Methods and methods for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Disease Video Tips - "Non-Drug Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease"

The consequences of Alzheimer's disease lead to serious problems, both for the patient himself and for his relatives and friends around him. The disease is not common, but most likely this is an incomplete statistics, because. not always people with similar symptoms themselves or their relatives go to the doctor, attributing these signs to old age.

The question of whether Alzheimer's disease can be cured is relevant, but today the prognosis of the disease is not favorable.

The course of Alzheimer's disease

The early signs of Alzheimer's begin to appear quite young, around 40 years of age. The majority of people do not betray them much importance. And only after some time, already lost for treatment, they turn to a doctor. The early signs of Alzheimer's disease come and go, which is confusing for the patient.

The disease usually progresses after years, and during this period the process practically becomes uncontrollable.

As with any illness, symptoms can vary from person to person.

Sometimes the early signs of Alzheimer's disease can be expressed in not recognizing oneself in the mirror in the first moments, in reducing memory, replacing the past with the present, or vice versa. According to such signs, specialists establish a possible diagnosis of the disease.

Currently, experts distinguish several stages in the development of Alzheimer's disease:

  1. The early stage is characterized by insignificant changes in the behavior of the patient and the state of his consciousness. Memory in this interval does not suffer much, and complaints from the patient come only to apathy for everything.
  2. At the second stage of the development of the disease, the signs are of age characteristics. There is absent-mindedness, slight deviations in memory and attention. This stage is characterized by forgetfulness about the location of objects.
  3. The third stage already indicates significant pathologies, expressed by difficulty in communication, forgetfulness of some words and their unequal replacement. It is difficult to perceive fresh information, depression appears. The first three stages of development relate to a mild degree of the disease.
  4. The fourth stage already has pronounced manifestations of impaired nervous activity. The patient has confusion associated with the need to perform any actions, the impossibility of planning actions, the inability to use finances.
  5. The course of Alzheimer's disease in the fifth stage occurs with a violation of the necessary household activities. Often, patients during this period can no longer fasten buttons on their own - there is no understanding of the action itself, to remember important events of their past life. At the same time, orientation in time is disturbed, spatial disorientation appears.
  6. The sixth stage of the disease is characterized by the loss of personal qualities. Often there is paranoia, accompanied by various phobias. Patients during this period can leave home. They have an indomitable craving for fruitless vagrancy. The course of Alzheimer's disease at this stage is accompanied by hallucinations, violent aggression or complete depression. During this period, the patient is practically unable to do without outside help. Perhaps he still remembers his name, but does not recognize those around him and the situation, almost does not speak, speech is limited to separate words or incomprehensible phrases.
  7. The final, seventh stage of the disease proceeds almost already in bed rest. Patients cannot use the toilet on their own, urinary incontinence often appears, they do not show emotions, they do not hold their heads, they almost do not speak.

Can Alzheimer's disease be cured?

The main causes contributing to the development of the disease are diabetes, atherosclerosis and hypertension. To prevent Alzheimer's disease, people suffering from these diseases need to take good care of their health. Follow all the recommendations of experts and listen to your body.

In addition, women need to undergo periodic preventive examinations to prevent Alzheimer's disease, tk. they are more susceptible to this disease. This is explained by the fact that the life expectancy of men is shorter and often they do not live to a certain age.

Previously, there was an opinion that people with a low intellectual level are more susceptible to the disease, because. they have weak brain connections. But recently, typical world examples show that this is not entirely indisputable. Alzheimer's disease suffered from US President Ronald Reagan, who cannot be denied the lack of intelligence, the famous actor Peter Falk. Unfortunately, according to information in the media, today the beloved actress Margarita Terekhova is suffering from this disease.

Is it possible to cure Alzheimer's disease with a hereditary cause of development, a question that today worries all physicians on the planet, because. the hereditary factor often plays a decisive role. But so far, just as with other developments of the disease, there is no way to resolve this issue positively.

Treatment of Alzheimer's disease is carried out only symptomatic, tk. To date, there are no drugs capable of restoring brain function in Alzheimer's disease.

Attacks of aggression are removed with tranquilizers, anticonvulsants are used.

Depression can be relieved without the use of medicines, by creating a favorable and comfortable environment for the patient, using previously beloved objects, aromas, music and other means.

Antidepressants are used to relieve anxiety and hallucinations.

The method of keeping a diary has a positive effect, contributing to the suspension of memory decline. The patient will have something to do and train his memory.

Diet for Alzheimer's disease

Diet in Alzheimer's disease is not a significant factor, but the use of fish products in the diet slows down its course.

It is desirable that the food was quite varied and balanced in terms of fat composition. Salt and sugar in the Alzheimer's diet should be limited. In order to avoid difficulties in the release of the intestines, it is recommended to eat fruits and vegetables rich in fiber. The same recommendations can help prevent Alzheimer's disease.

In order to avoid this serious illness, you must constantly train your memory and make your brain work. For this, chess and crossword puzzles, learning new languages, any study and everything that can make the brain work with full dedication are suitable.

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Treatment of Alzheimer's disease

For each person, memory is the main component that allows them to survive. After all, dangerous moments are stored in the storehouse of mental functions, we keep in ourselves the fear of threats, we remember the best moments in our lives, the faces of relatives, loved ones, loved ones. But there comes a time when the memory is beyond control, everything seems to be erased. This symptom indicates a phenomenon such as Alzheimer's disease, the treatment of which is still difficult to treat.

In order to effectively influence the development of mental illness, it is necessary to understand what factors influence the disease, and what the history of the study of the disease indicates. Memory loss - partial or complete occurs due to neurodegenerative processes in the cerebral cortex, impaired cognitive functions. Following this, naturally, a person changes in terms of emotions, his consciousness is in a depressed state. Many of us believe that the signs of Alzheimer's are a natural manifestation of aging.

Yes, there is some truth in this. Chronic diseases, genetic predisposition affects certain resources of the human body, which leads to disturbances in mental and mental functions. But there are many factors that affect the development of dementia, and if timely prevention is carried out, then mental deterioration can be minimized.

Reasons for the development of senile dementia

Alzheimer's syndrome can affect anyone. Basically, memory loss, other mental dysfunctions affect the consciousness of older people, from about 65 years of age and older. However, the research data is more than deplorable. The disease “gets younger”, completely young people suffer from short-term memory loss, over time the problem develops into cognitive impairment, speech and movement disorders. According to psychiatrists, the syndrome is a time bomb, and most doctors do not know how to treat severe forms.

It all starts with mild disorders that few people pay attention to. Often, symptoms are associated with stress, trauma. But the main threat of the disease lies in the progression of impaired cognitive reflexes, and if you do not know in time how to treat Alzheimer's disease, then the problem will worsen and become dangerous.

The main factors influencing the development of dementia

It would seem that medicine has made a number of incredible discoveries, thanks to which a large number of pathologies are treated. But the syndrome, discovered by Alois Alzheimer at the beginning of the 20th century, still causes heated debate among specialists. The fact that the disease mainly manifests itself in old age indicates that age is the main cause.

The second most popular factor influencing the development of the disease is a genetic predisposition. Long studies have shown that the disorder is more often transmitted through the mother as well as migraines, problems with the vascular system. If there was a person in the family who suffered from senile dementia, it is necessary to take preventive measures in advance to eliminate the first signs of the disease.

Additionally, a factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease are:

  • head injuries: concussions, bruises, hematomas;
  • infectious diseases: meningitis, encephalitis, etc.;
  • pathologies of the cardiac, vascular system: heart attacks, strokes, damage to the capillaries, veins, arteries;
  • thyroid disease:
  • living in radiation zones, near toxic enterprises;
  • late birth;
  • transferred operations.

