Alzheimer's disease is a common degenerative disease of the central nervous system. It is characterized by the irrevocable gradual loss of mental abilities (memory, speech, logical thinking) and, as a result, a significant deterioration in the quality of life. This disease develops with the aging of the human body, but is not in any of the clinical cases the natural result of aging.
Causes of Alzheimer's Disease
Scientists are trying to identify the exact causes of Alzheimer's disease and effective methods of its treatment, but to date the mechanism for the development of this disease remains unclear. There are many theories that explain the appearance of atrophic processes in the central nervous system. The main one is genetic. According to this theory, genetic defects play a leading role in the development of such an ailment. It is assumed that there is a gene of the family form, the mutation of which causes this disease.
Also the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease is associated with:
- head injuries ;
- poisoning with toxic metals;
- destruction of a large number of nerve cells;
- a brain tumor;
- lack of substances necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses;
- hypothyroidism.
Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease
Whatever the causes of Alzheimer's disease, after the appearance of its symptoms, treatment should begin as soon as possible. Operative diagnosis is very important. Proper treatment of Alzheimer's disease at an early stage will allow to stop the pathological process. For diagnosis there is no 100% correct method, except brain biopsy. But spend it in very rare cases, as this is a dangerous procedure. The decisive role in this disease is assigned to differential diagnosis with various diseases that cause dementia. Excludes injuries, malignant neoplasms, infectious diseases, drug overdose, anxiety syndromes and depression.
In order to quickly distinguish Alzheimer's disease, to identify its causes and to prescribe adequate treatment, they also use such methods of medvizualization as:
- magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography;
- positron emission tomography ;
- photon emission computed tomography.
Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Treatment of Alzheimer's disease with folk remedies is ineffective. Only by taking certain medications, one can improve mental abilities and stop the development of the disease. Medicines allow patients to perform basic daily activities, for a long time to be absolutely independent of healthy people and stay at home. Some drugs for Alzheimer's disease also help to cope with the symptoms of the disease, including depression, overexcitation, aggression, etc.
Most often, patients are prescribed such medicines:
- Arisept is an inhibitor of cholinesterase, which stops the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. This substance is involved in various mental processes. Arisept helps slow down the disintegration and increase the level of acetylcholine, since in some parts of the brain in Alzheimer's disease there is a shortage of it. This drug is used at all stages. Its side effects are usually manifested in the form of diarrhea, severe nausea, excessive fatigue, vomiting, sleep disorders and weight loss.
- Namenda - in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease this new drug is used to reduce the manifestation of symptoms in the middle and even severe stage of the disease. It performs a protective function, normalizing the level of glutamate in the brain, which participates in mental processes.
One of the modern methods of treating Alzheimer's disease is regular psychological help to patients. It is necessary, since many patients retain a normal mental capacity for a long time and, watching the extinction of one's own memory, experience strong anxiety, fear and confusion.