrong.

The memory loss is often attributed to age. The first stage symptoms

of Alzheimer's include forgetfulness and confusion and memory loss that

take place in normal aging. It's important to track behavioral changes and talk

with the doctor about Alzheimer's treatment options.

Early diagnosis and effective treatment of Alzheimer's may delay the progression

of the disease.

Alzheimer's Disease, How Does the Disease Develop?

Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease that is typified by progressive weakening of cognitive skills, affecting all aspects of day to day activities. A person suffering from Alzheimer's is likely to undergo severe behavioral changes

.

Emil Kraepelin was the first person to identify the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Alois Alzheimer, who was a German psychiatrist, studied typical neuropathology for the first time in the year 1906.

The distinct and the most striking symptom of Alzheimer's disease is amnesia. In the early stages, a victim of Alzheimer's is quite often found to be in a confused state, and facing problems with short-term memory. There are usually problems with paying attention and in terms of spatial orientation.

The personality of the person affected usually undergoes a massive change coupled with frequent mood swings and the language of the patient may be affected. However, it should be noted that Alzheimer's disease does not affect everyone in the same way,and this can make the disease quite difficult to diagnose.

In the early stages of the illness, patients tend to lose energy and their alertness of mind decreases but this change is hardly noticeable. Also, there is loss of memory and the person may become moody. Overall, the affected person becomes slow in responding to everyday stimuli. Eventually, due to the significant memory loss the patient tries to shields himself or herself from anything that they find unfamiliar, as a result the person can become highly confused and get lost easily and frequently.

In the next stage, the victim of Alzheimer's starts seeking assistance to carry out those tasks that require heavy lifting. Their speech starts getting affected and quite frequently they stop abruptly after saying half a sentence. Depression, irritation and restlessness are some of the common traits during this stage of illness.

Slowly, the individual becomes disabled. They may remember past incidents but can't recall the very recent ones. In the advanced stage it becomes difficult for the patient to distinguish between day and night or even recognize the faces of very near and dear ones.

In the last stage of the disease, patients merely exist. They experience total loss of memory and they are unable to eat properly and cannot control themselves to any great extent. Constant care is needed for a patient at this stage. The individual also becomes prone to other diseases such as pneumonia, infections, etc. Ultimately they become confined to bed and this fatal stage leads to death.

Alzheimer's disease is not curable but there are treatments available that can slow its progress and there is promising research that may lead to a cure.

Is There a Cure For Alzheimer's?

There are scientific advancements that look promising for preventing and even reversing the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive deterioration of the brain, first described in 1907 by the German neurologist Alois Alzheimer (1864-1915). It is the most common form of dementing, or mind-depriving, illness, affecting cells in an area of the brain important to memory.

Alzheimer's disease or Alzheimer's syndrome most commonly strikes elderly adults, but it has also been known to afflict people in their late twenties.

People with Alzheimer's experience difficulties communicating, learning, thinking and reasoning - problems severe enough to have an impact on an individual's work, social activities and family life.

Alzheimer's is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the number of people affected. It is emerging to potentially become the largest medical problem facing the elderly in the 21st century.

Currently there are as many as 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050.

A new person is diagnosed with Alzheimer's every 71 seconds, and because people are living longer Alzheimer's disease has become a serious health problem that governments must face; this disease is now the sixth leading cause of death in America alone. Alzheimer's disease is becoming tragically common.

Over 12 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer's disease. The direct and indirect cost of caring for Alzheimer's victims in the United States alone is more than $100 billion a year.

With these startling statistics, can anything be done to save our brains from this horrific deterioration? Will more seniors be able to avoid falling victim to Alzheimer's as the elderly population increases? Are we finally getting close to a cure?

The conventional medical approach is limited to pain relief and controlling some of the related symptoms by using expensive prescription drugs riddled with side effects.

But in reality, extensive research reveals that proliferation of Alzheimer's disease in society is a direct manifestation of our changed lifestyles. When people around the world experience similar problems, it's not a random incident but a methodical process spreading across cultures and borders.

You see, our lifestyle choices have gotten us into this mess. We need to make the right choices to get us out.

The fact is the exponential increase in Alzheimer's disease is really the result of the way our lives have changed. The bad news is we are used to living a certain way now and it isn't easy to change. The good news is that change is in our power and with it better health.

One way to help lower the risk of dementia and one that you can have responsibility for is to change your habits of life, eat healthily and take regular exercise. Currently, researchers studying Alzheimer's patients have noticed that those who stay healthy and take specific nutritional supplements have slowed down and even reversed the decline.

Yes, Alzheimer's is NOT an incurable condition. Alzheimer's is curable and CAN be reversed.

Everyday now more and more people are finding that they can start to reverse their Alzheimer's.

The Seven Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

It's quite normal - though perhaps a bit jarring - to see your grandma or grandpa begin to have memory problems. They might forget your phone number, or have to think twice while recalling a childhood memory. But when should you worry? When do the memory troubles signify something more disturbing, like Alzheimer's disease?

It's important to understand and educate yourself about so many things in life, but particularly something as devastating as watching a loved one succumb to Alzheimer's. Knowing what to expect at each stage of the disease can go a long way toward making it easier for you and other family members to contend with.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are seven stages of Alzheimer's, but not every person with Alzheimer's will exhibit all the signs and some of the signs might be missed by friends and family who chalk them up to simple aging, senile dementia, or "grandpa being grandpa".

Here are the seven stages and what to look for in each stage.

The first stage is really not a stage at all. This is when grandma or grandpa has no signs of memory loss or any other signs of Alzheimer's.

The second stage of Alzheimer's might look to family members like normal signs of aging. Since we all lose a little of our memory as we get older, this stage really looks like nothing more than normal aging.

The third stage of Alzheimer's is characterized by what the Alzheimer's Association calls mild cognitive decline. It's at this stage that a doctor might see some signs of Alzheimer's and, depending on the patient, might even be able to diagnose early-stage Alzheimer's. In this stage, your grandma or grandpa might have trouble remembering the name of someone they just met, or read something and retain very little of what they've read. They might struggle for words or names in a way that's obvious to others. But generally in this stage, it might still seem that your loved one is just suffering normal effects of aging.

It's really in the fourth stage of Alzheimer's that family and friends - and doctors - might begin calling what looked like basic aging memory complaints something more, and it's when the "classic" signs of Alzheimer's become apparent. These symptoms or signs include forgetting current events or recent experiences; an impaired memory of childhood, personal experiences and the like; and having trouble with basic daily tasks like paying bills, planning menus or completing an errand list.

It can be hard to distinguish between the fifth and sixth stages of Alzheimer's. In these later stages of the disease, simple daily tasks become extremely difficult to perform. In the former stage (the fifth stage), a patient might have a hard time recalling for a doctor their address, schools they attended, or even their phone number. They might choose the wrong clothing for the season or occasion they are dressing for, or they will be confused about the date, season, or day of the week. It's easy at this stage to consider these problems normal relative to aging, but experts say it's important to consider they might be signs of Alzheimer's.

In the sixth stage of Alzheimer's much more cognitive ability is lost. It's hard for grandma or grandpa to recall their personal history (though they will usually know their name at this point); they might have difficulty recalling their spouse's name (but they will generally still recognize faces); they need help with toileting and other bathroom and personal care duties and will experience disruption in sleep and wake cycles. It's also in this stage that there's a risk of your loved one wandering off and becoming lost and there's the potential of them becoming delusional or having hallucinations.

Finally, the seventh stage of Alzheimer's is arguably the most difficult for everyone involved. In this stage, your loved one might lose the ability to speak, or respond to their environment. You might think to bring grandma's favorite ice cream to her, but she could likely forget she even likes ice cream.