Experts also drew attention to the fact that people with a low level of literacy, a narrow outlook, a limited range of interests are more likely to suffer from dementia than people with education and versatile hobbies and hobbies. This means that with proper nourishment of the mind, the development of fine motor skills, the risk of Alzheimer's disease is reduced significantly.

Can Alzheimer's be cured?

In order to recognize the dangerous signs of the disease in time, you should pay attention to the following points:

  • a person has ceased to express his thoughts normally;
  • the patient becomes touchy, whiny, irritated, sudden aggression occurs;
  • the late stage of the disease is manifested by a lack of will, apathy, refusal to perform habitual actions;
  • speech is disturbed, delirium occurs, the replacement of forgotten moments by non-existent episodes;
  • lack of elementary skills, forgetting the usual words: the names of household items, names, faces of loved ones.

For a more detailed understanding of what kind of ailment it is, what are its manifestations, we recommend that you watch a video of patients with Alzheimer's syndrome.

If at least one of the listed symptoms is observed, you should immediately consult a specialist for adequate treatment.

How to cure Alzheimer's disease

A patient with this disease or his relatives, first of all, needs to prepare for the fact that even the best specialist will not be able to give a 100% guarantee of a full recovery. The problem of senile dementia is dealt with by neuropathologists, therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists. Additionally, you may need to consult an endocrinologist, cardiologist, vascular specialist. For an accurate diagnosis, the doctor collects an anamnesis of the disease, interviews the patient, his relatives about the behavior of the person suffering from mental disorders, and also conducts a number of the following studies:

  • blood test for general chemistry;
  • puncture of cerebrospinal fluid;
  • computed tomography of the head;
  • dopplerography of blood vessels;

To determine the severity of the course, the patient is given tests, the answers to which will directly indicate the depth of the problem.

Thanks to a detailed analysis, the doctor can present a picture of the disease, plan treatment methods, and determine if the symptoms indicate other types of mental disorders.

Important: Alzheimer's disease is often confused with Parkinson's syndrome, Huntington's syndrome, atherosclerotic pathologies, neoplasms in the brain, and thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, an experienced specialist conducts differential diagnosis.

For treatment, drugs of a sedative, sedative, hypnotic type of effect are used. In the later stages, to suppress aggression, deep depressive states, antipsychotics, nootropics are used: Lorazepam, Gidazepam, Quetiron, Prozac, Sertraline, Donezepil, Cognex, Namenda, Aricept, etc.

New in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Given the fact that a panacea for mental disorders, memory loss and other important cognitive reflexes has not yet been found, experts continue to work on creating an effective treatment method. Most serious diseases can be prevented thanks to the 19th century discovery - vaccination. The scientists also decided to create a drug in which the brain is protected from serious pathological processes.

Vaccination against dementia

A vaccine for Alzheimer's and other mental disorders has been developed by scientists from the United States. The main component of the vaccine is aimed at strengthening the immune system, which prevents destructive courses due to the death of abnormal protein cells. The work continues, leading research institutes in Europe and Asia have joined them.

A pill a day and no pathologies

Recently, a drug was created in the UK that can stop the destructive processes in the brain by blocking and reducing amyloid levels by 92%. The studies involved more than 200 people suffering from Alzheimer's syndrome. The results were more than optimistic.

Aerosol for memory loss

Through the respiratory organs, the components of the product penetrate the human brain, which stimulates the growth of young cells. At the same time, the components easily pass through amyloid proteins and contribute to the improvement of thinking and memory.

Stem cells guard thinking

The latest technique allows you to replace dead and modified cells with healthy cells. Upon entering the brain, stem materials produce new ones, which contributes to the activation and restoration of nerve impulses and metabolic processes. With proper therapy, the signs of mental illness completely disappear. The method of replacing mutated genes was created by Israeli scientists.

New patch

Taking medications is always fraught with side effects, chemical components have contraindications, cause allergic reactions, etc. For a stable level of the desired substance in the body, patches are used, in which the optimal dose of a useful drug is stored.

Trazodone for Alzheimer's disease

A unique drug was developed in the 60s of the 20th century by scientists from Cambridge. First of all, it was aimed at eliminating depression, psychosis, without any contraindications and side effects. The main component of the drug affects the protective mechanism of brain cells, which allows you to cure the primary signs of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Alzheimer's disease: treatment with folk remedies

There are many ways to influence the improvement of human memory by available means. This includes infusions, decoctions, physical procedures.

Important: before treating Alzheimer at home, you should remember that complex therapy is required. Only folk recipes are not able to cause improvements, it is necessary to take medicines, physiotherapy, etc.

It is a well-known fact that any disease can be prevented, the same applies to senile dementia. There are six treatments for Alzheimer's disease, which include:

  1. Strong black tea. Drink early in the morning on an empty stomach. At the same time, the consumption of coffee and other caffeinated drinks is strictly prohibited.
  2. Infusion of ginseng root. Grate 5 grams of root, add the same amount of gruel from lemongrass, pour boiling water (1 liter) and boil for minutes. Drink 1/3 cup chilled instead of tea.
  3. Grind withania root and boil in 250 grams of water, drink in small doses.
  4. Lecithin (soy) should be taken 1 time per day in minimal doses (3 g).
  5. Drink an infusion of gingko biloba (1/3) cup daily.
  6. Motherwort tincture - 15 drops 2 times a day.

Diet for Alzheimer's disease

There is no special diet for people with senile dementia. All recommendations refer to a healthy diet. To improve the functioning of blood vessels, strengthen their walls, regulate metabolic processes, it is necessary to include:

  • vegetables, fruits in fresh, steamed, baked form;
  • white meat: rabbit, chicken, turkey meat;
  • seafood: fish, crabs, squid, shrimp;
  • nuts: cashews, walnuts, almonds, peanuts.

Nutrition for Alzheimer's disease should not include pastries, flour, sweet products, sour-milk products.

Important: smoking and alcohol, fatty, spicy, smoked, fried foods cause pathological processes in the digestive tract, liver, and kidneys. It is important to give up bad habits, which will have a beneficial effect on the state of the whole organism.

Massage for dementia

Point impact on certain parts of the body leads to improved blood circulation, allows you to get rid of spasms, pain.

Important: it is better to go through the first massage sessions with an experienced specialist, then following his recommendations, carry out the procedure at home daily. You can also get acquainted with the procedure on the video, where the stages and methods of massage are exactly indicated.

  1. First stage. Put the patient on his stomach (put a pillow), bend his legs at the knees, arms extended along the body. Walk along the entire vertebra with stroking movements, each repetition - increase the pressure. Run along the vertebrae with the back of the palm, bending the phalanges of the fingers.
  2. Second phase. With the pads of the fingers in spiral movements, then with the base of the palm, as it were, “cut” the back, bringing it to warming. Then, in the same way, perform “planing”, “shading” manipulations along the longest back muscles.
  3. The final stage. Rub the entire surface of the back, including the spine, with a “stroking” movement, then knead with small and light tucks. Massage transversely by moving the muscles, with a roller, pressing down. Finish with light strokes until it turns pink. During the procedure, you can apply olive, lavender, tea tree oil.

An important component in the human diet is water. It is necessary to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of pure water per day, which helps cleanse blood vessels, metabolism and maintain water balance.

No one can bypass old age, and with it, the negative companions in the form of chronic diseases. In order for the body not to fail in old age, you need to take care of it in advance and lead a proper lifestyle.

Is Alzheimer's disease curable?

Alzheimer's disease or senile dementia, unfortunately, is incurable. The damage to the tissues of the nervous system caused by it is irreversible, and leads to memory loss, mental disorders and death of the sick person. And the saddest thing is that every year the percentage of people suffering from this disease is growing.

The Alzheimer's Association's periodical provides statistics for the past decade. It follows that one in three Americans have dementia at the time of death. Every 70 seconds a new patient appears in the world. The report also provides figures that confirm the increase in diagnosed cases in recent years. From 2000 to 2010, this number increased by 68%.

