There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. Certain medicines can improve
memory and slow the progression
of the disease in the early stages, and others can alleviate mood changes and
other behavioural problems associated with the disease. The goal of treatment
in Alzheimer's disease is to manage the symptoms as far as possible.
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Medication
Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride), Exelon (rivastigmine) and Reminyl
(galanthamine) work by slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine,
the chemical that helps the neurons communicate with one another. It may help
improve memory to some extent in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s
disease.
A number of drugs can alleviate specific symptoms. Antidepressant and antianxiety
medications can be prescribed.
Home
The immediate environment of the Alzheimer's disease sufferer can play an
important role in helping him or her cope with the disease. It is important
that family members who are looking after the person in the final stages of
the illness take note of this and modify the surroundings to reduce stress from
environmental factors.
Family members of people with Alzheimer's disease can do the following:
Provide balanced nutrition and plenty of fluids.
Keep pills and poisons away.
Keep instructions simple and short.
Promote a feeling of safety. Keep the living environment familiar and stable
by sticking to a routine.
Keep visual clues to time and place, such as calendars, clocks and pictures
of the season.
If you have to leave the house, leave reminder notes and simple directions
which your relative can easily follow and remember.
Label objects.
An ID bracelet with a phone number is indispensable for people with Alzheimer's
disease because they are inclined to wander and get lost.
As long-term memory is better than short-term memory in the early stages
of the disease, the person may enjoy reminiscing about pleasant past memories.
Use family photo albums, old magazines and favourite family stories to bring
these memories to the fore.
Looking after an Alzheimer's disease patient can be an emotionally draining
experience for family members. If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer's
disease, relief from ordinary day-to-day chores in the home may help you cope
with the deterioration of a loved one. The role of support groups and social
workers cannot be overemphasised in this regard.
For more information visit:
Dementia SA: http://www.dementiasa.org/ or Alzheimer’s South Africa: http://www.alzheimers.org.za/
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