Alzheimer's disease can be a frightening thing for you and your loved one. But knowing and being able to identify the stages of Alzheimer's is important.

Does Anybody Know What Causes Alzheimer's?

Despite all the research being carried out as to what actually causes Alzheimer's disease, and how this devastating disease can be stopped, we still don't have a clear answer as to why Alzheimer disease actually develops. Clearly a lot more research is required before this question can be answered. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia.

What we can say with a good degree of certainty is that we know that once this disease sets in, it can progress pretty quickly, and steps need to be taken, usually through the use of drugs, to try and slow down the rate that it affects the brain.

Let us look at some of the things that we do know:

Although we cannot say what causes Alzheimer's, we do know that the disease can start to affect our brain cells over a long period of time. The symptoms of Alzheimer begin to appear when these brain cells start to sustain damage, resulting in the death of those cells. Once the cells start to die, certain cognitive processes start to fail. These processes will include memory impairment, confusion, a failure in awareness, and a decline in image recognition.

When this stage is reached by a person who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, it can be extremely difficult, if not impossible to live a normal life, with any degree of independence. The sufferer can still have lucid moments, but these moments decrease over time.

This is often a very worrying and upsetting situation for the person in question. The situation is also very distressing for the people that surround the sufferer. It clearly is hard for someone to cope with the fact that the person that they have loved and known for a long time, fails to recognize them. This is further amplified because the causes of Alzheimer's are not known, and there seems to be no understanding why it has happened.

Another thing that most scientists agree on is that if there is a history of Alzheimer disease in a family, then the risk of developing the disease suddenly becomes greater, than if there was no history of Alzheimer's disease in the family. If you are in a position where family members have suffered from Alzheimer's disease, then it may be worthwhile to get yourself checked out, especially if you are over 60 years of age.

There is a strong possibility that genetics can play a role behind causes of Alzheimer's. Scientists know that there are 2 types of genes associated with the causes of Alzheimer's disease. The first is known as the Risk Gene, which obviously suggests that the risks of developing the disease is higher compared to people that don't have this gene. The second gene is called the deterministic gene, this particular gene more or less guarantees the onset of Alzheimer.

There are some other risk factors which may also contribute to Alzheimer. These factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and high stress levels. If you have any of these problems, and are finding yourself becoming a little forgetful, then it is vital that you talk to your doctor about these suspicions. Remember that the sooner that you can get a diagnosis, the quicker you can get help with the condition.

As you can see there are many possibilities behind the disease, so you need to keep a careful watch on yourself, and on people around you, and be aware of the potential symptoms. There still remains a lot of research to be done before we can finally pinpoint what exactly causes Alzheimer's disease.

Crohn's Disease Nursing Care - Giving The Best

Nursing care is very important for any disease condition. The debilitating nature of Crohn's disease can be quite disheartening. The condition of the patient deteriorates as the days go by. There is however very little cure that a patient can get from Crohn's disease nursing care. The disease causes increased bowel movements during the day, causing dehydration to the person. The patient also has low levels of red blood cells leading to anemia in addition to fever and severe weight loss.

There have been very little findings about the causative factors for Crohn's disease. With very little understanding about the cause, the cure and the treatment options are also not many. If you suffer from a disease and have very little information on how to tackle it, it is best to learn to live with it and face it. You can provide good nursing care if you know how to tackle this disease.

Keep Yourself Informed

It is very important to give crohn's disease nursing care and love to a person suffering from the disease. More so, if there is nothing left to cure it. Appropriate care for Crohn's disease includes understanding the reasons for the condition, options available and steps to be taken to prepare the body for the condition as well as to deal with the attack.

One of the symptoms of the Crohn's disease is the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This causes diarrhea, fatigue, fever and weight loss, skin rashes and mouth ulcers. As the main cause of the disease is unknown, you can find ways to treat and give some care to the symptoms that are exhibited. There are three main options for providing nursing care- medication, surgery and good nutrition.

Medication - Medicines for Crohn's disease only have limiting power to alleviate pain, inflammation and manage the condition. There is unfortunately no medicine to cure the condition. You can consult your physician and find the medicine that is right for your symptoms. You need to work with your doctor and find out the best medication to relieve your pain and the symptoms.

Surgery - This option is usually recommended for children who have been affected with a severe attack of the Crohn's disease. Surgery does not cure the condition but helps the children to deal with the condition better.

Good Nutrition - Good food and diet is an essential crohn's disease nursing care option in any disease condition. Diet plays a major role and helps to identify the foods responsible for aggravating the condition. You need to find out the foods which can flare up the condition...

• Oily or spicy foods are found to worsen the condition and you may also be sensitive to gluten or dairy products.
  
  


• Gluten free diet is found to reduce the symptoms of Crohn's disease. You can thus have natural foods like vegetables, meat and fish.
  
  


• Sugar is also found to flare up the condition. Sugar free diet is advised to keep the sugar levels at a consistent level.
  
  


• High fiber foods are found to irritate the intestinal lining and thus increase inflammation. You are thus prescribed a low residue diet. This diet may lack nutrients. The patient is thus advised to drink vegetable juice and take supplements for the nutrients.
  
  


• It is advisable to avoid alcohol, caffeine and foods high in sulfur.
  
  


• You should drink plenty of fluids as there is mineral loss in diarrhea.
  
  


• Also do exercise to keep the body fit.
  
  

Activity for Alzheimer's Patient: What You Can Do

Planning an activity for an Alzheimer's patient (or patients) can be difficult. You have to keep in mind that because of their condition, it can be difficult for them to perform tasks that you would find simple. However, Alzheimer's statistics have found that, by having patients participate in activities, you can actually slow the progress of the disease in the brain because you are encouraging positive thinking and happiness within the mind of the patient. Assuming you are a caregiver, this article on Alzheimer's is intended to show you some things you can do to make life easier for the person you are caring for.

A Simple Activity is Always Best

Though the cause of Alzheimer's is unknown, the effects are very apparent. Alzheimer's is a mental disease, not a physical disease, meaning that patients are physically capable of performing activities. Additionally, Alzheimer's patients retain a childlike intelligence, meaning that they are capable of performing tasks that children can perform.

Caregivers should try to find out what the patient likes to do and design activities around their interests. For example, if the patient you are caring for enjoyed cooking before the disease set in, you should let them cut cookies with you, or make simple dishes (such as made-from-a-box cakes or salads). If your patient enjoyed gardening, let them weed or spade a garden. Perhaps you should let them play with toys or games, like building Lego's or playing bingo.

It is important to keep in mind that a patient probably won't want to stay on a task for a very long period of time, but you should constantly encourage your patient, as they need that positive reinforcement to make their lives seem more full. You do not want your patient thinking that they are a burden because it will only encourage the disease to progress more quickly.

Other Things to Keep in Mind as an Alzheimers Caregiver

Always make sure that your patient is taking their medication; this cannot be stressed enough. Each day, the disease will get worse and worse if proper care is not given. Additionally, you should research a good Alzheimer's diet. The Alzheimer's foundation has found that a diet consisting of low fat and low cholesterol meals slows the progress of this disease and, for those who do not have Alzheimer's, this type of dietary habit can aid in preventing Alzheimer's.

Also, consider supplements such as turmeric or glyconutrients. Both of these supplements have been statistically found to aid in the slowing of Alzheimer's, which is always a positive benefit. Finally, make sure that your patient is receiving proper amounts of nutrition, as they are not always capable of performing this task on their own.