When the disease is detected in a loved one, one does not want to believe in statistics. The hope that Alzheimer's disease is being treated, most often does not leave relatives. The doctors who made the diagnosis will definitely conduct all the necessary examinations, prescribe medications and recommendations. And although it is impossible to completely stop the destructive changes that occur in the brain cells, it is quite within the power of modern medicine to alleviate the patient's condition and help reduce negative symptoms.

Can Alzheimer's disease be cured and how?

More than 100 years have passed since the first description of the symptoms and consequences of the disease. Naturally, medicine has gone far ahead in this century. But to the question: “Can Alzheimer be cured?” still no affirmative answer.

However, if you follow medical recommendations, the right lifestyle, early diagnosis of the disease, you can reduce the severity of the manifestations of the disease. This will ensure that the patient can serve himself, perform the simplest actions. Taking certain medications, medical and social support increase the adaptability of the patient and help him cope with the symptoms of the disease.

In addition to drugs, moderate exercise, good nutrition, communication and mental activity, which activates various parts of the brain, are effective.

Many doctors recommend following the Mediterranean diet, which can reduce the risk of developing the disease. The consumption of seafood, olive oil, vegetables and fruits has a beneficial effect on cognitive functions. These data are the result of six years of research.

How can science help?

Modern science is trying to find means to, if not cure, then at least slow down the progression of Alzheimer's syndrome. Is it possible to cure Alzheimer's disease with drugs, researchers from different countries have been trying to find out over the past decades.

The latest scientific developments are treatment with modified stem cells. The results of the study were published in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy. The modified stem cells produce 25 times more neprilysin, an enzyme that breaks down amyloid plaques. The destruction of pathological amyloid leads to the restoration of connections between nerve cells and the normalization of the functions of the nervous system.

Scientists around the world are developing new drugs and techniques to combat Alzheimer's syndrome:

The new drug was created by specialists from Uppsala University. According to the creators, the medicine can not only alleviate the symptoms, but completely stop the development of the disease. The drug is directed against protofibrils, which play a role in the formation of amyloid plaques. Clinical trials are currently underway. More than 800 patients from Europe, Canada and the USA are taking part in the study. The duration of the experiment is at least 2-3 years. And only then it will be possible to say whether Alzheimer's disease is treated with this drug and how effective such treatment is.

  • Canada

    At the University of Laval, scientists, together with specialists from the British pharmaceutical company Glaxo Smith Kline, have developed a vaccine against Alzheimer's disease. In the process, they isolated the MPL molecule, which can completely relieve the symptoms of senile dementia. The studies were carried out on experimental mice. Within 12 weeks they were injected with a new vaccine and the result of the work was the following results: the number of amyloid plaques decreased by 80%, there was an improvement in cognitive function.

  • United Kingdom

    At the University of Leicester, England, scientists have created a prototype drug that can cure Alzheimer's disease. The drug stops the process of destruction of nervous tissue, prevents the formation of plaques from amyloid. The results of the action of the new drug have so far been recorded only on the basis of the results of observation of laboratory mice, but scientists are confident that it can also be administered to humans. Now further development is underway and, perhaps, by 2020, there will be a new effective tool that will be available to every patient.

What now?

Alzheimer's syndrome, unfortunately, still belongs to the group of incurable diseases. And such a diagnosis still sounds like a sentence. If the disease was diagnosed at an early stage, then on average, according to statistics, the patient can live from 4 to 7 years. The progression of the disease is different for everyone, as well as the symptoms.

In some patients, with careful care and proper treatment, the disease is less painful for both the patient and others. And the disease does not spare someone and a person completely loses control over himself in 2-3 years. Only 3% of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of senile dementia have a life expectancy of 15 years or more.

Therefore, for now, it remains only to hope that scientists will nevertheless create a medicine that will show that Alzheimer's disease is treatable and patients will receive hope for recovery.

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How does the treatment of Alzheimer's disease affect the life expectancy of the patient?

Alzheimer's disease is the most common brain disease at the moment, even Parkinson's disease suffers from a much smaller number of patients than from the above disease. Alzheimer's causes significant problems with memory, thinking, and behavior of the patient. Symptoms at an early stage have a minimal manifestation, but with the development of the disease they are more pronounced. The treatment of Alzheimer's disease is a priority, however, so far there is no desired effect from it. It has been noted that life expectancy after a doctor's diagnosis is no more than eight years.

In our time, no drugs have been found that suppress the development of this disease, but there are medications that can alleviate the manifestations of dementia or pain in the joints, for example, if the ulnar nerve is pinched or fingers become numb.

How is Alzheimer's disease treated and is it curable? In studies conducted by scientists, it became clear how this disease develops and its effect on the human body. Special preventive measures have also been developed, adhering to which one can prevent the development of the disease or significantly improve the functional abilities of the brain.

Symptoms

What are the main causes and treatment of the disease? Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can be seen 10 years before diagnosis. The first signs of the disease are difficulties in remembering the information received. A more accurate forecast can be made by a specialist. Older people have trouble remembering details, but Alzheimer's disease has slightly different symptoms that interfere with daily existence. In addition to memory-related problems, there are also:

difficulty completing tasks;

  • possible difficulties in oral or written communication;
  • problems that are associated with the recognition of certain places and characters;
  • change in visual perception.

Most often, these changes are noticed by those who surround the patient.

In addition, there are certain risk factors for the disease. These factors include:

  1. The age of the person is most often the elderly. Most of the people who get Alzheimer's disease are people over 60 years of age.
  2. The factor of heredity - it is noticed that the disease is often diagnosed in those who had relatives with a similar illness in the family. Scientists do not fully determine the existence of such causes, but they believe that genetic factors, environmental conditions, and lifestyle may play a role.
  3. Genetic factor - researchers have identified genes that, when mutated, significantly increase the risk of developing the disease.

Moderate cognitive impairment - problems with awareness can occur at any age. It is generally accepted that people with memory and thinking problems are most susceptible to developing Alzheimer's disease in the future. But it is worth remembering that violations do not always lead to the appearance of Alzheimer's disease; in some cases, these are reversible processes.

  • Vascular and heart diseases are a very important factor, since in case of a violation in the circulatory system, the brain suffers first of all, which does not receive the necessary amount of valuable oxygen and essential nutrients. That is why vascular and heart diseases directly affect the development of Alzheimer's disease. Such diseases are primarily diabetes mellitus, hypertension, high cholesterol, overweight and smoking.
  • Skull injuries - Alzheimer's disease and other types of abnormalities may be the result of previous injuries to the skull and brain. Among them are - blows to the head, skull fractures, injuries as a result of an accident. It is known that people who receive blows to the head and directly to the skull are in a special group at risk of developing such a dangerous disease as Alzheimer's disease. This group includes people involved in contact sports.
  • Diagnostics

    How to diagnose Alzheimer's? Can Alzheimer's disease be cured? A simple test to determine the disease has not yet been developed. To do this, use a comprehensive medical approach, including:

    family tree history;

    • finger test;
    • examinations by a neurologist;
    • tests aimed at assessing memory;
    • general blood tests to detect extraneous types of disorders;
    • magnetic resonance imaging of the head;
    • CT scan.

    It is very important that the specialist establishes the real cause of dementia and does not miss the presence of Alzheimer's disease in order to prescribe the appropriate course of therapy. Making an accurate diagnosis will help to further improve the quality of life, get the opportunity to get help from support services, and participate in research.

    Treatment

    How to treat Alzheimer's disease and how is the treatment at home? Nowadays, there is no method of treating Alzheimer's disease that can stop or slow down the course of the disease and its direct impact on brain structures. But there are medications that help alleviate existing symptoms, such as calcium hopantenate.

