Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain condition that gradually impairs memory and cognitive abilities. It is the most common type of dementia, affecting millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, there's no known treatment for Alzheimer's. However, do not lose hope, as there are various ways to treat the symptoms of this health condition. We spoke to Dr Vipul Gupta - Chief – NeuroInterventional Surgery and Co-Chief Stroke Unit - Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, who listed ways to manage Alzheimer's disease.
According to the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that leads to the deterioration of brain cells and is the primary cause of dementia, marked by a decline in cognitive abilities and reduced independence in daily tasks.
What Is The Best Treatment for Alzheimer's?
For those suffering from Alzheimer's, some treatments can help control symptoms and enhance the quality of life. These therapies, which often aim to reduce behavioural and cognitive problems, could consist of the following:
Medication
Dr Gupta said, “The FDA has approved several drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease's cognitive symptoms. These include memantine, which acts on a different neurotransmitter pathway implicated in Alzheimer's disease, and cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil.”
“Some patients may benefit from a combination of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine for enhanced symptom management. This medication regulates glutamate, another neurotransmitter, to help improve cognitive function and slow down symptom progression”, he added.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, as Alzheimer's advances, brain cells die and interconnections between cells deteriorate. This deterioration exacerbates cognitive (memory and thinking) and noncognitive (behavioural and psychological) symptoms. Although these medications cannot halt the brain cell damage caused by Alzheimer's, they might alleviate or stabilise symptoms temporarily.
Also Read: Know What Is The 3 Word Memory Test?
Therapies
For certain Alzheimer's patients, non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive stimulation therapy, reality orientation therapy, and recollection therapy can enhance mood and cognitive performance.
- Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists can help patients develop strategies to manage daily tasks and maintain independence for as long as possible.
- Speech Therapy:Speech therapists can assist with communication difficulties that may arise as the disease progresses.
- Behavioural Therapy: Behavioural interventions can help manage symptoms like agitation, aggression, or anxiety.
Supportive Care
This comprises caregiver support, interventions to help manage day-to-day tasks and help with future care needs planning.
Lifestyle interventions
- Social interaction, mental stimulation, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity can all help reduce symptoms and delay the onset of Alzheimer's.
- Physical activity can improve mood, sleep, and cognitive function. You should strive to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, along with strength training exercises.
- Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as puzzles, reading, or learning new skills can help preserve cognitive function and slow down decline.
- Maintaining social connections and participating in social activities can improve mood and cognitive function.
Clinical examinations
Becoming involved in clinical trials aimed at exploring novel treatments for Alzheimer's disease may grant access to experimental medications that might not be accessible in other circumstances.
Bottomline
Dr Gupta concluded, “People with Alzheimer's disease and their families must collaborate closely with medical professionals to create a customised treatment plan that takes into account their unique requirements and preferences. Additionally, it can be beneficial to stay up to date on current research and advancements in Alzheimer's treatment to investigate new choices as they become available.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you have any health issues to get the necessary treatment.]