Being a caregiver for an Alzheimer's patient can be a very exhausting task, I understand that. However, if you take on this responsibility, you must make sure that you are doing everything you can for them. If you follow the advice listed in this article, you will be a good caretaker.

Alzheimer's and Music

A few years ago, I read an article that said people with Alzheimer's disease don't lose their memories- they just lose access to them. And that got me to wondering if there was any way to help them access their memories. In my work with Alzheimer's, I quickly noticed that those who rarely talked at all, would sing along with a song. Interestingly enough, they couldn't recall my name, but they could sing every single word of, "You Are My Sunshine." Aha! Music seemed to be an access to the memory.Familiar music also seemed to cause an array of emotions. Some music was stimulating, some calming, some causing happiness, and some even melancholy. So if some music was stimulating, I decided to use it at times when stimulation was needed. Take eating for example.

I noticed that lighthearted, upbeat music seemed to stimulate their appetites. Also, the same kind of music, kept them from napping, whereas quiet, soothing music appeared to be a sedative.It didn't take long for me to figure out that there should be music playing all the time. Yes, medication is necessary. But it's not the only means available to the caregiver. Find out what kind of music your loved one grew up listening to. Childhood songs are great, and believe it or not, sometimes even nursery rhymes brighten up their faces.....because they can remember them! Some of my residents enjoyed country music, while others like the Beatles. Remember: music can bridge the gap to their memory. Is there a particular song you hear that can take you right back in time, and you can remember exactly what you were doing when you heard it? If not for hearing that song, you probably would not have accessed that memory!Music is a tool in the management of Alzheimer's disease. Try it!

Why Mirrors Can Be Stressful for Patients With Alzheimer's

As I left my mom in the bedroom to take her clothes to the laundry room, she was sitting peacefully on the bed. It had been a good morning with her being responsive and helpful. I was relieved because these types of mornings had started to become more scarce as her Alzheimer's disease progressed.

Walking downstairs, I suddenly heard a shriek coming from mom's room. Then a crash! What in the world? I dropped the laundry and rushed up the stairs to her bedroom.

"Mom, what's wrong?" I cried as I entered, seeing her jewelry box laying on the floor, fallen open, with her staring at the mirror looking terrified. She shrieked again and pointed at the mirror. Looking at the reflection, she put her hands on her face and then threw a hairbrush at the mirror.

The mirror--I had forgotten and left her alone with the mirror. A mirror can be very disturbing to a patient with mid-stage Alzheimer's disease. It's a random thing that a care giver may not think of, as I didn't at first, and it's terrifying to the person with Alzheimer's. Many times the patient will get upset and then hysterical for seemingly no reason. The culprit is often a mirror in the room.

If you think about the scenario and the basic facts, you can understand why. Alzheimer's disease develops by first eroding short-term memory, and then gradually works on every memory over time. When an 87-year-old Alzheimer's patient (who's forgotten that they are 87) looks into a mirror and sees the image of an old person and not the 30-year-old that they think they are, it's very scary. It's like looking in the mirror and seeing a stranger. It's horribly confusing and shocking to the person with Alzheimer's. They may think they're looking at a stranger that's in the room, or be so confused they push you and anyone else away while they are upset.

Could this happen in your house? Are there mirrors hanging in the room? Situations like this are ones that you, as a caregiver, may not think of and have no way to know to plan for things like this without consulting with others and learning as you go.

Sometimes your loved one may decide the image in the mirror is a friend. They may start doing things for the friend in the mirror, like saving food. Or, your loved one may start refusing to shower, for fear of a stranger in the room that will see them naked. It's hard to predict the interpretations they will have.

If you think that mirrors may be causing problems or discomfort for your loved one with Alzheimer's, limit the access they have to mirrors. Alzheimer's can be a hard, stressful disease to live with-for both your loved one and you as the caregiver. The thing to keep in mind is that, for every irrational behavior, there is a trigger. Once you can identify the trigger (and often it's something like a mirror), you can remove it and provide a great service for your loved one. It all comes with patience, compassion and understanding for your loved one and what they are going through.

Causes of Alzheimer's - Triggers and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's is a brain disorder which involves mental function deterioration. It is resulted from brain tissue shrinking. Alzheimer's disease is also named as diffuse brain atrophy or dementia.

Alzheimer's disease has many symptoms such as

1) Decreased and poor judgment

The patient feels difficulties to take a decision. They are in their own mind state, so they may leave home without winter garment on a cold day. They may also go to the market wearing nothing.

2) Confusion and disorientation

Alzheimer's patients get lost in their own places. They can't recognize their familiar situations and places. They also can't follow directions or understand commands.

3) Communication problems

Patient with alzheimer's feel difficulty in understanding the words' meaning or recalling words.

4) Difficulty in doing familiar tasks

Patients feel to have many difficulties in doing their daily tasks such as showering, dressing, eating, etc.

5) Impaired thinking and memory

Alzheimer's patients can't remember common things i.e their occupation, their birth place and their personal information.

6) Changes in personality and behavior

Alzheimer's patient swing his mood rapidly. He may become quiet, angry, fearful, etc. and feel dramatic changes in his personality.

7) Messing up and misplacing things.

Patients usually forget where they have kept their daily things i.e keys, glasses, etc.

Alzheimer's disease factors are still unknown but there are many causes are believed to be develop alzheimer's. The causes of alzheimer's disease are the following:

1) Aging and genetics

They are the main causes of alzheimer's. There are 9 out of 10 thousand people affected with alzheimer's. It is occurring in people over the 65 age.

2) Gender

Alzheimer's disease affects women more than men

3) Neurochemical factors

Lacking of neurochemical factors in cells of the nerve can cause alzheimer's

What is The History of Herpes and How is it Spread?

As you, or someone you know, begin to deal with the virus, you may be wondering what exactly is the history of herpes? Where did the virus come from and when did it become so prevalent? Here is a brief overview for you.

This goal of this article is to provide a basic genital herpes history. Don't think of this as a textbook with all of the information you could want or need. Instead, it covers the basics of the virus' progression through history and how it became so prevalent.

The history of herpes begins as early as ancient Greek times. Hippocrates speaks of the condition in his writings. Even the word "herpes" is a Greek word that means "to creep or crawl" which is the way that the Greeks described the way that skin lesions spread. In Roman times, the emperor Tiberius tried to stop an outbreak of mouth herpes by prohibiting kissing at public events and ceremonies. Soon after Tiberius, a physician named Celsus suggested that herpes be treated by cauterizing the sores with a hot iron. It is unknown how long Tiberius' ban on kissing lasted or how long Celsus' treatment was used, but both seem to have ended pretty quickly.

Later in history, Shakespeare is believed to have had knowledge of the virus. In his play Romeo and Juliet he talks about "blisters plagues" which scholars believe refers to the herpes virus. There are also medical journals from the seventeen and early eighteen hundreds that discuss this disease. During this time there was also a lot of speculation as to what caused herpes - one of the most notable was the suggestion that herpes was caused by insect bites. Obviously, the history of herpes contains a lot of misconceptions.

However, this information doesn't really tell us when or where the history of herpes started. The origin of herpes in humans is unknown. Some scholars believe that it has been around since the beginning of the human race.

In more recent times, there started to be recognition of genital herpes history and the way that the virus spreads as early as the 1900s. Studies began to define various strains of the virus and in 1919 a man by the name of Lowenstein confirmed scientists' suspicion that herpes was infectious.