    Patients are monitored by psychiatrists and neurologists. They are able to choose the right drugs that stop the development of the disease.

    Drug development for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is being pursued by many large pharmacology companies and various medical institutes around the world. At this stage, there are some shifts in the process, and some of the steps described below can alleviate the course of the disease.

    To relieve symptoms that appear at the earliest stages of development, medications with cholinesterase inhibitors are widely used. This allows you to significantly smooth out the symptoms manifested by the work of the human nervous system, as well as slow down the processes of changes in the neural connections of the brain. These drugs are:

    • pills for the disease "Donepil";
    • pills for the disease "Rivastigmine";
    • you can take care of the patient using the "Galantamine";
    • you can take care of the patient using the "Takrin" remedy.

    In order to reduce the manifestation of symptoms in the later stages of the disease, the drug "Memantine" is used, which has proven its effectiveness. It very noticeably smooths out manifestations and slows down degenerative processes in the brain. Patients get the opportunity to go about their daily activities and perform various tasks. This helps to improve the life of the patient and those around him. Calcium hopantenate is also prescribed.

    In the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease, types of drugs such as NMDA antagonists are used. This is a class of anesthetics that inhibit the action of the methylaspartan receptor. The types of this type of anesthetics are drugs: "Ketamine", "Dextromethorphan", "Phencyclidine". The use of these drugs must be strictly dosed, otherwise there is a manifestation of hallucinations.

    Therapy, called auxiliary - this type of therapy includes the use of drugs that can eliminate the manifestations of increased excitability, uncontrolled attacks of aggression, sudden depression, prolonged insomnia.

    Psychosocial Intervention

    This method of therapeutic measures has not been fully studied and is little described in the field of medical literature. Treatment with this method is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of not only Alzheimer's disease, but also other types of cognitive decline.

    The technique is aimed at correcting the problems associated with the manifestation of the disease.

    The emotional sphere is affected by the following procedures:

    • supportive psychotherapy;
    • recognition of the reality of what is happening;
    • therapy with various types of memories from the past;
    • integration through sensory senses;
    • orientation in real places;
    • drawing therapy;
    • animal therapy, which is a well-known anti-stress.

    Traditional medicine

    It is possible to achieve an improvement in the general condition of a person by strengthening the entire immune system as a whole. For these purposes, apply:

    1. Strong teas, black and green, to be drunk on an empty stomach. But don't drink strong coffee. This is necessary in order to avoid an overdose of caffeine.
    2. Soy lecithin - with daily use proves its effectiveness.
    3. Ginseng root - with the help of this plant, deviations in the nervous regulation system are corrected. They make an infusion of ginseng and drink it instead of tea.
    4. Withania rhizome - an infusion is made and drunk daily.
    5. Gingkobiloba extract has long been popular in the treatment of diseases associated with circulatory disorders in the brain.
    6. Motherwort is a well-known remedy that helps to eliminate nervous anxiety and improve sleep.

    In addition, both medical professionals and traditional healers agree that the process of cell destruction in the body occurs due to a lack of fluid. It is necessary to drink at least 1.5 liters of pure mineral and non-carbonated water.

    Preventive measures

    None of the people living on earth is immune from the development of various kinds of ailments, including Alzheimer's disease. That is why it is necessary to take care of your health and take care of it from a young age. Scientists conducted research and proved that people who have been engaged in mental work all their adult lives are much less likely to be included in the list of patients suffering from this type of ailment.

    You need to tirelessly train the activity of your brain. This is essential for people who are over 60 years old. It is necessary to read, solve various crosswords and puzzles, watch educational and educational TV shows. This is what will help keep your nervous system in a certain tone. It is also necessary to engage in various sports - gymnastics, jogging, simple exercises (tilts, arm swings) as this will help disperse the blood and strengthen the cardiovascular system. Outdoor walks are also helpful. If possible, travel outside the city as often as possible to saturate the lungs with clean, healing air.

    It is worth remembering that the disease is often transmitted by a hereditary factor, and it is worthwhile to prepare in advance and carry out a certain set of preventive measures, to find out, perhaps, that someone in the family had this disease.

    The behavior of an elderly person must necessarily be the first signal to the actions of relatives. It happens that a person used to remember a lot, and then began to forget important dates, capitals of countries, names of relatives, began to confuse words. The best thing in this case would be to carry out diagnostics on time, which will include a visit to a neurologist, research, such as magnetic resonance imaging of the head. It is possible to use traditional medicine not as a treatment, but in order to prevent the first manifestations.

    Watch the video: The effect of fish oil on Alzheimer's disease

    Simple rules to delay the onset of the disease:

    1. The disease more often affects people who have an average or even below average intelligence level. It is necessary to constantly develop, engage in self-education, loading the brain with constant work and using neural connections and cells, preventing them from changing and degrading.
    2. Communication with society, preferably by interests and on various topics. In addition, it is useful to study foreign languages.
    3. Various types of hobbies will allow a person not to give up and give up in the fight against this difficult and incurable disease.
    4. Yoga, dancing, fishing, tourism, playing musical instruments will help develop intellectual abilities and make your life more eventful.
    5. Preventive measures based on traditional medicine - taking various herbal preparations and aromatic relaxing baths. In addition, aromatherapy will be useful.
    6. Diet food that excludes the consumption of alcohol, smoking, large amounts of tea and the exclusion of coffee. It is necessary to consume more citrus fruits, as well as foods containing animal protein - meat and fish, preferably low-fat varieties. These products contain a sufficient amount of folic acid, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the circulatory system and the immune system. With a deficiency of folic acid, not only the destruction of nerve endings and brain cells occurs, but also the suffering of the bone marrow, in which the processes of division of new cells occur.
    7. Vitamins - as a source of strength. You can use "Iodomarin", which helps the work of brain cells.
    8. Fighting and avoiding stressful situations - for this you need to rest more, adhere to a positive attitude.
    9. Controlling blood sugar levels, as well as monitoring blood pressure.
    10. Fluid intake - to prevent degenerative processes in the cells of the body, and most importantly, in the cells of the brain.

    Compliance with all these preventive measures will minimize the risk of such a disease.

    Alzheimer's disease, a progressive disease affecting middle-aged and elderly people, is associated with the gradual death of brain cells.

    Alzheimer's disease - symptoms and signs

    The first symptoms and signs of Alzheimer's disease are minor memory impairments and an inability to learn new things. These symptoms are sometimes difficult to distinguish from simple forgetfulness and laziness. A person is still quite capable of leading an independent existence, he drives a car, goes to the store and manages his money wisely. Gradually, a decline in mood, apathy, causeless tears and longing appear.

    Over time, patients with Alzheimer's disease gradually lose the ability to perform the simplest actions, cease to navigate in space, their speech becomes confused and incoherent, coordination of movements disappears, at a certain stage they cease to recognize loved ones, forget their name and address. It is quite common in news releases to report that some elderly person has left the house and disappeared - a significant proportion of such people suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Progressing, the disease eventually leads to the death of the patient, which is preceded by a stage of almost vegetative existence - the patient is unable to contact with others, eat and drink. Between the first and final stages of the disease takes an average of about seven to eight years. However, medicine knows cases when patients died three or four years after the first signs of Alzheimer's disease were discovered, and some lived with this disease for twenty years.

    Stages of Alzheimer's disease

    Depending on how severe the symptoms are, the following stages of Alzheimer's disease are distinguished:

    1. predementia

      At the stage of predementia, subtle cognitive difficulties occur. In most cases, these are memory impairments for recent events, difficulties, if necessary, to remember something new. From the moment the first symptoms appear to the diagnosis, as a rule, 7-8 years pass.

    2. Early or early stages of Alzheimer's

      Early dementia is a minor memory disorder while maintaining a critical attitude of the patient to the problem. Attention is disturbed, the person becomes nervous and irritable. Often there are severe headaches, dizziness. However, at this stage, a physical examination may not reveal any changes.

