Alzheimer’s disease remains a devastating condition, but it is no longer the hopeless diagnosis it was a decade ago. On International Alzheimer’s Day, we look at some of the most promising new research developments in combating this condition.
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Among the new studies, it’s been found that a healthy diet may help fight disease and allow patients to live longer; carrying out repetitive chores may help boost the self-esteem ; and a new drug may offer a more effective overall treatment.
Mediterranean diet increases survival rate
According to a study conducted by Dr Nikolas Scarmeas of the Department of Neurology at Columbia Medical Centre in New York, a Mediterranean diet – loaded with fruit, vegetables, grains and olive oil may not only allow you to live longer, but it could even lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s in the first place.
The study tracked the progression of nearly 200 patients for 10 years and found that those who followed the diet were 76 percent less likely to die during the study period than the others who did not closely follow the diet.
Although it was agreed that more studies needed to be done, taking other factors such as cardiovascular disease into account, it was found that the diet did indeed seem to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Chores boost self-confidence
Another study, conducted by experts at the Neurology Clinic of the University of Marburg in Germany, found that Alzheimer’s patients who carried out repetitive household chores had more self-esteem.
It was found that the patients ability cope cop with simple tasks such as washing up, sweeping, cleaning the house or peeling potatoes made them feel less depressed and more involved.
It was also established that communication with the patient can be improved by maintaining eye contact and speaking in simple, easy-to-comprehend sentences without offering too many choices when posing questions.
Patch may be a cure
According to Swiss drug maker Novartis AG, its Exelon skin patch for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Novartis describes the patch as a once-daily application which offers continuous drug delivery for up to 24 hours. It also apparently provides a different approach to Alzheimer's treatment as it is in patch form, and is similar to that of the highest doses of Exelon capsules.
Novartis said that the patch offers significant improvements in patients' memory and has a positive effect on their ability to perform everyday activities. It also has fewer gastrointestinal side effects than those caused by the oral form of the drug.
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