Before this time, people were unsure that herpes was a virus - in fact, many considered it to be like other common skin conditions, such as eczema, which cannot be transmitted. Studies of herpes continued into the twentieth century and scientists were able to begin identifying various strains of the virus. Genital herpes history continues as scientists and physicians continue to study it and search for ways to minimize its' effects and the chance of transmission.

What can we learn from this history of herpes? It certainly reveals that the disease is not just a modern phenomenon. It has been around for a while and unfortunately, unless a cure is found, it will continue to exist. In the meantime, we can be grateful that the medical minds of our age have a much better understanding of the condition and that they are working on ways to minimize the symptoms and hopefully one day eliminate the disease.

Alzheimer's Disease - Accepting the Changes

When someone in the family is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease there are many changes that occur in the day-to-day experiences of the patient. However, no less traumatic are the radical changes

that occurs within the family structure.

Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's disease is no easy task. Loving someone does not reduce the stress or the struggle that is involved in their daily care. Many caregivers live with guilt

because they may come to resent the time and effort involved iIn caring for a parent.

The guilt is a natural feeling and should be discussed openly with other family members. The natural progressions of life have been turned around. You are caring for someone who

at one time had the responsibility for your care. As a caregiver or family member it is important to accept the change, understand that at some time you may resent the hand that life has dealt you.

The end result is that you continue to care for your loved one with love and concern. Taking care of someone who has Alzheimer's is a full time job. Whether you are caring for the patient at home or in a facility. Day after day a set of tasks are required to insure that your loved one is cared for properly.

Often the family member who becomes the caregiver must learn new skills to cope with the needs of the patient. The daily routine of the family must be changed to accommodate the family crisis.

Alzheimer's is not only a family crisis but also a national one that has infringed on the lifestyles of its victims and their families.

One of the major challenges caregivers face is dealing with the changed behaviors of the person they are caring for. It is stressful to try to communicate with a stranger who was once a loving and

concerned parent or loved one.

Alzheimer's patients sometimes become very obstinate and show very difficult personality traits. Alzheimer's causes this strange behavior thus making the disease harder to cope with. Many times the actions or communication of a Alzheimer's patient will not make any sense.

The patient will behave in ways that upset you. This can be hard for a caregiver.

When this happens, don't forget that your loved one is not acting this way on purpose.

These behavioral changes are part of the symptoms of the disease.

The actions of the patient can lead to a great deal of tension and frustrations for both you and your patient. The most important thing to remember is that the behavior is the result of the disease. These patients are unable to react appropriately. These patients require an immense amount of understanding patience. and love.

Alzheimer's is a very cruel reality in the lives of millions of older Americans. Just as medical science has improved the quality and the length of life, Alzheimer's shows up to ruin the quality of that long life. Human beings want to live long fruitful lives. They do not want to live for twenty years in a mental fog that increases over time to nothingness.

Negative Talk in the Elderly

Has your parent recently moved to a more social environment and is now talking in a negative way? Does your loved one acquired a pessimistic perspective? When individuals are exposed to negative thinking people, you simply pick up that perspective. We think of this happening in young children, but all ages are also susceptible.

You have finally convinced your elderly loved one to move out of their home, and solitary living situation, into a more social atmosphere. The idea that they are now interacting with people their own age is exciting for them and you. You now notice an unhealthy change in their attitude. Your parent now seems to talk about most things with a negative connotation. Phrases like "this generation is completely out of control," now coming from your mild and meek mother is surprising. How did this happen? We all become what we are around. If you are spending time with people that are expanding their knowledge by reading or learning computer skills, your conversation with them is probably about authors and the internet. If you have lunch each day with a nay-sayer you may become a complainer yourself.

The best way to counteract this is to periodically enjoy lunch with your parent and their new friends. By noticing the instigators of the pessimism you can interject your optimism during conversation. This will immediately be noticed. Once you have your parent alone, let them know how sad and resentful their new acquaintance seems to be. Speak of them with empathy and understanding. Let your loved one know that they may be a nice person but all that negativity must be difficult for the group to handle. This may sound like dealing with your children, and it should. We are all influenced by our peers, but we don't all realize what is happening, very slowly, to our attitude. Elderly people want to be accepted and get along. They are making changes in their life and are trying to `go with the flow.'

Keep in mind that you can't control what is going on with the residents, however resentment and fear spread pretty fast. Your goal has been to relocate your parent to a safe and healthy environment. Stopping in to see them on a regular bases is essential, but remember to call them first. You want them safe, but you also want them to maintain their independence and mutual respect.

Visiting Alzheimer's - How to Visit With Someone Who Has Dementia

Just like everyone else, people with memory loss like to have visitors. Alzheimer's disease may cause forgetfulness and confusion, but people are still people. They might not always behave exactly like they used to, but that's the disease. The person inside is still the same, so chalk up their new peculiarities to the dementia and don't take much of anything personally. Illness that cause brain changes can make people to do and say things that seem strange. Try to "go with the flow" and you can still have a very successful visit.

To effectively communicate with people who have dementia it is important to remember a few simple things:

1. What you do is more important than what you say. Your body language and your tone of voice are very important when talking to someone with dementia. Speak slowly and distinctly, using words that the person you are talking with can understand. If he or she doesn't seem to comprehend, choose short sentences and different words rather than repeating yourself exactly.

2. Avoid questions whenever you can. If you have to ask a question, try to make it a "yes" or "no" question. People with Alzheimer's Disease often have difficulty expressing complex thoughts. Don't insist on an answer if the person seems to be getting frustrated or anxious.

3. Don't worry about the "truth." If you can get the person talking, don't worry if the conversation makes little sense or if the person with dementia is saying things that you know are wrong or not true. Fact and fantasy often get mixed up in the brain of someone with dementia. If what the person is saying doesn't lead into dangerous behavior ("I'm going to eat this can of lye now"), try to go with the flow and avoid correcting. You'll both have more fun.

If you begin to feel overwhelmed by this new way of visiting someone with a dementia illness, just sit back and try a few moments of companionable silence. If you sense that the person you're visiting is becoming anxious or stressed, cut your visit short and say good-bye. Even a five or ten minute visit may be enough to make someone feel loved and cared for, and more may be too much.

Bath Time For Your Alzheimer's Patient

Caring for an Alzheimer's patient is one of the most difficult things you can do. It involves a lot of energy, time and patience. It can be very frustrating. People with Alzheimer's may refuse help from caregivers. This is a sign that they are actually trying to communicate with you. Refusal to accept care is a sign that something is missing or not right. It's up to the caregiver to assess the situation.

If your loved one refuses to take her bath or shower, this might be a clue that something is bothering her. It may be embarrassment. Remember that your loved one used to do all these things alone before she had Alzheimer's and now she has to depend on another person. It is very frustrating. You may have to limit bath time. Approach the situation one step at a time in a non-threatening manner. While you help your loved one undress, use a smooth calming voice. As you bathe her, you can talk about old memories you used to share. It will make the process more enjoyable and pleasant for both of you.

If this does not work and your loved one still resists your help, then you might need try again later. When people with Alzheimer's do not like to bathe, it often stems from fear. Make sure the lighting in the bathroom is adequate for your loved one to see. If she cannot see well, her fear will increase. Let the shower or bath run for a while to warm up the room. It will make it more comfortable. No one likes to undress in a cold room. If your loved one is using a shower, you might want to put a chair in it so she can sit down. You can purchase one of those at a medical supply store or drug store. Use a hand held shower head. This will take the water up to her level and will be less threatening.

Music is a good way to help as well. It can be good therapy. Studies have shown that some Alzheimer's patients react very well to music. They may feel less stress. Music can decrease emotions of agitation or aggressive behavior. You can play soft music; add some fragrance in the bathroom. It will make it more inviting. You can try to use the same rituals your loved one used before when taking a bath or a shower. Routine is extremely important for persons with Alzheimer's.

