 Alzheimer's disease was discovered by a German neurologist, Dr.
Alois Alzheimer. In 1906 he autopsied the brain of a woman who had
died after years of progressive dementia. Her brain tissue showed
abnormal clumps and irregular knots of brain cells. Today, these
clumps (now called plaques) and knots (now called tangles) are considered
hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.
Once affected by this disease, the ability for
work and play become compromised; the threat of loss of control
and loss of independence may lead to difficulties with self-image
and the sense of competence and may cause anxiety, depression and
further physical ailments. An adequate level of adjustment is thus
crucial to maintain both physical and emotional well-being.
Creative techniques for adapting to changes and maintaining control
may need to be employed. Children will need information conveyed
to them in a level that they can understand. Understanding and patience
are needed to assist each person involved in the mourning of losses
or changes. In other words, the adjustment process calls upon the
need for healthy coping skills.
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How can Alzheimer's Disease be treated ?
"The main side effects of most cholinesterase inhibitors include
- nausea, vomiting, anorexia and dizziness. There can be weight
loss with the drug too. Other known side-effects to the drug are-
stomach pain, headache, diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, extreme tiredness,
lack of energy, tremor, constipation, increased sweating, difficulty
falling asleep or staying asleep, confusion and runny nose," says Christopher
Green, R.N., B.A. and CEO of AnestaWeb and that,"more serious side effects
include - blood loss - causing fainting,
black and tarry stools or red blood in stools or vomiting coffee
ground liquid, difficutty in passing urine, depression, hallucination
and seizures. However the incidence of side-effects with this drug
is low."
Galantamine -
Similar to other drugs in the group.
Has less side-effects.
Memantine -
It is used in patient with moderate
to severe Alzheimer's Disease. Another chemical called Glutamate acts on
a receptor called NMDA(N-methyl-D-aspartic acid). If these receptors are overcharged it causes
damage to the brain. Memantine blocks these receptors.
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Antipsychotic, Anti-depressants, Anxiolytics
and sleeping medicines
Different symptoms may predominance and require
different medication. Some of these drugs help with depression and
anxiety while others help in controlling the behavior such as sudden
anger and agitation, hallucinations and delusions. A common finding
is a patient becoming agitated, confused and restless at the end
of the day and may require a sleeping medicine or a tranquilizer
to reduce these symptoms.
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