How to Cure Brain Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease: Diagnosis, Treatment, and TipsYou may already have read the previous page and developed an understanding of Alzheimer's disease causes and symptoms.Understanding the symptoms of AD can help you know when to seek a diagnosis and treatment for yourself or a loved one. Below, you'll also find information about the latest Alzheimer's disease research, and some useful tips for living with AD.Diagnosing Alzheimer's DiseaseThe earliest signs of AD are usually first noticed by a friend or relative. If you or someone close to you is experiencing any of the common symptoms of Alzheimer's, it is important to see a doctor as early as possible to determine the cause. Memory loss can be caused by a number of things, some of which may be reversible.To establish a clinical diagnosis of AD, doctors focus on ruling out all other possible causes of symptoms. This process of elimination helps them determine whether AD—or something else—might be the cause of the symptoms. Your doctor should perform the following evaluations:Medical history—current medical or psychological conditions, including a thorough review of personal and family health history and medications being usedNeurological examination—assesses one's sense of time and place, ability to remember, understand and communicate, and complete simple calculationsPhysical examination—evaluation of nutritional status, blood pressure, and pulse rateIf these initial examinations don't reveal a clear problem, additional tests might include:Brain imaging scans, such as MRI or CT, to look for telltale brain changesLaboratory tests, including blood and urine tests to try to identify blood-based or hormonal irregularitiesMore extensive neuropsychological evaluations, which might include tests of memory, reasoning, vision-motor coordination, and language functionPsychiatric evaluations, to assess mood and other emotional factorsA diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is usually said to be either:Probable: This means that all other disorders that may cause dementia have been ruled out; orPossible: AD is suspected, but other causes cannot be ruled out.Source: Alzheimer's AssociationTreating Alzheimer's DiseaseCurrent treatments for Alzheimer's include three relatively new medications that increase brain levels of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) involved in learning and memory processes. These drugs—Aricept, Exelon, Namenda, and Reminyl—have been modestly successful in some patients for improving memory and attention skills, and they may also have a beneficial effect on behavioral symptoms such as aggression.Other therapies currently under investigation target the early stages of AD, with the goal of stopping the disease's progression. These include folate, vitamin E, anti-inflammatory drugs, and statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs).Treatments may also target behavioral symptoms associated with AD, such as agitation, delusions, hallucinations, depression, or sleep difficulties. Medications to control these problems might include antidepressants (such as Prozac or Zoloft), antipsychotic drugs (like Valium), and sleep aids (such as Ambien). Use these only in consultation with your doctor, as careful monitoring is important.Consistent medical and psychological therapy is important for individuals with AD and their family members.New Research in Alzheimer's DiseaseBrain research has pointed to plaques (or build-ups) made up of a sticky protein called amyloid as a likely root cause of nerve cell death in Alzheimer's. (For more, see: Causes of AD)A great deal of attention is now focused on understanding what causes the unnatural build-up of amyloid. This information will help brain scientists learn how to stop or slow the processes that cause amyloid plaque to form.One strategy is to develop an Alzheimer's vaccine that attacks amyloid plaques and marks them for removal by the brain's own clean-up system. Early tests of the vaccine in animals show that it could successfully prevent and reduce amyloid deposits.These preliminary results have raised hopes that Alzheimer's disease might be reversible. Although the first trial of the vaccine in humans was discontinued because some patients developed inflammation of the brain, plans for a trial of a modified vaccine are in progress.Living with Alzheimer'sWhen severe memory loss significantly interferes with daily life, simple tasks can be difficult or overwhelming.Below are some strategies experts recommend to help lessen AD's impact on the patient's ability to function in day-to-day life.Establish routinesEstablish and follow a regular routine in familiar surroundings.Label or color code doors to help reduce getting lost.Draw a map for simple routes; write down directions.Make lists, and use a calendar or pocket diary to jot down reminders and keep track of important dates and financial matters.Use a wall calendar with large numbers to help maintain orientation to time and dates.Recognize the limitations of what can be done, and set realistic daily goals.Keep track of when medicines are taken; use a reminder box or chart posted on the refrigerator to stay current with prescriptions.Keep a list of names and numbers near the telephone.Stay in touch with family, friends, and acquaintances.Monitor healthGet regular medical check-ups, and tell the doctor about any medicine being taken or changes in health status.Get treatment for any other chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease.If agitation is a problem, find alternative ways to express anger, such as exercising, hitting a punching bag, or making a gripe list.Source: Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc.This content is brought by Staying Sharp, a partnership between NRTA: AARP's Educator Community and the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives.Other Brain Health : Brain Diseases ArticlesChronic Illness and the BrainAlzheimer’s Disease: Overview, Causes, and Symptoms (AD)Alzheimer’s Disease: Diagnosis, Treatment, and TipsParkinson’s Disease (PD)Stroke