If you feel there is still tension and resistance, you can always choose another option. You can hire some professional help just for the bathing time. If you decide to get someone to help you, make sure that person has experience with Alzheimer's disease and knows how to handle patients with dementia. You can hire someone on your own or go through an agency. They have qualified people and will be able to assist you in this situation. Sometimes, the individual with dementia will respond better to a third party rather than a family member. Put yourself in her shoes, it can be really embarrassing having someone from your family bathe you. A disinterested, but gentle, third party may help greatly.

The main thing is to handle bath time in a loving manner. Your loved one will appreciate it and it will lower her stress level, as well as yours.

Alzheimers Disease - What is It?

Alzheimers disease is a form of dementia which affects middle-aged and older people. It is a progressive disease that slowly kills the victims nerve cells in the brain. Alzheimers is a rather complex disease that seems to be caused by several influences. It is the most common type of dementia, accounting for roughly seventy percent of diagnosed cases, and it knows no boundries, being spread across different cultures and affecting both males and females in equal measure. Alzheimers disease can be extremely stressful for the victims family, who very often find themselves being in the front line when it comes to providing care and support. It ought to be remembered that the family member or members doing the caring will also need plenty of support.

The care of a Alzheimers patient is quite a challenge because the decline is slow and unpredictable and can progress at a different pace. If it happens that Alzheimers is diagnosed, seek out any local services and aid groups that are available from your doctor's surgery or inquire at your local hospital. There is not a single special test for Alzheimers, but invariably the correct diagnosis is achieved by ruling out other causes of memory loss, for example: Parkinson's disease, minor strokes, or depression. This disease normally rears it's ugly head after the age of 60 or so, and the risk gets higher with age progression. All the same, it must be remembered that Alzheimers disease is not neccersarily a normal part of the aging process.

Alzheimers can be described as the death of the mind before the Body, and as such is a very difficult and depressing condition for any family to have to deal with. Alzheimers is reckoned to be a fatal disease, but the usual cause of death is normally another illness (like pneumonia) which can develop as a complication in an individual already severely weakened by Alzheimers. The treatment of Alzheimers Disease is still relatively young, but researchers are very confident that the time is not too far away when medications will become available that will be able to successfully treat the symptoms of Azheimers.

Colon Infection Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

The term "colon infection" can be used in various ways to include a number of different colon disorders and conditions.

When used by doctors, however, it usually refers to a disorder caused by the Clostridium difficile bacteria - more commonly known as C. difficile or simply C diff.

Most C. diff colon infections are experienced by older adults who are in a hospital or living in a nursing home or other long term care facility. The reason they get these infections is the fact that they're taking antibiotics to cope with some other health problem.

The problem occurs because antibiotics not only kill bacteria that cause sickness - they also kill bacteria in our intestines which help us digest our food properly. Without enough of this beneficial bacteria, C. diff takes over and grows rapidly. Once C. diff gets established, it causes an infection by producing a toxic substance that attacks the lining of the cells and intestines. The resulting inflammation causes abdominal pain and discomfort.

If your colon infection is fairly mild, it will probably go away when you stop taking the antibiotic. However, in cases in which the colon infection is more severe, an entirely different type of antibiotic may be needed to kill C. diff.

There are several kinds of antibiotics that seem to produce more colon infections from Clostridium difficile than others. These include fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, penicillin and clindamycin.

C difficile bacteria is common in nature. It can be found in abundance in dirt and water, and also on plants. This bacteria, which is also found in the feces of humans and animals, tends to spread quickly in places where sanitation is poor. It floats easily in the air and can settle on surfaces where it can be transmitted to hands.

Avoiding C. diff bacteria can be done the same way you protect yourself from germs of all kinds: keep surfaces at home clean and wash your hands a lot. C diff produces spores that spread readily and can live on surfaces for months. Touching a surface where these germs have landed, and then touching your lips or mouth, could give them entrance to your digestive tract. This could start a chain of events that ends with a colon infection.

The fact that you have C. diff germs in your digestive tract doesn't always mean your going to get sick. But individuals who have C.. diff can certainly spread them to other people who will then develop a colon infection in turn.

In the last few decades, an increasing number of colon infections caused by C. difficile have been reported. A new form of Clostridium difficile bacterium has mutated which is even more aggressive. This type resists medications that were effective before, resulting in several serious outbreaks in the last ten years or so.

Symptoms of a colon infection can take a long time to appear after C. diff germs get into your system. It can be months. When colon infection symptoms do appear, they may include those detailed below.

* Mild abdomen pain and tenderness, or stomach cramps.

* Very watery bowel movements and diarrhea that lasts at least two days.

* A type of severe colon inflammation known as colitis.

* The most disconcerting symptom may be raw tissue, blood, and pus that you'll notice in bowel movements..

* Fever and nausea.

* Loss of appetite followed by loss of weight..

* Signs of dehydration

It's time to call a doctor if you have these symptoms for 2-3 days or more.

Once it's been established that your colon infection has been caused by Clostridium difficile, your doctor will probably tell you to discontinue the antibiotic you've been taking. Even though your colon infection symptoms will probably improve, there are other treatment steps that may still be required.

The good news is this. There are other antibiotics you can take that will kill Clostridium difficile without destroying the helpful bacteria in your system. The most frequently prescribed among these are known as metronidazole and vancomycin. Side effects like nausea are possible with both, and they may also leave a bitter taste. It's especially important not to drink alcoholic beverages when taking metronidazole.

There are a number of probiotics which be beneficial in restoring your intestinal tract Saccharomyces boulardii, a variety of yeast, has been effective for some patients when combined with medications.

Surgery is not usually performed, but may be done in severe cases.

Not all the treatments for a colon infection recommended above will work every time. When a colon infection returns, it's usually because the Clostridium difficile bacteria was not completely removed in the initial treatment. It can also come back because the individual has been exposed to a different strain.

Still Alice by Lisa Genova - A Novel About Alzheimer's Disease

I continue to search for books on the spiritual aspect of Alzheimer's Disease since my mother suffers from the malady. This is the best novel I have read on the subject; most of what I read is nonfiction. Written from the perspective of a women diagnosed with early Alzheimer's, the story shows the emotional toll on the patient and the family. Alice, a college professor, tries to keep some control of her life as she finds her memory slipping away.

The stubborn husband and loving daughters discover the heartache and burden of caring for an Alzheimer's wife and mother. The novel portrays the characters and their struggles realistically and is one of the best accounts I have read of the process.

To me, the most poignant part of the novel was Alice's planned suicide when she felt the disease had progressed far enough. She visited her doctor and, without his knowledge, stockpiled enough pills to use. She methodically wrote herself notes on where to find the pills later when her memory would have failed her.

Later, she did find the note with her suicide plans. She was distracted from her task, however. When she returned, she couldn't remember what she was previously doing or why. That was the end of that escape route. How ironic that her loss of memory, the result of her disease, is what kept her alive. Is this a sad or good thing? The reader is left to decide.

I found myself disappointed in the inability of the woman to follow through on her suicidal pact. Others might feel differently. All will feel the pain of the person afflicted with a life-threatening memory-erasing illness. All will be asked to decide what makes us who we are. The character, despite her loss, claims she is "Still Alice," as in the title of the novel. On a spiritual level, this story forces us, once again, to assess our view of life and death. Alice allows us to consider when we are no longer "still" the person we are today. How do we define ourselves?