    3. moderate dementia

      Moderate dementia is accompanied by a partial loss of long-term memory and some habitual everyday skills.

    4. Severe Alzheimer's disease

      Severe dementia is the disintegration of the personality with the loss of the patient's cognitive abilities. At this stage, patients are exhausted both physically and mentally. They cannot perform even the simplest actions on their own, walk with difficulty, and eventually stop getting out of bed. Due to the lack of movement, complications such as bedsores, congestive pneumonia, etc. develop. There is a large loss of muscle mass.

      Support for the patient at the last stage of the development of pathology consists of the following activities:

      • ensuring regular feeding;
      • personal hygiene;
      • assistance in the administration of the physiological needs of the body;
      • regime organization;
      • organization of a comfortable microclimate in the patient's room;
      • psychological support;
      • symptomatic treatment.

    Alzheimer's disease - causes

    It has been established that there is no genetic predisposition in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

    One of the causes of Alzheimer's disease is cerebrovascular accident, for example, due to trauma, myocardial infarction, hypothyroidism or magnetic fields.

    The latest scientific data: every hour a person spends in front of the TV significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Professor Lars-Olox Wahlund came to this conclusion. In his opinion, developing dementia is accompanied by television addiction.

    Modern scientific research has shown that Alzheimer's disease develops as a slow inflammation of the brain substance - encephalitis. Is there an infectious cause of Alzheimer's disease? Undoubtedly. These may be already known viruses, the herpes virus, for example. It's no secret that severe herpetic encephalitis is becoming an even more common finding. Who knows what other discoveries of virologists are waiting for us ahead. We should also not forget about other known pathogens that live mainly in the cells of the brain tissue. This is a fungal infection, toxoplasmosis, cytomegaloviruses, protozoa. Slowly, but these pathogens lead through chronic inflammation to the degradation of brain tissue.

    The main causes of the degradation of the nervous tissue and the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease:

    • violation of cerebral circulation;
    • subacute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system;
    • infectious diseases of the nervous tissue of the brain;
    • substance abuse and chronic drug poisoning;
    • chronic depression;
    • autoimmune brain damage (antibodies to DNA and CNS proteins).

    Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease

    The following factors may increase your chance of developing Alzheimer's disease

    • senile age (more than 80 years);
    • belonging to the female sex (more often women are prone to Alzheimer's disease than men);
    • skull trauma;
    • severe depression,
    • regular stress;
    • lack of "training" for the intellect;
    • atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels;
    • diabetes;
    • hypertension (causes a lack of oxygen to the brain cells);
    • hypodynamia;
    • smoking.

    Prevention of Alzheimer's disease

    Prevention of Alzheimer's disease - any intellectual and physical exercises. For example, reading, solving crossword puzzles, playing chess, walking and playing sports.

    A study was conducted that interviewed 2258 healthy older people from New York who participated in a project to research the problems of aging. Their medical and neurological history was reviewed, they underwent standard neurological and physical tests, and their mental function was tested every year and a half. Four years later, 262 study participants were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, more than one in ten. However, studies have shown that those who followed a diet that is closest to the Mediterranean, i.e. ate a lot of fish, vegetables, legumes, and also consumed some alcohol and very little dairy products and meat, suffered from Alzheimer's disease the least. Those who only partially adhered to this diet reduced their risk of dementia by 15-20% compared to those who ate typical American food - with hamburgers, popcorn and ice cream.

    Alzheimer's disease - treatment

    Alzheimer's disease, what to do?

    Treatment for Alzheimer's disease is usually medication. Replacement therapy, neuroprotective, vasoactive, anti-inflammatory, hormonal therapy is used. Drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease are prescribed by a doctor depending on the stage of the disease.

    Treatment of Alzheimer's disease mostly takes place at home. Living conditions and patient care are of great importance. It is important for relatives to understand that the disease, not the person, is to blame for the patient's behavior. It is necessary to learn how to care for the sick, to ensure his safety, nutrition, hygiene, prevention of bedsores and infections.

    The use of parapharmaceuticals of the Dienai line makes it possible to prevent the progression of many brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Dienai preparations help prevent the development of complications, as well as maintain the quality of life of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

    Drugs that can slow the progression of Alzheimer's

    All drugs listed in the list are taken sequentially, first a package of one drug (1 month), then a package of another drug. They usually start with Dianay 70 capsules. Between packs take a break of 7-10 days, and then move on to the next preparation.

    • Dienai 70 caps- is prescribed for large "bouquets" of diseases, cleans blood vessels, normalizes metabolism, relieves inflammation.
    • Midivirin 70 caps- in the presence of a viral component, especially in viral diseases of the brain. Viral diseases are one of the causes of Alzheimer's disease.
    • Neurostim 50 caps- nutrition for nerve cells, improves blood supply to the brain, improves memory and intelligence. For Alzheimer's disease, this drug should be taken 6-9 packs throughout the year (1 pack per month);
    • Considering, as a rule, the elderly age of patients, Venomax can additionally be recommended. It is a preparation of veins and vessels, to improve blood circulation.
    • Neurostim Indigo- a new drug of regenerative action, preserving and restoring the health of the nervous system and brain. There is an activation of the processes of self-renewal of the brain tissue with the involvement of the cells of the "golden fund" of the body - its own stem cells. A drug to improve memory. This drug can be taken at the same time as the rest of the drugs on this list.

    Neurostim and Neurostim Indigo preparations are also excellent for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

    Below is a little more about each of the drugs.

    Today it is the main cause of age-related intellectual degradation. According to the National Institute of Gerontology, approximately 10% of those over 65 and up to half of those over 85 suffer from it. This article will look at the main signs and symptoms of the disease, as well as treating Alzheimer's folk remedies at home.

    Signs and symptoms of disease

    Acetylcholine deficiency is often observed in those suffering from the disease, although it is not clear whether this is the cause of the disease or its result. However, therapy focuses on measures that either prevent the destruction of acetylcholine or enrich brain tissue with its precursor, choline. Hence the logical conclusion: any agents that increase the level of this neurotransmitter in the brain, including medicinal herbs and natural recipes, remain in our time the main salvation for those suffering from Alzheimer's dementia.

    A couple of years ago, the symptoms of the disease were not treated at all. Then Alzheimer approved the use of tacrine hydrochloride (Cognex), a substance that seems to slow the progression of the disease by maintaining the necessary level of acetylcholine in the brain. The problem is that this drug is toxic to the liver, and in old age it is easy to spoil it.

    Other medications for the symptoms of the disease are also being tested. Traditionally, they are all synthetic. And also by tradition, pharmaceutical companies pretend not to notice promising natural alternatives, i.e. herbs containing substances that prevent acetylcholine from being destroyed. Fortunately, in addition to the tasteless club moss, quite a few plants, in principle, are able to prevent the manifestations of the disease and slow down the development of this age-related dementia.

    Unfortunately, many of us have seen this depressing disintegration of personality. With a disease named after Alzheimer, a person loses his mind. It starts with small memory lapses and can progress to the point where he does not recognize people close to him in the photographs. It's a cruel end, but treating Alzheimer's disease at home with the right approach can help. You will be surprised that it is quite possible to carry out therapy using alternative medicine formulations at home. In this article, we will tell you how therapy is carried out outside the hospital, that you can try different recipes.

    Effective folk remedies

    It is similar to cardiovascular disease in one very important way: it largely depends on lifestyle. Try taking vit. E. Studies show that taking vitamin E in moderate Alzheimer's disease can eliminate the symptoms of the disease. It is recommended to take from 400 to 800 IU (international units) of vitamin E per day. However, if you are going to take more than 200 IU for a disease, check with your doctor first. In a study using vit. E, an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke was found.


