I have Alzheimer's and now?
Will haveAlzheimer's diseasedoes not necessarily mean evil. The disease currently has many treatments that, together with specific care and treatment of associated symptoms, can lead the patient to have a life close to normal and with few limitations.
Remove the old stigma from "Alzheimer's disease" it can be difficult initially. But understanding the complexity of the disease and accepting it as a chronic disease, like many others, which currently has multiple_cc781905-5cde-3194- bb3b-136bad5cf58d_treatments, can provide the necessary support to understand the associated symptoms and ensure appropriate treatment.
Once diagnosed withAlzheimer's diseaseby a trained physician, usually aneurologist, many doubts will arise and understanding the disease can help ensure the best treatment and care.
Afirst big doubtit is usually related to the diagnosis, in fact. This is because the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease, as well as other dementias, is made through cognitive tests, with questions and apparently simple tasks.The initial diagnosis is almost never made through complementary tests such as magnetic resonance imaging or other.
Of course, not having confirmation by means of an exam can question the diagnosis, which is why a specialized and experienced neurologist is important with the patient. In a first consultation, diagnostic certainty may already be great depending on some factors, such as the result of cognitive tests and reported history of associated symptoms.
However, with the evolution of the disease and adequate medical follow-up, the diagnosis da Alzheimer's Disease will achieve a degree of confirmation close to 100%.
After understanding that the diagnosis was made properly, understanding the disease itself is very important.
In addition to the cognitive symptoms themselves, at some point in the disease, the patient may also present sleep disorders, eating disorders, hallucinations e changes in behavior. Some patients may become more angry, nervous and agitated and even aggressive. Many of these symptoms can be treated, the response of which depends on each patient and must be constantly evaluated by a neurologist.
As with other neurodegenerative diseases, as the disease progresses there may be difficulty eating (dysphagia), with frequent choking, which can lead to recurrent pneumonia, weight loss, in addition to other infections, which should always be a reason for great attention.
As Alzheimer's Disease is aprogressive disease, the treatment also has to be dynamic. In this way, it is essential to have regular follow-up with the doctor, so that the treatment can be constantly reassessed and the treatment is periodically reviewed.
Alzheimer's Disease Treatment
There are several medications for Alzheimer's Disease. All treatments are aimed at improving the function of neurons and improving cognitive symptoms. It is not sought, however, to prevent the progression of the disease, for which there are still no drugs. There is also no medicine or vitamin that prevents the onset of the disease in someone with a genetic predisposition.
There are specific medications that act by reducing the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, such as Donepezil, Galantamine, Rivastigmine.
These drugs work by increasing the action of acetylcholine, which is important for nerve conduction in neurons.
Part of the treatment is to avoid some associated medications that can worsen forgetfulness and predispose to episodes of mental confusion, especially in the elderly, such as Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Clomipramine, Biperiden, among others.
But be very careful, the treatment is done correctly when you follow the doctor's careful guidance. So one should take the medication properly, and never interrupt or discontinue any medication on their own.
Care for the health of family members is also vital. All family dynamics have to be changed and the impact on the family can be great, and it is essential that everyone involved is kept vigilant and an excellent relationship with the doctor is maintained.