Is my Mom, with her loss of yesterday and, on some days, even the recognition of her family, still the same person? I'm not sure. I do not know what is going on in her speechless world. I do know there are moments when she is very clear and very aware. At those times, I am clear that she is "Still Mom." At what point does she, do we, become someone else? That is never answered in the novel, nor in my experience, but the novel presents a hopeful, although emotional view. The reality is much less clear.

The Progression of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is marked by slow development, and its characteristic decline in cognitive and behavioral function typically takes place gradually over a period of several years. It is because of this slow onset that many cases go undiagnosed until more severe symptoms become apparent. Over time, the disease affects a person's memory, language skills, decision making abilities and reasoning. Though the disease may be classified in individuals as mild, moderate or severe based on the extent of the symptoms, it is important to remember that each case is unique and progression will vary from one person to the next.

Although the stages of Alzheimer's are not concrete time periods, knowing generally what to expect over time can be helpful in future care planning for anyone who has a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Here we examine some of the characteristic behaviors observed in the mild, moderate and severe stages of Alzheimer's disease:

Mild/Early: In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, symptoms such as forgetfulness, a limited attention span and forgetting where things belong are often disregarded as typical signs of aging. Though some of the symptoms of early Alzheimer's disease are similar to those experienced by a healthy person with age, a person with Alzheimer's disease will exhibit such behaviors with more frequency and severity over time. A person in the mild stage of the disease may become less motivated, resist change and confuse one word with another when speaking. Often, the patient does not realize that he or she is experiencing these changes, and a close family member is the first to notice symptoms. People in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease can usually remain at home, particularly when there is a spouse or other loved one there to help out.

Moderate/Middle: As the disease progresses into the moderate stage, symptoms become more severe, more recurrent and more apparent to other people as well as the patient. The middle stage of Alzheimer's disease is marked by a decline in memory function, particularly short term memory, though a patient may retain his or her long term memory. Personality changes and an inability to make judgments are also extremely common in this stage. It is in the moderate stage that a person with Alzheimer's may begin to have difficulty recognizing people they know, or confusing the identity of one person with another. People in this stage of Alzheimer's do best having a caregiver available full time to help with daily needs and ensure their safety.

Severe/Advanced: Severe Alzheimer's disease calls for fulltime care from a loved one or a professional caregiver. Patients at this stage have difficulty communicating and frequently do not recognize loved ones. Advanced Alzheimer's disease causes patients to feel disoriented with their surroundings and exhibit severe mood swings.

Alzheimer's disease affects every person differently, and all people with Alzheimer's disease will not experience every described symptom. Though the disease is divided into stages to make understanding its progression easier, there is no set timeline for any one patient's progression. Today, the progression of the Alzheimer's symptoms can sometimes be delayed with medications and lifestyle changes.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is probably one of the commonest causes of Dementia. It is a degenerative disease of the brain that effectively starts in the cerebral cortex. It is mostly characterised by the gradual and progressive decline in a person's mental abilities. It affects both sexes generally those who are over the age of 60, yet Alzheimer's has been known to occur in people as early as age 40.

The earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are simple forgetfulness. This is mostly disregarded especially if the person is elderly, as it is commonly put down to their age, but it steadily progresses to more severe symptoms such as trouble in performing easy or regular tasks such as fastening buttons or tying shoelaces.

There is a progressive deterioration in both the person's mental and bodily state and abilities additionally, also their recall. There is also a difference in the actions and personality of the person with Alzheimer's, with their ordinary actions becoming a thing of the past. For example someone who has always been gentle and kind may begin to use filthy words and make inappropriate sexual advances or become violent and begin striking and lashing out at people.

In the later stages of Alzheimer's, the person eventually becomes incapable of performing any task at all. They also become doubly incontinent, lose their power of speech, lose the ability to walk properly, suffer paralysis and lose their total memory.

If treatment is given early enough, it can slightly slow down the disease, but unfortunately it is incurable at the time of writing.

Once Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed, then the person should be given as much help and aid as feasible, especially in the early stages. Unfortunately many people who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease are conscious at first that something is wrong with them (although they may go into denial), and being aware you are "losing your mind" can be a truly shocking and frightening experience.

Their family ought, also to be given help to come to terms with the diagnosis as it can have a distressing effect on them especially if the person with Alzheimer's is younger and brings in part of the household income.

There are several support groups they can join who will help them to adjust and come to terms with the life altering disease that has befallen their loved one.

In the very later stages of Alzheimer's disease, the person gets so bad that many families have no choice but to place their relation in a nursing home so they can be cared for professionally. This can also be distressing for both them and the person who is ill.

The reason for Alzheimer's disease is not known, yet scientists and doctors have many thoughts about its origins. There have been many theories such as the deposition of aluminium in the brain, to fluoride in the water but nothing has been positively identified as the course of this horrible disease.

Alzheimers And An Aging Population

With an aging global population, it is not surprising the focus of attention has been placed squarely on the shoulders of Alzheimer's disease; being the most common progressive degenerative disorder makes it especially noteworthy. Alzheimer's disease gradually causes deterioration in the memory and is currently affecting one in ten of people aged 65 and over; although current diagnosis is not perfect, the accuracy levels are up to 94 percent at best, 87 percent at worst. Discovered in 1906 by German physician Alois Alzheimer, the world's focus on this disease is only about 30 years old; its effects are not fully understood even today with all the research that has been carried out.

Getting older is the main risk surrounding Alzheimer's according to research. Unfortunately, the person experiencing the early symptoms of Alzheimer's will know something is wrong but won't admit it to others or even to themselves; until this happens it is hard to start any form of treatment.

General measures for treatment of Alzheimer's disease are the same as for all dementias. Unfortunately, because there is still so much that is unknown about the disease, there is no definite way to treat it although some symptoms can be improved or slowed down with drugs. The three main medications currently approved for treatments of Alzheimer's disease are: Donepezil, Tacrine, and Rivastigmine; they can improve the mental faculties of patients with this condition by up to 26 weeks.

Memantine is a new drug that slows deterioration during the later stages and is a derivative of the decades old anti-influenza drug Amantadine; this new drug is used on patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's already receiving Donepezil. Memantine side effects are minimal but it is the first treatment to show a distinct effect on patients with a serious condition; as 80 percent of the drug is passed in urine unchanged there is very little left to cause any harm.

The average age of a person living in the industrialized world is increasing which is making Alzheimer's disease a major health issue to be looked into; in the United States it is fourth in the list of fatal diseases. Although contracting the disease is a tragedy, the cost of treatment and care for sufferers is causing economic vibrations everywhere; with an annual cost of 40 billion US dollars for care and treatment, looking after patients is set to be a major problem. Nearly half the annual budget was spent on research into the condition last year by the National Institute of Aging; currently there are over 300 different compounds at various stages of development for its treatment.

To help you reduce the chance of contracting dementia, it's important to adopt a healthy lifestyle, choose carefully what you eat and drink and take more exercise. In fact researchers believe the happier and healthier someone is with Alzheimer's, the slower his or her decline. Luckily, early-onset symptoms of this disease are very rare because it primarily affects the elderly; there have however, been recent occasions (although rare) where a younger person has developed this condition.

Alzheimer's Disease: A Brief History

Progressive mental deterioration due to aging has been recognized and documented throughout history. But in 1906, Alois Alzheimer was the first to identify a collection of brain cell abnormalities as a disease. A German psychiatrist and neuropathologist, he is credited with identifying the first case of presenile dementia, which was later named after him: Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Alzheimer identified the incurable, degenerative, and terminal disease through a brain autopsy he performed on one of his patients. During the procedure, he discovered neuritic plaques, or dense deposits surrounding the nerve cells of the brain. Inside the cells, he noted twisted bands of fibers, or neurofibrillary tangles. When these are found during autopsies today, it's a sure sign the person had Alzheimer's disease.

