As our nation increasingly ages, there is growing interest – individual, corporate, and political – in diseases and medical care for them. As time inevitably moves forward, greater focus will certainly be committed to the specifics of various physical problems, mental limitations and conditions that constrain lifestyles and capabilities. Among the more frightening is Alzheimer’s Disease.
Early identification of possible Alzheimer’s symptoms can drastically improve the quality of life and even decrease mortality rates for patients diagnosed with the disease.
For example, a diagnosis at age 65 can increase the average life expectancy for men by 15 years and up to 19 years for women. Therefore, early intervention is critical and will provide long-lasting benefits.
For more information on diagnosing and understanding Alzheimer’s, along with information on its symptoms, read on.
How Alzheimer’s Disease is Diagnosed
There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. It is believed to affect close to four million Americans. However, there are theories that as many as 40 percent of those patients have been misdiagnosed and instead suffer from other types of senile dementia associated with aging.
Alzheimer’s Disease is considered to be a progressive degenerative disease. This means it is constantly progressing as it attacks the brain. The effects of Alzheimer’s include memory loss, reduced brain function, physical breakdown and a general loss of social and emotional skills.
Alzheimer’s disease is very common and is considered to be the leading form of senile dementia, particularly in adults beyond 85.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Common Symptoms
Alzheimer’s symptoms vary. However, they typically include chronic depression, forgetfulness, bouts of fatigue, poor dietary decisions, disorientation and possibly even paranoid or aggressive behavior.
However, a diagnosis of symptoms is never definitive while the person suffering the effects is alive, and a surefire diagnosis can only be obtained through a postmortem autopsy of the brain. Because of this, many instances of other forms of senile dementia are often incorrectly determined to be Alzheimer’s even when they are not.
Understanding the Differences of Alzheimer’s vs. Other Dementia Forms
The symptoms of many forms of senile dementia are frequently very similar to the symptoms typically associated with Alzheimer’s. Therefore, it’s important that medical professionals eliminate alternative or other possible diagnoses.
For example, even certain types of toxic reactions – for example to food, alcohol or environmental triggers like carbon monoxide, aluminum and diesel fumes – can cause symptoms of dementia. Identifying and removing those possible underlying root causes could help to improve the onset of the disease.
Treating Alzheimer’s Disease
Nutritional supplements have actually proven to be very effective in treating Alzheimer’s and other types of senile dementia. For example, patients who are given daily supplements of coenzyme Q10, iron and B6 have been shown to experience a visible improvement in their normal, daily mental function. Other supplements that have been validated as effective include selenium, zinc and even primrose oil.
How to Approach Suspected Alzheimer’s
If you notice that a loved one is exhibiting one or several Alzheimer’s symptoms, you should have that individual speak with a health professional sooner rather than later. Early diagnosis is critical to the patient’s long-term well-being.
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