How Therapy Can Be Used to Manage Alzheimer’s
By Juliane Anders | September 30, 2008
Unfortunately, there currently exists no cure for Alzheimer's disease; however, numerous treatment options are available which will treat the symptoms of the disorder. It is essential to be knowledgeable about this illness in order to it effectively. Current treatments for Alzheimer's disease include drugs, care giving by loved ones, and therapy.
Temporary treatment options for the symptoms of mild Alzheimer's include such medications as Razadyne and Aricept. The US Food and Drug Administration approves of these drugs in order to hide the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease for up to 12 months; however, these drugs quickly lose their effects are this time period.
Antipsychotic medications can also treat the anger and aggression that can result from the breakdown of neurons. Typically, people will hold back on primitive human emotions that are not acceptable in public; however, as Alzheimer's progresses these individuals lose their ability to control their impulses. Antipsychotic drugs can aid in proper social function and normal behavior.
As well, therapy can have an important effect in improving social function and behavior. Often there are trigger events that can cause an unwanted behavior, and knowing how to spot these triggers can lead to the ability to control them. Usually, an individual who suffers from Alzheimer's disease is not aware of their actions, and therapy can help deal with this issue.
Other forms of therapy can include placing individuals in familiar situations by showing them photographs and music from their everyday lives, which can help in improving memory function and concentration.
Therapy using such elements as tape recordings or the voices of loved ones and testing memory recall is typically conducive of a soothing feeling in those with Alzheimer's, as they gain a sense of security from the familiar settings.
As Alzheimer's worsens, a person will lose more and more social function and become dependent upon others. Typically, a caregiver is required as the disease enters the moderate to severe stage, as those with Alzheimer's may take a scalding hot shower or drive to a place and forget where they are or how they got there. If there is no one willing to take care of the sufferer of Alzheimer's disease, then a nursing home can be used, which can provide twenty-four hour care.
With all the treatment options on the market, it is important to be informed and select the option that is right for you or your loved one. Whether it be care giving, medications, or therapy, be sure to consult with your doctor to find out the correct treatment plan.
Topics: Disease |
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