In the 1960s, scientists determined there was a link between cognitive decline, and the number of plaques and tangles in the brain. Until that point, much of the medical community considered Alzheimer's a normal part of aging. After this discovery, though, the condition was widely recognized as a disease.

Doctors continued to research Alzheimer's into the 1970s, but it wasn't until the 1990s that researchers made significant discoveries regarding complex nerve cells in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's. In addition to these discoveries, a better overall understanding of the disease was achieved within the scientific community. Research also revealed Alzheimer's disease susceptibility genes, and several drugs that treat the cognitive symptoms of the disease were approved.

Over the last decade, scientists compiled a tremendous amount of data regarding the potential risk factors for Alzheimer's, among them, environmental and genetic. They also gained a better understanding of the processes that lead to the formation of plaques and tangles in the brain.

Today, the disease remains incurable. Specific genes related to early-onset and late-onset forms have been identified, but researchers are still looking into environmental and lifestyle causes, as genetic risk factors don't explain all of the causes. The most effective drugs currently in use and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only treat the symptoms of the disease-not the causes-and slow its progression.

Drug and non-drug treatments can help with both cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Researchers are always looking for ways to alter the disease's course, and to improve the quality of life for the people suffering from it.

There are currently two types of medications approved by the FDA that treat the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's. They affect the activity of two chemicals that carry messages between the brain's nerve cells.

Cholinesterase inhibitors are one of those medications. They prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger key for learning and remembering. This medicine delays the average patient's symptoms for 6 to 12 months, and a small percentage of patients will see larger benefits.

Three common types of cholinesterase inhibitors are usually prescribed: donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine. Donepezil is used during all stages of the disease, while the others are used to treat mild to moderate cases.

Memantine, which regulates the activity of glutamate (another chemical messenger associated with learning and memory), treats moderate to severe Alzheimer's. Similar to cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine slows the symptoms of the disease.

An important non-drug approach to helping someone with the disease involves managing their environment. Changing it in such a way that eliminates various challenges offers patients an increased sense of security, peace of mind, and a higher level of comfort.

One of the most difficult aspects of Alzheimer's to deal with is the change in the patient's demeanor. Someone with Alzheimer's can sometimes be perceived as being "mean" to loved ones. This type of behavior is actually a symptom of the disease. Ensuring the patient's comfort is key to minimizing these behavioral changes.

Patients should be monitored for signs of fatigue, pain, hunger, thirst, infections, constipation, full bladder, and skin irritation. Keeping the room temperature at a comfortable level is also important. Caretakers and family members must bear in mind, though, that regardless of the steps taken to prevent them, behavioral differences will most likely not be eliminated completely.

In order to keep Alzheimer's patients calm, it's best to not initiate or engage in arguments with them. Instead, redirect their attention, and be patient and supportive. A calm and uncomplicated environment is crucial to maintaining their comfort level.

The Color of Alzheimer's

From an energy standpoint, people learning or teaching with Alzheimer's have a systemic depletion, rather than just one particular area. Systemic energy depletions always indicate that there is a need to boost the immune system. Ironically enough, there is a theory that Alzheimer's may be a slow growing viral infection. If the disease did not involve the immune system and was found to be purely a "brain dis-ease," then the depletion of energy would emerge from the brow center or the crown area.

Systemic depletions--particularly the immune system--need the color yellow to help stimulate self worth and the sense of self. It also represents honoring self which includes intellect and ego. Statistically, yellow was introduced into the workplace in the late 1940's and early 1950's by color theorist and industry color consultant, Faber Birren. Yes, he is responsible for all the yellow caution lines and hard hats--even yellow school buses. Follow-up studies proved that introducing yellow into our culture reduced injuries significantly-partly because yellow is the longest wavelength and can be seen at a distance (hence the school buses). I also believe yellow reduced accidents because it stimulates thought by stimulating the brain's natural abilities. Since yellow deals with self on a different level altogether, yellow helps keep the mind on its work.

It makes sense that yellow would be the color to introduce in the environment of someone learning from Alzheimer's. It promotes a cheery outlook and helps fight depression as well. If you know of someone experiencing the lessons of Alzheimer's, see if they have anything yellow in their environment. You don't have to introduce a mass amount-perhaps start out with a cup or a placemat where they eat.

If you yourself are having some issues with cognition, introduce some yellow into your life. If you have trouble with reading retention, try putting a yellow transparency over the information you are trying to retain and see if that helps.

Yellow helps boost the immune system and also helps stimulate thought, so introducing it within the environment of someone with Alzheimer's is a good practice.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer`s disease affects millions of people each year and increases the fear you may have of getting older. There is no miracle cure for Alzheimer`s, which makes it even more scary, and today`s technology continues to look for steps in curing this disease. So what is Alzheimer`s disease, and how will it affect me in the future? What are steps to curing this terrible illness, and how can I explain to my family the problems associated it? Keep reading to learn the facts.

Alzheimer`s disease is a progressive disease characterized in the brain by abnormal clumps, misplaced proteins, and tangled bundles of fibers. Its exact cause is still unknown, but genetic factors are thought to be the prime cause. Three genes have been discovered that cause early onset Alhzeimer`s disease. Other genetic symptoms are associated with age related Alzheimer`s, with symptoms such as poor judgement, memory loss, mood swings, confusion, and restlessness. The early symptoms of Alzheimer`s are often unnoticed because they resemble natural signs of aging.

Older people are mostly affected by AD with the onset usually beginning after the age of sixty. A small percentage of younger people may develop early onset Alzheimer`s due to having a family inheritance of it. Nearly half of the poeple aged eighty-five or over will develop some type of symptom associated with AD, making it vital that a person becomes educated on preventative steps.

Since Alzheimer`s is a memory disorder that affects around 70% of dementia patients, natural remedies to AD are few and far between. Scientists have been researching a miracle cure for AD for almost one-hundred years and have had very little progress. This could be due to the quantity of the amyloid precursor protein, giving brain cells a higher risk of contracting AD. Even though there is no cure for AD, doctors and scientists still give their patients as much support as possible.

The use of prescription drugs such as Namenda have almost become a household name for those suffering with AD. Doctors usually start their patients at low drug doses, and gradually increase the dosage based on the patients response to it. Patients may also be drug sensitive in other ways, and should monitor how they react on the first dosage. These patients must ensure that they report any unusual symptoms to the prescribing doctor immediately, to refrain from making the disease worse.

Alzheimer`s can be a scary event to go through, so it is vital that you take certain precautionary steps to avoid dealing with another tough battle in your lifetime. If you happen to develop AD and feel that you are doomed the rest of your life, seek out hope, not more despair. Learn how other people fought the disease and take small steps to overcoming it. There is light at the tunnel if you keep fighting.

*en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alzheimers_Disease

*http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/alzheimersdisease/alzheimersdisease.htm

*[http://www.michigan.gov/ltc/0],1607,7-148-7591-32947--,00.html

*http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/medicationsfs.htm

Is Alzheimer's a Preventable Disease?

At present, no known cure for Alzheimer's disease has been discovered. However, results of intensive studies and research about the disease, particularly about its causes, brought hope that preventing its progress is now possible. There is now a certain study in the field of genetics that is being developed which hopefully could prevent the progress of Alzheimer's disease in its early stage

There is another preventive strategy being introduced which is actually like a risk-reduction technique to employ and to prevent the onset of symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and to slow down or turn back the process of mental impairment. This technique is called the brain-healthy lifestyle.

