Alzheimer’s disease is a neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die. It is a progressive disorder that worsens over time if untreated.

A continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills affects a person’s ability to function independently. 

CAUSES

The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood. 

In Alzheimer’s disease, the proteins in the brain fail to function normally, which disturbs the work of brain cells and triggers a series of toxic events. As the result, brain cells are damaged, lose connections to each other and eventually die.

Scientists believe that for most people, Alzheimer’s disease is probably caused by a combination of the following that affects the brain over time.

• Genetic factors
• Environmental factors

• Lifestyle factors

The damage most often starts in the region of the brain that controls our memory, but the process begins years before the first symptoms. The loss of brain cells spreads in a somewhat predictable pattern to other regions of the brain. By the later stage of the disease, the brain will be shrunk significantly.

RISK FACTORS

1. Age – increased risk in old age people of age 60-80 and above.
2. Family History and Genetics – risk is higher in people with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Head Trauma – People with a history of severe head injury.
4. Air Pollution – human studies have found that people with chronic exposure to polluted air particularly from traffic exhaust or burning of wood are associated with greater dementia risk.
5. Excessive alcohol consumption – drinking large amounts of alcohol linked with increased risk of early onset of dementia.

• Poor Sleep Patterns – Research has shown that people who has less sleep or stay asleep for long term are associated with increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

SYMPTOMS

• Memory loss – is usually the first sign.

1. Difficulty remembering conversations or events. 
2. Forgets familiar places, forgets the Known Street or place. 
3. Forgets the names of family members and everyday objects. 
4. Having trouble in finding the right words to express thoughts in conversations.
5. Repeats questions and statements.
6. Frequently forgets where he kept objects, often putting them in locations difficult to guess.

 As the disease progresses the impairment of memory worsens and other symptoms develop.

• Changes in sleeping habits, Depression
• Irritability and Aggressiveness
• Difficulty Speaking, Reading, Writing, Walking, Swallowing, and working with numbers

COMPLICATIONS

As the disease progresses to its last stages, the changes in the brain start to affect physical functions such as swallowing, drinking, balance, bowel and bladder control. 

These effects cause additional health problems such as inhaling food or liquid into the lungs, malnutrition or dehydration, falls and fractures, constipation or diarrhea, bedsores

DIAGNOSIS

• Clinical tests – performed by doctor to assess your memory and thinking skills. And also by physical and neurological tests.
• Imaging tests – CT and MRI scan can rule out other potential causes.

• Blood tests – to rule out other potential cause of memory loss and confusion, such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disorders.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

• Exercise and yoga – Do regular exercise and yoga. Following yoga poses will help you to manage Alzheimer’s disease by improving your memory power:

1. Vajrasana or Thunderbolt Pose/Diamond Pose
2. Siddhasana or Accomplished Pose   
3. Paschimottanasana or seated forward-bend
4. Vrikshasana or tree pose
5. Shirshasana or headstand

• Diet – Eat a Fresh organic fruits and vegetables.
• Sleeping pattern – Get quality sleep. Sleeping on time helps to prevent progression of disease.
• Social interactions and activities – can support the skills and abilities that are preserved. Doing things that are enjoyable and meaningful are important for the overall well-being of a person with Alzheimer’s disease. These might include:

1. Listening to music 
2. Dancing
3. Reading or listening to books that promote thinking.
4. Gardening or crafts
5. Social events at memory care centers
6. Planned activities with children

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

Homeopathic treatment helps to slowdown the progression of disease and maintains memory and concentration. Homeopathic medicines control some of the common behavioral symptoms, restlessness, depression, sleeplessness, irritability, agitation from Alzheimer’s disease.

For consultation and appointments write into contact@beingwellhomoeopathy.com