    In the treatment of the disease, take this wonderful plant as an assistant. Ginkgo leaf extract in Alzheimer's improves memory mainly due to the fact that it has a beneficial effect on blood circulation, including cerebral circulation. The drug is presented in the form of a solution or tablets (also available under the name memoplant) can be taken at home at the usual rate of 120-240 mg (calculated as a dry extract) per day. However, if you are prescribed monoamine oxidase inhibitors for a medical condition (for depression or anxiety), then before taking ginkgo. Check with your doctor as there may be an interaction between these drugs.

    The Best Natural Cures

    1. Monarda (Monarda, different species). Monarda contains the compound carvacrol, which, according to Austrian scientists, inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine. There is also thymol in this plant with a similar useful property. Some substances of the monarda, as it turned out, are able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (between blood and brain tissues). The role of this barrier is not to allow anything extraneous to our nerve centers. However, it becomes an obstacle not only for harmful substances, but also for those that can be useful to a sick person. The ability of Monarda's healing compounds to cross the blood-brain barrier means that the extract of this plant can be used as an external folk remedy for Alzheimer's. And if so, washing your hair with an herbal shampoo should be no less effective than ingesting tacrine hydrochloride. And at the same time, most likely, it will be safer for the liver and, certainly, it will cost much less. You will not be able to buy such a miraculous shampoo, but it is not difficult to make it yourself. To make this composition for Alzheimer's therapy, simply add a few pipettes of Monarda tincture to your favorite shampoo.
    2. Rosemary officinalis (Rosmarinus officinalis). Judging by some data, damage to brain structures by aggressive free radicals plays an important role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. If so, rosemary in the treatment of Alzheimer's should help. It contains a couple of dozen antioxidants - substances that neutralize the action of free radicals. Among these protective compounds, rosmarinic acid is considered particularly powerful. In addition, half a dozen compounds have been found in rosemary that seem to inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine. It is interesting, by the way, that for Alzheimer's disease, aromatherapists recommend rosemary oil (as well as lemon balm, fennel and sage).

      Since ancient times, rosemary has been considered a herb to strengthen memory - among some peoples, it even symbolized it. Folk remedies such as shampoo, tea from this plant and just a bunch of it in a hot bath protect against Alzheimer's dementia no worse than tacrine or hupercin. Add to that the safety and enjoyment of using rosemary in any form. If the mind does not increase as a result, there will certainly be no harm.

      Among the acetylcholine-inhibiting compounds in this herb, at least some penetrate the bloodstream through the skin and are likely able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, regular use of rosemary shampoo is similar in effect to taking tacrine. This shampoo is sold ready-made, but this folk remedy for getting rid of Alzheimer's is easy to do yourself: a few pipettes of tincture with what you wash your hair with.

    3. American walnut (Bertholettia excelsa). As already mentioned, the treatment of Alzheimer's disease consists not only in trying to save acetylcholine, but also in intensively supplying the brain with its precursor, choline. It is part of lecithin, and the latter, according to my data, is most of all in the American walnut - up to 10% of the dry mass. However, many other plants are also rich in them. Topping the list, in descending order of concentration, are dandelion flowers, poppy seeds, soybeans, and mung beans.

      Fenugreek leaves and shepherd's purse contain quite a lot of choline itself, which can help manage the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Less of it in common shandra (horsemint), ginseng, Chinese cowpea, peas, mung bean, luffa, lentils and Chinese angelica.

    4. Salvia officinalis (Salvia officinalis). 17th century herbalist John Gerard wrote that sage "helps the weak brain and memory, healing them quickly." British scientists have confirmed that sage substances inhibit enzymes that break down acetylcholine, i.e. help preserve this neurotransmitter, apparently necessary for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Like rosemary, sage is rich in antioxidants. Just be careful when using this folk remedy for Alzheimer's: this herb contains a lot of thujone, a substance that can cause seizures in high doses.
    5. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). This herb contains a lot of the element boron, which is able to double the level of circulating estrogen sex hormones in the blood. And studies show they improve short-term memory and elevate mood in some Alzheimer's patients.
    6. Willow (Salix, various species). Studies show a reduced prevalence of Alzheimer's dementia in those who take high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs for arthritis. If they really help prevent Alzheimer's disease, then willow bark, rich in salicylates similar to aspirin, should have similar properties. If you are intolerant to aspirin, this treatment is likely to be contraindicated for you as well.
    7. Asian Centella (Centella asiatica). This Indian plant has been used for centuries to strengthen memory and intelligence. It is unlikely that such a reputation of this folk remedy against a serious illness - Alzheimer's disease arose from scratch.

    If your ancestors suffered from Alzheimer's disease or you are just afraid of it, we recommend starting your own plantation with medicinal plants. As a result, you will always have dementia prophylaxis on hand. All of the species listed above can be bred, at least as flyers, throughout the temperate zone. Gardening itself requires logical thinking, imagination and physical activity, all of which greatly help to keep the brain working.

    Treatment at home

    When fighting an illness, do regular exercise, including some outdoor exercise and some for weight loss. Patients with Alzheimer's disease used alternative therapy or drugs at any stage, it is important to pay special attention to their activity.

    Talk to your doctor about whether you should reduce your salt intake.

    When using folk simple remedies for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, one should not forget about taking medications prescribed to lower blood pressure. These simple tips will help prevent Alzheimer's disease, to carry out good prevention.


    Diet in Alzheimer's Therapy

    During folk therapy of the disease, limit the intake of fats. One study compared data from the World Health Organization on the spread of a disease called Alzheimer's, as well as dietary habits, found that countries with the highest consumption of fat in the diet also recorded the highest incidence of the disease. Such people ate more harmful food at home.

    Reduce the consumption of meat and foods with high cholesterol levels, replace them with chicken and fish during treatment. Some types of fish, such as tuna, trout, mackerel and salmon, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. For patients with Alzheimer's disease, food both in the hospital and at home is prepared as healthy and light as possible. They have a beneficial effect on the brain during illness, as they are part of the insulating sheath of nerve fibers.

    For treatment, nutritionists recommend limiting fat intake so that it accounts for approximately 20% of dietary calories. As you can see, the therapy of Alzheimer's disease with folk natural remedies, even in the usual home conditions, will burn to be not only useful, but also tasty! Take care of yourself, do not neglect your health, watch out for the first symptoms of dangerous diseases.

    Now I will talk about how Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed and how it is treated. At first glance, it would seem - but what's the difference? Especially if the patient was brought, as is most often the case, already with noticeable memory impairment. However, there is a difference: for example, a number of approaches for the treatment of the same vascular dementia or Korsakoff's syndrome will be different.

    So, as for the diagnosis. There are several signs that allow you to immediately rule out Alzheimer's disease. First, it is a sudden and abrupt onset of dementia. This is not the case with Alzheimer's disease: it begins gradually, gradually, with a gradual increase in symptoms. Secondly, this is if, in addition to the actual dementia, there are signs of the so-called focal neurological symptoms: for example, partial or complete paralysis of the arm and leg on one side, or the arm on one side and the leg on the opposite side, or impaired gait and coordination of movements, or loss of certain fields of vision - that is, signs that indicate that there are quite clearly defined and limited lesions in the brain. Thirdly, this is the appearance of epileptic seizures in the early stages of the disease: this is also uncharacteristic for Alzheimer's disease, and another cause must be sought.

    What, in fact, causes Alzheimer's disease, you ask? To be honest, no one really knows yet. No, they dig, of course, gnaw on granite and grants, build theories - but the facts and research results that could bring all the assumptions together and dismiss the most crazy ones are still not enough. However, most scientists are inclined to believe that this disease is genetically determined. No, there are not so many cases of family transmission, less than 10%, but it is precisely such cases that are the most malignant and eat a person faster. Apparently, a greater number of genes responsible for the development of the disease are involved in the process. By the way, there are four of them so far. Although ... there are also proven cases of Alzheimer's disease in which none of these insidious genes was found in a person.