Researchers say that the health of the body is directly proportional to the health of the brain. If your body is not healthy then chances are your brain is not too. Therefore, maintaining a good lifestyle assures one of having a healthy body and brain. Exploring the many ways of disease prevention that are within our reach is always a positive habit that one must practice.

These brain-healthy lifestyle ways are compounded into six essential tips which include the following: regular exercise, a good and healthy diet, mental stimulation, right amount of sleep, stress management, and an active lifestyle.

Physical exercises were said to lessen the risk of developing Alzheimer's by about 50 percent and slow down the deterioration in those who have already developed cognitive disease problems. Moreover, active mental activity is highly recommended. Learning new things and engaging in games that induce mental sharpness can be explored and practiced.

Healthy diet points out to the general principle of supplying the essential nutrients to the body. Moderate drinking and quitting the habit of smoking is also suggested. Studies show that if you quit smoking it reduces the onset age of Alzheimer's disease by about six to seven years.

Finest brain function capacity is best assured by having a regular and restful sleep. Lack of sleep makes people highly unproductive. This is because lack of sleep slows down the thinking capacity and mood of a person. Practicing a good sleeping habit will prevent the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Learn the method of stress management. Severe stress is said to cause shrinkage on the key memory area of the brain. Furthermore, engaging in an active social lifestyle is a good way of reducing the risk. This principally opens you to a greater perspective for new learning and challenges in life.

So far, our centuries-old battle with Alzheimer's disease have drawn us this spectrum of doable and practical tips that will help reduce if not totally prevent its onset.

Considerations

Depending on your size and tolerance is the way how caffeine affects your body. People who take it regularly and people who weigh more are likely to have a greater tolerance towards it. If you take caffeine on a daily basis you would be more tolerant to its effects compared to those who take them once a week.

Warning

There is another downside to the intake of caffeine. There are some experts who point to it as one of the causes of sleep problems. This is because the central nervous system becomes stimulated with excessive amounts of this substance. Along with lack of sleep comes other host of problems. Depression, mood swings and anxiety is sometimes caused by too much caffeine intake. One more thing, it is also addictive, so the more you consume it the more dependent you become to it.

What Are the Differences Between Alzheimer's Disease and Senile Dementia?

Senile Dementia Compared to Alzheimer's Disease

"Is there a difference between (Senile) Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease?"

And if so: "What are those differences?"

The symptoms of both of them look very similar.

The word "Dementia" is experienced to be less a loaded word than "Alzheimer's". So many physicians tend to prefer "dementia" in stead of "Alzheimer's".

Dementia

According to Wikipedia:

"Dementia a serious loss of cognitive ability in a previously unimpaired person, beyond what might be expected from normal aging. It may be static, the result of a unique global brain injury, or progressive, resulting in long-term decline due to damage or disease in the body. Although dementia is far more common in the geriatric population, it may occur in any stage of adulthood............. Into the second half of the 20th century, dementia of the elderly was called senile dementia or senility and viewed as a normal aspect of growing old rather than as being caused by any specific diseases."

Collective Noun

Dementia is a collective noun, in other words a non-specific illness syndrome (set of signs and symptoms) in which affected areas of cognition may be memory, attention, language, and problem solving.

Alzheimer's Disease:

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of Dementia.

So: Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia are two different things.

The relationship between dementia and Alzheimer's is similar to the relationship between a cow and an animal:

• A cow is an animal.......But


• Not all animals are cows

Alzheimer's versus Dementia:

• Alzheimer's is a form of Dementia.......But


• Not all Dementia is Alzheimer's.

Dementia Is A Collection Of Symptoms

Fever is a symptom, and there are many different affections that can cause fever. When you go to the doctor because you have a fever, most people are not satisfied when the doctor only gives them an aspirin to fight the fever without making a diagnosis of the cause of the fever. You want to know what causes the fever to have a proper treatment of that.

The Collection of Signs and Symptoms Together Called Dementia

As we get older, we all experience a slight slowing down both physically and mentally.

Sometimes forgetting something however is totally different from senility. After we have forgotten something there is also a remembering when someone else reminds us. When we talk about senility this remembering is not coming back.

If you are concerned that someone in your family may be suffering from senility (or dementia) - and may be Alzheimer's - you could look for the next list of instructions:

• Family History. Are there occurrences of senility or Alzheimer's disease in your family? Much research has identified a genetic link. It is said that especially the link between mothers and their suns and daughters is more relevant that the link from the father's side.


• Signs of memory loss and language difficulties. Is the person consequently losing words, or doesn't he or she remember the names of common objects? A one-time not knowing is not really a symptom. The point is that it occurs regularly. Sometimes you also notice him or her forgetting how to do simple mathematics.


• Confusion and loss of attention span. Slackens the attention of the person during a normal conversation? Is he getting to be confused by basic tasks?


• Undiagnosed hearing or vision loss. These may cause problem with communication. If they don't hear and/or see clearly that can lead to great uncertainty. In that cases it looks like they forget even more things than the really do.


• Inappropriate behavior and impaired judgment. If the person begins to act unbecomingly or considerably uncommon in social situations, this also may be a symptom of dementia.


• Emotional agitation and mood changes. Many people feel something is happening to them when the are in the early stages of dementia. They can become frightened as well ass depressed by that fear. People in their neighborhood are often the first ones who are victim of the reactions on that fear or depression.


• Physical coordination problems and physical confusion. People with dementia often have problems in operating the remote control of the TV-set or handling the phone. Even how to do simple learned tasks that have been part of their daily life for many years can become to be problematic.


• The gait. Do you notice changes in the way he or she is walking? Besides caused by for example Parkinson's disease many people with dementia show a decline in gait. If you notice a number of these symptoms with your beloved-one you should consult your doctor to have a comprehensive diagnostic survey carried out.

Correlation of Alzheimer's - Diabetes Exposed

A new study showing the correlation of insulin deficiency between patients with Alzheimer's and diabetes has been established giving a better understanding in treating old-aged individuals with the diseases.

With how diabetic patients are given treatment, there is a strong link that drugs used in diabetes can be as effective in administering them in patients with Alzheimer's. This was based on the recent reports provided by ScienCentral News. Neuroscientist Bill Klein of Northwestern University, along with his colleagues, said this discovery was a confirmation of what some of his students theorized in the past 30 years.

He even recalled challenging the concept that this can never happen since no studies have proved the link between the two diseases. However, initial findings were underway showing possible connection of these diseases. In-depth studies conducted by Wei-Qin Zhao, Klein's colleague, presented his findings that the brain reactions of Alzheimer's patients were also insulin-resistant as diabetics.

With this discovery by a very trusted and notable colleague, Klein made his studies and found this true and reliable. The presence of insulin receptors in the brain is necessary for better retention and understanding. The brain cells use insulin in the process of learning, remembering and memorizing. But in the case of diabetic and old people with Alzheimer's disease, their brain cells are insulin-resistant.

Although the brain perceives insulin, it is ineffective in use. Patients who are insulin-resistant usually suffer from memory loss and degeneration of brain cells that lead to forgetfulness and poor recognition. Klein's research was published in FASEB Journal using rat brain cell cultures based on their sensitivity to insulin receptors. With the brain receptors unable to detect the presence of insulin aggravate the condition of patients with Alzheimer's or diabetes.

With the correlation of both diseases in their resistance to insulin, Klein suggested to do the precautionary measures given to diabetics of losing weight and avoiding foods with sugar to patients with Alzheimer's.