Sometimes you survive by forgetting. But, if you forget everything and your brain become idle then you are in a dangerous situation. Your memory is a tool that helps you to recognize people, places and things around you. It makes you realize how to react to the similar situation by applying the knowledge, skill, and experience gained in the past. In short, your memory builds your behavior and provides you with an identity. But what if your memory starts diminishing? It’s hard to imagine how life changes into hell when memory gets erased. But for some people, this becomes their destiny. This condition is known as Alzheimer’s. So, What does Alzheimer’s Disease Do? It slowly deteriorates your memory and other functions of the brain. So, just know what this Alzheimer’s Disease can do to the patient in the course of time, along with preventive methods, Symptoms, Disease management.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
You must be wondering what Alzheimer means? So, Let me explain in brief. In medical terms, Alziemers is the commonest type of Neurodegenerative Dementia. It is also known as senile dementia as it causes progressive destruction of memory along with the deterioration of other brain functions. Alzheimer’s is a common mental disease that affects more than 10 thousand individuals every year. The worst part is that Alzheimer’s also steals the power to perform core activities. Some people live in a misconception that Alzheimer’s is a normal part of aging, but Alzheimer’s is a disease that is caused by the death of brain cells and shrinkage of the brain. It not a part of the natural aging process. However, this condition affects mostly senior citizens above 60 years of age.
Alzheimer’s Disease Causes
Why do People get Alzheimer’s? There are various reasons for acquiring Alzheimer’s Disease. Out of them Age factors, Heriditory reasons, and Injuries are the main. So, know the factors that are responsible for causing Alzheimer’s Disease.
Old Age:
Elderly individuals who are above 60 years old. However, senior citizens are more at risk to develop Alzheimer, but the onset may occur as early as in 30’s. It is also known as elderly Alzheimers.
Heriditory:
Heredity may play a significant role, and thus people with a family history of Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop it. It may lead to early onset Alzheimer’s.
Know details on Early Signs of Alzheimers
LifeStyle Disorders:
People suffering from lifestyle disorders like Diabetes, blood pressure, and high cholesterol have increased chances of senile dementia.
Head Injury:
Sometimes, this Senile Dementia is also seen in Individuals who have undergone a head injury or trauma.
Insomnia:
People who are suffering from sleeping disorders are also prone to Alzheimer’s disease.
How to cure Alzheimers?
The worst part is that this disease has no cure. Also, it worsens with time. But the good news is that there are management strategies and treatments to ease the symptoms. So, to slow down the disease progress along with improving the quality of living one should learn the Disease Management tips. In this article, we have discussed the preventive measures of Alzheimer’s Disease. Along with this, we have also rendered the diet and home remedies for Alzheimer’s. So, first give a quick look at the symptoms.
Stages of Alzheimer’s:
The Alzheimer’s Disease progresses timely. With the rising time, the disease gets worse. So, check the Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and its effect on each stage.
- First Stage- Normal adult will not experience any functional Decline.
- Second stage of Senile Dementia- Can notice some functional Decline.
- Third Stage- Early Alzheimer’s
- Fourth Stage- Requires Some External Assistance
- Fifth Stage- Needs help even to dress up themselves
- Sixth Stage Seventh Stage- Needs complete care
- Seventh Stage- Can not function.
Alzheimers’s Disease and Associated Disorders
As there is no cure for this disease, it is crucial to notice it n its early stages. If you fail to notice in the beginning, then the disease advances and makes you helpless. So check the signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.The symptoms include simple forgetfulness, but gradually speech and coordination are destroyed that makes life miserable. The diseases start with following symptoms:
Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms or Signs of Alzheimer’s:
- Palilalia- means repetition of same words. The individual may keep on asking the same question again and again.
- The person will be Unable to recall the important dates, names, appointments, etc.
- Losing possessions as they do not remember where they have kept them.
- If you see any of your family members looking for their misplaced property at illogical locations, get alerted as this may be beginning of Alzheimer’s.
- As the disease progress, you can notice the inability to express feelings and failure to define objects.
- Concentration, thinking, and reasoning become difficult.
- The Alzheimer’s Patient Forgets conversation in between.
The person will lose the capability to manage different tasks at one time. - Finance management becomes an issue. The patients who have Alzheimer’s Disease can not handle even small calculations.
- Even in familiar places, the individual finds himself lost and can not recognize well-known faces.
- They face an enormous Confusion and inability to take the decisions.
- As the disease advances patient, even forgets his/her name. They can not perform their daily routine and basic tasks such as bathing, going to the toilet, brushing and dressing.
- Emotionally the person feels a sense of social withdrawal that leads to depression and irritation. Mood swings, aggression, and delusion are also common.
- The patient is unable to recognize food. The sense of smell and taste losses that ultimately leads to loss of appetite. Lack of proper nutrition have an adverse effect on the health and leads to weight loss.
Get Early signs & Symptoms of Alzheimers Disease
How to Manage Alzheimer’s in its Initial Stages
As discussed above, there is no specific treatment or cure of Alzheimer’s Disease, but the doctor may recommend conventional medicines such as Cholinesterase inhibitors, anti-anxiety medicines, and antidepressants. It helps the patient with the memory and lessons other behavioral symptoms or cognitive symptoms up to some extent. But these drugs can assist the patient only up to a limited period and cannot stop the disease from progressing. Thus, apart from the medicines, there is need of support and care to improve the living quality of Alzheimer’s patients. Alzheimer’s Disease not only affects one person but the atmosphere of the whole family.
- There is a need to monitor health, behavior and other activities of the patient. So, we should provide the patient with a safe environment, promote his/her social engagement and maximize their daily activity. As a family member, you should spend some quality time with the patient.
