Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia--characterized by increasing memory loss, confusion, disorientation, poor judgment, and ultimately the inability to perform self-care tasks such as eating and dressing. Treatments include medications that slow down memory loss and reduce anxiety and/or depression. A supportive environment with stimulating activities along with a wholesome diet and herbs may also help combat the stress and depression that frequently present with this debilitating disease.
Medications
Experts estimate that significant depression occurs in 20 to 40 percent of people with Alzheimer's disease. Commonly prescribed antidepressant medications include: Wellbutrin, Celexa, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.
Doctors may also prescribe an antidepressant to help determine whether the person is experiencing memory loss from dementia or depression. There are four medications prescribed to slow down memory loss by preventing the breakdown of the chemical messenger acetylcholine. Aricept is approved to treat during all stages of the disease; whereas Exelon and Razadyne are approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's. Namenda is the only medication approved to treat individuals in the moderate to severe stages and works by regulating a different chemical called glutamate.
Other medications such as Ativan or Zyprexa may be prescribed to control behavioral outbursts or agitation or a mood stabilizer such as Depakote may be recommended.
Natural Alternatives
Heart-healthy foods are considered to be brain-healthy foods. Unprocessed foods rich in antioxidants from fresh fruits and vegetables and nuts and seeds fight the damage from free radicals. Oxidation is a chemical process that produces free radicals that damage cells. Fish is shown to provide the fatty acids that lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. People with Alzheimer's are often found to be deficient in zinc, which stimulates enzymes and strengthens the immune system. Zinc intake can be boosted by eating pumpkin seeds or taking a supplement.
Activities to Reduce Stress and Depression
Treatment for Alzheimer's disease should include stress reduction techniques such as yoga and exercise that promotes healthy circulation and mood. Other alternative treatments to reduce stress include: acupressure, acupuncture, aromatherapy, Bach Flower remedies, massage and meditation. Meaningful and socially stimulating activities such as cooking, gardening or singing may be adapted so that the person in the early stages of memory loss may continue to enjoy these relaxing pastimes. Most people with Alzheimer's enjoy listening to music even after losing the ability to speak and find it a great source of stress reduction and stimulation.
References
- "Alzheimer's Disease: Unraveling the Mystery;" National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health; 2002
- "The Source for Alzheimer's and Dementia;" Pam Britton Reese; 2000
- "The Forgetting;" David Shenk; 2001
