Alzheimer's disease

It is a condition that permanently affects the brain. The most important result is the loss of memory. A continuous pattern of forgetting things is seen.

Causes:

There is no proof of causes whatsoever and most causes mentioned are beliefs.

• Family history
• Stroke
• Head injuries
• Long period of poor diet
• Drug abuse or smoking

Diagnosis:

• Diagnosis is tough
• When no other brain deformity is present, it is generally diagnosed as Alzheimer's

Cure:

• No tested cure
• Claims are made about many herbs and supplements, but no evidence exists
• Vitamin E is also believed to be helpful, but again could not be proven.
• Some medicines do work in milder cases but does not seem to work on everyone.

Living with them:

It is hard for the people having it and also for the people who are around them. It becomes difficult to accept that someone who loved you has forgotten you and at the same time scary when you do not remember someone who knows you. Some of the ways things could improve:

• Spend time with them
• Can start a diary for fun to note down all the beautiful things you have shared together. This may help them recollect those events and also associated events.
• There are good days when they remember a lot of old memories; your diary can be useful.
• They need love as much as you and me. Love them and care for them.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha,

Last updated: 02.12.07 © Medhospital Foundation

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