- Read them books, try to indulge them in activities, Play with them, etc. Try your best to keep them happy and make them laugh.
- The most important thing is to make them eat properly. Alzheimer’s patients need to eat a balanced and a complete diet to boost immunity and maintain all over health.
Check medicines for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment
Dietary Rules for Alzheimer’s Patients
Say Yes to the following:
What we eat has an all over effect on our body as well as the mind. There are foods that not only Prevent Alzheimer’s but also slow down its progress.
- Variety– Make the meal colorful by adding green leafy vegetables, red, purple, yellow and white fruits. They contain all the essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that slow the degeneration process.
- A low-fat food is always preferred. So, exclude butter, lard, etc.. And other saturated fats. Also, restrict the intake of cholesterol-rich foods.
- Whole grains are the best option to add carbohydrates and provide energy to the brain. Whole grains, almond, and olive oil contain vitamin E. Yellow and red vegetables or fruits for example mango, papaya, tomato, orange, carrot are rich in Vitamin A. These three vitamins act as antioxidants and fight against the free radicals. Thus, they prevent the brain damage.
- Prefer Lean protein food to fulfill the protein needs.
- Omega-3 fatty acids rich foods, for example, walnut, almond, seafood, olive oil, and flax seeds. These foods fight against inflammation. They are essential for the development and proper functioning of the brain.
- Flavonoid-rich foods such as grape, spinach, apple, Brussels blueberries, sprouts, garlic, cabbage, etc.. are also helpful in preventing Alzheimers.
- Green leafy vegetables contain Folate. Folate along with vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 rich foods such as egg, fish, meat, dairy products maintains the level of Homocysteine which may impair the brain functions.
- Green Tea– Daily Consumption of green tea decreases the plaque. It also promotes the immunity and removes the harmful toxins from the body. It supports the smooth functioning of the brain along with boosting memory.
A strict no to the following foods:
- Processed foods and Refined sugars should be cut down.
- Limit the intake of high sodium containing foods and common salt.
In the early stages of the disease, lifestyle modification may play a significant role in slowing as well as preventing Alzheimer’s. Try to keep the patient active. Staying active retains the cognitive skills also prevents the onset of Alzheimer disease.
Lifestyle modifications to the Alzheimer’s Disease patients
Regular exercises
Exercise stimulates the releases hormone Endorphin, which is a feel good hormone. It slows the process of deterioration along with stimulating the brain.
Indulge in creative activities
Encourage the patient to indulge themselves in activities such as dancing, reading, painting and playing instruments to keep the brain active. You may also help them to play mind games such as solving puzzles, riddles, sudoku, card, word games and brain teasers. These activities will help the brain to maintain cognitive associations.
Proper sleeping habit
Maintain a healthy sleep routine. A sound sleep of 7-8 hours is the minimum requirement. Taking a nap during any time of the day is also helpful for recharging the mind and body. Try relaxing techniques such bathing, or stretching exercises before sleeping to have a sound sleep.
Manage stress
The person who has dementia goes through a lot of stress. Practicing yoga, breathing exercises and meditation will help them to relieve stress up to some extent.
The diet mentioned above and lifestyle modification are not just for the Alzheimer’s patient, but for everyone as they also prevent dementia. Besides the above changes in diet and lifestyle, you may try some home remedies to provide a respite from dementia. They also avoid the side effects of conventional drugs.
Home remedies to restrict Alzheimer’s Further
Coconut oil
Coconut Oil is a pure ingredient found in everyone’s house. Ketone present in coconut oil plays a unique role in building the nerve linings. It promotes the brain and nerve function. So, Add four teaspoons of coconut oil to the food while cooking for the patient. So, repeat this to stop the further damage of Senile Dementia.
Cinnamon powder
Cinnamon is a potent spice that removes the plaque from the brain arteries. It improves memory and other brain functions. Cinnamon Powder boosts cognitive functions and thus cures Alzheimer’s Disease. Consume one teaspoon of cinnamon powder thrice a day.
Borax and Chlorella powder
Include the Borax and Chlorella in the diet for Alzheimer’s patient. Chlorella is a superfood known to flush out all the body toxins. On the other hand, borax maintains the hormonal balance in the body.
Turmeric
The Curcumin present in turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent. Also, the turmeric helps in the growth of brain cells. So, Add a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of milk. Consuming it daily may cure Alzheimer’s up to some extent.
Gingko Leaves Extract
It has been found very effective in improving the flow of blood to the brain. It also improves memory and also cures other symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, irritability, and depression.
Important Points to remember:
- Make the patient eat in the surroundings that is free from external distractions such as radio television etc.
- Do not serve a meal in are patterned dishes as they may confuse the patient. Better use light colored or white dishes. It will help them to identify colored food on the plate easily. In the case of light colored foods, you may use the deep color plate.
- Keep the table setting simple. Remember the Alzheimer’s patient loses their senses and is unable to analyze whether the food is too hot. It is always better if you check the temperature of the food before serving it.
- Follow strict timings to have food.
- You have to be very patient with an Alzheimer’s patient as they may take more than an hour to complete the meal.
- If the patient forgets that they have taken the meal and asked for more, do not argue. Instead, give something light such as shakes or biscuits to eat.
Note:
The above mentioned natural remedies not only supporting the brain functions but also detoxify the life and promotes the flow of blood to the brain. This makes the brain to function properly and remains active throughout the day. So, if you have any family members struggling with Alziemers try above home remedies along with changes in lifestyle and diet. They are sure to help them manage this identity stealing disease.