Alzheimer’s disease is not curable; however there are treatments to help relieve the symptoms. There are FDA approved drugs that can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs are effective for some patients so you should talk with your doctor about them. Your doctor will evaluate the benefits, risks and side effects of the medication before deciding to treat you.
Medications to help relieve agitation, psychotic symptoms and depression are also available and useful for Alzheimer’s patients. Usually medications for these symptoms are considered when other methods of controlling the behavior or anxiety are not working.
Some reports state that families of Alzheimer’s patients are trying herbal treatments. The results of these treatments are not favorable and show little to no improvement in the patient.
There is no one treatment plan that works for all Alzheimer’s patients. Symptoms must be evaluated and treated on an individual basis. The best method of controlling symptoms is to discuss them with your doctor so medication or other methods of treatment can be explored.
Risk Factors
A family history of Alzheimer’s disease
As you age, the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases.
Heart disease risk factors
Obesity
A previous head injury
Being female
Environmental exposures
There is debate about the possibility of aluminum causing Alzheimer’s disease. This assertion has not been proven however.
There are things you can do to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Developing good strategies for healthy aging can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
These include:
Maintaining a good blood pressure
Weight control
Maintaining good cholesterol levels
Exercising your mind and body
Staying socially active
Living a healthy life into your later years will help prevent heart disease, stroke, dementia-like diseases and numerous illnesses that go along with unhealthy lifestyles.