New Insights About Alzheimer's in 2022: Lifestyles, Habits, and Symptom Management

Alzheimer's is a brain disease that destroys the brain cells, causing those living with it to experience memory loss and other mental incapability. According to research, there are over six million Americans aged above 65 years living with this disorder, and the number continues to rise.

However, all hope is not lost. Research is still underway on the various measures necessary to prevent and manage this disease. Here are 3 of the most recent efforts for the same, favorable for those living with Alzheimer's or caregivers in Charlotte, Pineville, and Concord.

Lifestyle and Habitual Measures

Adopting a Healthy Diet

Those living with Alzheimer's should avoid foods like red meat, pastries, and fried meals. Instead, they should adopt healthier foods like whole grains, nuts, berries, and vegetables.

Also, vital in adopting a healthy diet is avoiding smoking as it deters one's health, reducing the body's capability to fight diseases.

Lastly, those living with Alzheimer's must either entirely refrain from taking alcohol or reduce their consumption.

Exercising Regularly

Many who are living with Alzheimer's experience symptoms like anxiety, sleeplessness, and aggression. Incorporating an exercise routine will keep those living with Alzheimer's occupied, relax the muscles and allow them to rest. A good rest could help reduce the anxiety and aggression involved.

You could start with a simple exercise routine like walking to and from the grocery store daily or walking the pets in the morning and evening. Eventually, help your elderly loved one incorporate other easy workouts into their daily routine, such as dancing, biking, or cleaning the yard, depending on their liking and capability.

Besides physical exercises, you can also incorporate mentally stimulating games and activities. This can include playing chess, doing a crossword puzzle, or reading the newspaper. These types of activities help with recovery and improve the concentration and alertness of those living with Alzheimer's.

Management of Symptoms

Drug Therapy

Each of the symptoms of those living with Alzheimer's varies, and so does the treatment. However, a promising treatment schedule for those living with Alzheimer's involves drug therapy and lifestyle adjustments, as discussed above. Management depends on the severity of the condition. Those living with Alzheimer's fall into two categories, mild to moderate and moderate to severe.

For mild to moderate, there's an FDA-approved drug called Aducanumab. The drug reduces the protein-causing plaques in the brain, the beta-amyloid, hence reducing the severity of the damage. A beginner starts with a small dosage and increases over time depending on their recovery.

As for moderate to severe cases, there are various drugs. Among them are FDA-approved drugs, Donepezil and Memantine, administered from a small dosage upwards depending on the response of those living with Alzheimer's.

These three are examples of the drugs available to treat this disorder. However, there are more depending on the condition of those living with Alzheimer's. Also, researchers continue to run more tests to find a more reliable solution.

Senior Helpers Charlotte are Always Ready to Help

The best solution to treat and manage Alzheimer's is combining natural means with drugs for better control. It's also essential to go for early screening if you detect symptoms for better treatment.

The nation's premier provider of in-home senior care, Senior Helpers specializes in Alzheimer's and dementia care. If your elderly loved one is experiencing brain change in the Charlotte, Pineville, and Concord areas, contact us today for more information.