Family Concerns

It is important to undergo Alzheimer’s testing to distinguish between typical age related memory loss and the onset of Alzheimer’s so that proper treatment can be sought early on in the progression of the disease. As people get older, they will experience some memory loss as their brain begins to age. A test will ensure that the person’s symptoms are related to the disorder. There is no guaranteed way of diagnosing the disease, except for autopsy, but there are ways to rule out other types of dementia. These screening procedures include psychological tests, a medical exam, brain scanning, and genetic tests that reveal the cause of Alzheimer’s. The patient’s best defense against the disease is an early diagnosis.

Read the rest of Alzheimer’s testing…

Although there is currently no known cure for the disease, Alzheimer’s treatment offers ways to manage the disorder. One way to cope with Alzheimer’s is through the use of medication. It doesn’t prevent or stop the disease, but it can provide relief from some of its most devastating symptoms. Another way to combat the symptoms is through structured activity to help the patient re-learn motor skills. Whether through drug or non-drug approaches, caregivers and family members should receive support and education. It is painful to experience and even more excruciating for a loved one to watch, so the best thing that can be done is to get an early diagnosis and seek available resources in managing the disease.

Read the rest of Alzheimer’s treatment…

Although there is no known cure, there are some methods that can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have discovered that eating fish once a week and having vitamin rich foods helps to keep the brain from deteriorating. Smoking and mercury should be avoided as these have been found to add to the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. To help exercise the mind, people are urged to participate in a different mental activity everyday, such as a crossword puzzle or word jumble. The disease is devastating but there are ways to try to keep it from happening.

Read more about how to prevent Alzheimer’s…