Alzheimer’s is a disorder that tends to take on millions of people around the world. It is a progressive, brain degenerative disorder. It usually leads to significant changes in behavior and hampers everyday functioning of an individual. With an aging population, Alzheimer’s has become a global issue with limited resources to manage it. It is definitely one of the most problematic concerns worldwide and needs awareness around it. For the exploration of its treatment, it is necessary.
As Tulasi, we take it upon ourselves to make people aware about it and discuss different aspects of Alzheimer’s. Today we discuss what it is, Alzheimer treatment, and ways to manage the disease effectively. Additionally, we will discuss the role of Alzheimer care facilities and Alzheimer patient care homes in supporting those living with the condition.
First identified in 1906, Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain.
What do these particular structures do? One might wonder. Simply put, these structures break the communication between nerve cells, leading to brain cell death and the gradual loss of cognitive functions. Primarily, it is marked by symptoms like memory loss, confusion in daily decisions and tasks, difficulty with speech formation and understanding, impaired judgment, and sudden mood changes.
Age is a marked factor for development of Alzheimer’s; but not a definitive one. People under 65 may also develop it given a higher genetic risk factor.
The progression of Alzheimer’s comes in stages, becoming more pronounced with time. In early stages, the symptoms are not very recognizable, but show up in a few moments, tasks and lapses of decision making that are not easily noticed.
As the disease advances, individuals may struggle with familiar tasks, have difficulty recognizing loved ones, and experience significant changes in personality and behavior.
Common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:
The diagnosis for Alzheimer’s although, has no particular tests that can clearly define its diagnosis. A team of experts can perform a variety of exams that can include psychological assessments, neurological imaging (PET, CT) and cognitive exams to confirm suspicions for Alzheimer’s. Blood tests and other lab work may also be conducted to exclude other medical conditions that might mimic Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Even with revolutionary biological and technological advancements in the last few decades, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. At present, only medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and care support are some of the ways to manage and maintain an acceptable quality of life for these individuals.
Medicinal interventions for Alzheimer’s as per FDA approval are listed below-
In 2021, the FDA also approved Aduhelm, a new drug designed to target amyloid plaques in the brain. While its approval has been controversial, it represents a potential new avenue in Alzheimer disease treatment.
Non- Pharmacological interventions employed in Alzheimer Treatments-
Apart from interventions at Medical level, therapeutic treatments are also available to manage the condition of Alzheimer’s. Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST), reality orientation therapy (ROT), and other types of cognitive rehabilitation may help patients maintain their abilities for a longer period. Apart from these, speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy helps clients to be active in all regards and face everyday challenges of practical life.
Lifestyle changes & Management
Lifestyle is a crucial part when it comes to chronic conditions. It defines the level of care and management one needs to sustain a healthy lifestyle.
For a good management, these steps can be taken-
When the disease progresses to a certain extent, Alzheimer patients require 24/7 care that a homely environment is not able to provide. For this particular reason Alzheimer Care Facilities & Alzheimer Patient Care Homes like Tulasi Healthcare exist. These facilities house professionals that are trained to deal with chronic mental health issues and provide an environment of wellbeing.
If you are searching for an Alzheimer care center near me and landed on this piece of info, you are at the right place. Tulasi Healthcare can help you with this difficult decision & consider factors such as location, staff qualifications, the facility’s approach to care, and the environment when making this choice.
Through respite care, counseling, & community resources, caregiver support can be provided to many suffering from the burnout of caring for their loved ones. Family members may also benefit from joining Alzheimer’s support groups, where they can share experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges.
Moving forward, we hope this blog can be a great reference for you and your loved ones to choose the right kind of management plan. The journey is surely difficult, given the circumstances and situation people with Alzheimer’s might have to face. Keeping this in mind, we at Tulasi Healthcare make sure that we provide the best of abilities and service to everyone who comes to us with a problem.
While the journey may be difficult, it is important to remember that Alzheimer’s patients can lead fulfilling lives with the right treatment and care in place.
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