Alzheimer’s disease is a health condition that results from the deterioration of brain cells, usually affecting people in middle to old ages. Researchers around the world are working hard to discover a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but a surefire solution is yet to be found. Certain medications, however, can reduce the symptoms of the disorder. Apart from medicines, there are other ways of improving the brain function of people with Alzheimer’s. If you or any of your loved ones has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it goes without saying you would want to know the best treatment options available for the disorder, which we will cover in this blog post. Read on.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Treatment Option
Doctors consider a number of factors to determine the best treatment option for Alzheimer’s patients. The list includes:
- Medical history
- General health
- Patient’s and caregiver’s preferences
Based on the dynamics involved in a case, the doctor may various types of medications to improve the cognitive ability of the patient and reduce brain degeneration. Let’s take a look at the commonly prescribed remedies:
The first group of medicines are called Cholinesterase Inhibitors and include drugs such as Rivastigmine (Exelon), Galantamine (Razadyne) and Donepezil (Aricept). These drugs help revive and produce the brain’s neurotransmitter (Acetylcholine) that are destroyed by the Alzheimer disease, and also help the patient in dealing with depression and agitation.
The second group of medications, collectively called Memantine (Namenda), are prescribed to patients who exhibit moderate to severe symptoms of Alzheimer’s and are intolerant of Cholinesterase inhibitors.
Both Memantine and Cholinesterase medications have some side-effects. Memantine may cause dizziness, constipation and headache, whereas the side effects of Cholinesterase include loss of appetite, nausea, insomnia and diarrhea. In addition, these medications can slow the heart rate and cause heart block in patients who have cardiac conduction disorders.
Doctors determine the best treatment option for Alzheimer’s based on dynamics of the case at hand. Some conditions may require the doctor to prescribe both types of medications, and in some cases, antidepressants may also be included in the treatment.
The Practices to Combine with Medications
There are other things that you are expected to do
To find faster relief from the symptoms and improve the patient’s mental ability, it is recommended to combine the medicines with:
- Regular exercise – to improve heart, muscles, joints and mood
- Health dietary plan – comprising mainly of healthy beverage, healthy shakes and smoothies, water and juice
In addition to the right medication and lifestyle, Alzheimer’s patients also require the right care to overcome the disorder. If you need Alzheimer’s home care services for an elderly loved one, Dallas Home Care Assistance has got you covered. We have a team of trained and experienced in-home Alzheimer’s caregivers with a proven track record in delivering world class home care services for seniors, especially those with special needs. You can speak with one of our care managers at 214 253 8784 or fill out our contact form and we will take it from there.