    I will not torment you with the details of what happens in the brain tissue - I will only say that there, in this tissue, the exchange and proper breakdown of the amyloid protein precursor are disturbed. And insoluble accumulations are formed, which look like plaques under a microscope: between brain cells, in the walls of small vessels. Later, another agent, the tau protein, enters into destructive work. It accumulates already inside the nerve cells themselves and eventually kills them. The process of nerve cell death proceeds over the entire surface of the cortex, but the parts of the frontal lobes, the hippocampus, as well as certain zones of the temporal and parietal lobes responsible for associations, suffer the most.

    What, in fact, confirms the diagnosis? In the clinical picture that is visible to the naked eye, these are several obligatory signs. Firstly, it is actually the presence of dementia or predementia - in the form of memory impairment. Secondly, it is a smooth, gradually progressive from the moment it was noticed, memory loss. Thirdly, age from forty to ninety years. Fourthly, the lack of connection of dementia with other causes - injuries, strokes, alcoholism or other chronic poisoning, as well as other clear causes. Fifthly, it is the absence of disturbances of consciousness.

    It can additionally help - and some of you really calm down - a study of memory by a competent clinical psychologist. Alzheimer's disease in its early stages will be characterized by violations of episodic, or autobiographical, which is the same thing, memory. Moreover, these violations will not be corrected by prompts or the provision of multiple choice: they say, what did I ask you to remember - an apple or a pear?

    Now about instrumental research methods. Now one of the main ones is MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging - but the tomograph should be as powerful as possible. In Alzheimer's disease, MRI will give a picture of cortical atrophy in the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes, especially in the middle temporal region, which is called the hippocampus. But, as you understand, the changes can be seen when the process has already begun.

    And what about early diagnosis, even before obvious symptoms? Why isn't some kind of screening test used for a total check of everyone and everything? Yes, because, to the shame of medicine, and not only domestic, it is terribly expensive. No, of course, tests by a clinical psychologist will be able to identify characteristic memory impairments, for which the malfunction of the hippocampus is precisely responsible. And this is by far the best option for early diagnosis. But after all, ideally, it is necessary to find everything before the moment of memory decline. And these are two studies: spinal puncture with taking cerebrospinal fluid for analysis to find a violation of the ratio of amyloid and tau protein there, this is positron emission tomography, or PETT, and not simple, but precisely monitoring the accumulation of beta-amyloid and a decrease in glucose metabolism .

    Now about how and how Alzheimer's disease is treated. That's just for her, the list of essential medicines is small, and it is limited to two areas. First of all, it is an attempt to make the remaining cells work. Here in the first place are two groups of drugs. The first is those drugs that allow you to maintain the desired level of acetylcholine in the brain, preventing its concentration from falling sharply. Because neurophysiologists have noticed a pretty clear relationship between low levels of this neurotransmitter (translation: mediator in the transmission of nerve impulses) and many symptoms of dementia. And it turned out that it is easier and safer to maintain this level not by directly pumping the body with acetylcholine, but by a cunning political move: blockade of the enzyme that this substance breaks down (this enzyme is called acetylcholinesterase, if anyone is interested). The substance that this enzyme blocks is called, respectively, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor(I'm not swearing, but informing).

    Three types of such substances are used in the treatment of patients: donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine.

    The second group (so far it consists of one representative) is a substance that seems to conserve and keep the cells of the cortex working, preventing them from withering and self-destructing. Even if a person does not include them in an active thought process. This substance is called memantine hydrochloride. And if anyone grumbles that the phrase is difficult to pronounce, I will reveal a terrible secret: this memantine hydrochloride is actually a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA) receptor antagonist, here!

    Medicines from both groups are used either in isolation or in combination: one from the first, the other from the second. The effect (or its absence, if the process has gone too far) can be assessed far from immediately - usually not earlier than the third or fourth month of treatment, and giving the medicine, if improvement is seen, will have to be done for life. But if by the time the treatment starts, the patient has a sufficient number of nerve cells that can respond and start working, it will be seen that the memory has become better (or has ceased to deteriorate). And the person himself began to behave more orderly. True, it is worth recognizing that both of these drugs do not cure, but only stop dementia for a while and to a certain level.

    Other symptoms - such as anxiety, depression, insomnia or delirium - are dealt with as they arise.

    There is another direction, still experimental: for several years now, work has been underway to obtain vaccines and sera that can both reduce the symptoms of an already begun disease and stop the disease that has not yet developed. But when the final product will be brought to mind, promulgated and put into series, is still unknown.

    Navigation

    Drug treatment is the main method of combating degenerative processes in brain tissues in Alzheimer's disease. This form of senile dementia is incurable. All the actions of physicians come down to slowing down the progression of the pathology, stopping the main and accompanying symptoms, and improving the general condition of the patient. In more than 90% of cases, the disease affects people over 60-65 years old. At this age, taking any medication poses an additional threat to the body. To achieve the maximum effect and minimize the risks, the selection of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease should be handled by a professional.

    Drug treatment is the main method of combating degenerative processes in brain tissues in Alzheimer's disease.

    General principles of drug therapy

    Treatment for Alzheimer's requires more than direct action on degenerative changes in the brain. Pathology is accompanied by a number of organic disorders that aggravate the situation. One medicine cannot cope with all this, the approach must be comprehensive. Increased attention is paid to the correction of phenomena that inhibit metabolism throughout the body, which lead to a decrease in the functionality of the central nervous system.

    Mandatory moments of drug exposure in Alzheimer's syndrome:

    • fight against disorders in the work of the heart, blood vessels, respiratory organs;
    • reduction of pathologically elevated levels of sugar, bad cholesterol, blood lipids;
    • normalization of the hormonal background in case of damage to the endocrine glands;
    • increasing the functionality of the liver and kidneys;
    • saturation of the body with vitamins, minerals, useful trace elements.

    An obligatory moment of drug exposure in case of illness is the fight against disorders in the work of the heart and blood vessels.

    The result of an integrated approach is the normalization of the nutrition of neurons, stimulation of the restoration of their structure. All this leads to a slower increase in the area of ​​atrophy, an increase in the efficiency of the nervous tissue. In severe cases, the approach is complemented by the use of pathogenetic agents, which leads to the suppression of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, although not getting rid of it.

    Basic treatment for Alzheimer's disease

    Deficiency of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine contributes to the development and progression of degenerative changes in nerve tissues. With a lack of this organic compound, atrophic processes spread faster, aggravating the patient's condition. Such reactions become a consequence of a failure in the production of a neurotransmitter or its accelerated destruction against the background of an excess of acetylcholinesterase. For this reason, the list of essential drugs for Alzheimer's disease includes acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, as well as drugs based on memantine.

    Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

    Every year, new drugs of this profile appear in pharmacology, which increases the chances of choosing the right product for each patient.

    Today, selective drugs of the second generation are most actively used.

    Depending on the type of the main substance, they block enzymes that break down acetylcholine, activate receptors in order to increase concentration. Typically, such formulations are included in the treatment regimen with the rapid progression of the pathology. The abundance of dosage forms and types of drugs allows you to choose a product in accordance with the characteristics of the patient's condition.

    Rules for choosing drugs

    The effectiveness of medicines is on average 70%, but an important role is played by the individual reaction to the product. To obtain the most pronounced result, a doctor should be engaged in the selection of pathogenetic drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This takes into account not only the tolerability of the composition, but also the body's response in the form of clinical improvement. To assess the therapeutic effect of the selected medication, it must be taken continuously for at least 3 months in the maximum tolerated volume. In the case of changing the product to another, you need to take a break from 3 to 7 days, depending on the types of drugs.

    The effectiveness of medications is on average 70%, to obtain the most pronounced result, the selection of drugs for treatment should be done by a doctor.

    Rules for the use of medicines

    The introduction of drugs of this group into the therapy regimen usually means their lifelong use. For this reason, it is important to choose a convenient dosage form of the composition. It's not always pills. Some manufacturers offer drinking solutions and even patches. In most cases, a pronounced therapeutic effect persists for a year after the start of therapy, then the progression of tissue dystrophy resumes.

    The use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors is carried out according to the following rules:

    • only a specialist can prescribe products. The funds are used only under the condition of constant external control of therapy by medical workers or relatives of the patient;
    • any side effects should be evaluated by the attending physician;
    • taking such formulations simultaneously with NSAIDs or medicines that reduce heart rate is prohibited;
    • drugs are incompatible with alcoholic and tonic drinks.

    Stopping the use of medicines is possible only with the permission of the doctor. This is usually done at the stage of severe dementia, when medications no longer help. In other cases, refusing drugs, you can provoke a sharp progression of degenerative processes in the brain. The result will be a noticeable aggravation of the clinical picture.

    Taking acetylcholinesterase inhibitors at the same time as drugs that reduce heart rate is prohibited.

    Side effects of drugs

    Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors should be taken for life, so the presence of adverse reactions to such drugs is unacceptable. It is impossible to get rid of Alzheimer's disease, but there is a chance to ease the severity of symptoms, slow down degenerative processes. Pharmacies offer a variety of medicines, among which you can always choose an effective one that does not cause negative consequences.

    Common side effects of taking acetylcholinesterase inhibitors:

    • often - nausea and vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite;
    • rarely - headaches, abdominal discomfort, hand tremors, profuse sweating, fatigue, drowsiness or irritability;
    • isolated cases - sleep problems, depressive disorders, fainting, hallucinations, jumps in blood pressure, ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane of the digestive organs.

    Usually such manifestations become apparent immediately after the start of therapy. Sometimes they occur against the background of a sharp increase in the dosage of a previously tolerated drug.

    A common side effect of taking acetylcholinesterase inhibitors is very common nausea and vomiting.

    Contraindications

    Before you start taking drugs for the treatment of dementia, you need to make sure that there are no prohibitions or restrictions on their use. Absolute contraindications are intolerance to specific products, severe liver and / or kidney damage. Due to the nature of the action, the formulations are not prescribed for conditions where stimulation of peripheral cholinergic receptors is dangerous for some reason.

    Relative prohibitions on the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors:


    The possibility of treating Alzheimer's disease with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in these conditions depends on a number of points. The feasibility of drug therapy is determined by the doctor.

    The choice of therapy depending on the stage

    It is impossible to cure Alzheimer's disease even when using the most effective and expensive means, starting therapy in the early stages of the pathology. No approaches can achieve a regression of the degenerative process, a complete stop of its spread. But with the right approach to therapy, there is a chance to significantly slow down the development of the condition, give the patient 10-15 years of a full life.

    Each of the stages of Alzheimer's disease requires specific therapy:

    • predementia - the use of antidepressants is enough to normalize the patient's psycho-emotional background. Depending on the symptoms and as an alternative therapy, the doctor prescribes nootropics, Glycine, calcium channel blockers, Actovegin. Ginkgo biloba extract has a positive effect on the brain;
    • early and moderate dementia - atypical antidepressants, antipsychotics are used to combat bad mood. Pathogenetic therapy is based on acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. An adequate alternative may be Piribedil, Vinpocetine, Pentoxifylline;
    • severe dementia - Memantine becomes the main drug.

    With early and moderate dementia, Vinpocetine can be used.

    Changes to the treatment regimen should be made by the attending physician. Parallel intake of any drugs should be coordinated with a neurologist so as not to provoke complications or adverse reactions, not to reduce the effectiveness of the main treatment.

    Symptomatic therapy

    Gradual atrophy of the brain, which develops against the background of degenerative processes, leads to a number of unpleasant consequences. If they are not treated separately, this will lead to a decrease in the quality of life of an Alzheimer's patient. Studies show that this often causes a decrease in the effectiveness of basic drug therapy. In addition to antidepressants, a neurologist may prescribe a number of medications to the patient in accordance with the characteristics of his condition.

    A good effect is the use of "Glycine" and its many analogues. The product stimulates cerebral circulation, has a positive effect on the mood of the victim.

    "Carbamazepine" is able to restore the patient's thirst for life and interest in favorite things, get rid of apathy. With hallucinations or signs of delirium, antipsychotics, tranquilizers are indicated. All listed products should be taken only when necessary, and not for preventive purposes. Due to the abundance of contraindications and side effects, if used inadequately, they can do more harm than good.

    What medicines are used to treat

    Pharmacies offer dozens of drugs that can alleviate the course of Alzheimer's disease, affecting the very cause of degenerative processes. Each of the products has its own characteristics and benefits, so the decision in favor of one of them should be made by the doctor. Most of the tools have synonyms or analogues, but even their use should not be started without the permission of a specialist.

    "Memantine"

    A unique remedy that normalizes glutamate metabolism and prevents internal neuronal intoxication. Today it is the only product showing high efficiency in the last stage of Alzheimer's disease. When combined with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, the effectiveness of therapy increases many times over. The composition is well tolerated by patients, but is prohibited for use in violation of the kidneys. Against the background of epilepsy, therapy is carried out with extreme caution. Due to the specifics of the action, the time of taking the medicine should be selected individually.

    Exelon

    The drug is presented in capsules and oral solution, as well as patches and films for transdermal action. The latter dosage form is very convenient in cases where the patient's relatives do not have the opportunity to constantly be around. The dosage is selected individually, can be adjusted during therapy. In this case, the change in the dosing regimen should be changed no more than once a week.

    The dosage of Exelon is selected individually, it can be adjusted during therapy.

    "Aricept"

    The tool is allowed for use in all stages of Alzheimer's disease, as well as other forms of senile dementia. The manufacturer offers the medicine in tablets and oral solution. The composition has a minimum list of contraindications, rarely causes a negative reaction of the body. Therapeutic doses are selected individually. The medication is recommended to be taken in the evening. Changing the dosing regimen should be carried out no more than once a month. The drug has a number of cheaper analogues.

    "Reminil"

    The product shows its effectiveness in the fight against mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease. Often the composition is used to treat chronic problems with cerebral circulation. Taking the drug not only stops the manifestations of degenerative processes in the brain, but also increases concentration. The drug has a minimal level of toxicity, it is allowed to give it even to pregnant women.

    Taking Reminil not only stops the manifestations of degenerative processes in the brain, but also increases concentration.

    Auxiliary drugs

    The list of drugs used against the background of Alzheimer's disease is often based on alternative products. Usually, such medicines are used at milder stages of the pathology, when it is too early to start pathogenetic treatment. They can also be introduced as a replacement for ineffective agents or in case of intolerance.

    Groups of auxiliary drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease:

    • compounds that stimulate the transmission of impulses between neurons;
    • products for normalizing blood circulation in the brain by influencing the smallest vessels, changing the composition and degree of blood viscosity;
    • ginkgo biloba extract, which has a general beneficial effect on brain tissue;
    • nootropics of natural and synthetic origin;
    • medicines based on peptides, amino acids;
    • calcium channel blockers, alpha-blockers.

    Traditional therapy is increasingly supported by the use of traditional medicine. To stimulate the brain, the use of drinks based on motherwort, ginseng root is shown.

    Traditional therapy is increasingly supported by the use of traditional medicine.

    Drugs intended for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, although they are universal, can be used in different schemes. Features of therapy tactics depend on the age and sex of the patient, the degree of CNS damage, symptoms, the presence of aggravating factors, background conditions.