It's normal to feel sad and scared when you learn that your mother, father, or someone you love has Alzheimer's disease. "What do I do now?" is probably the question that rings in your mind. True, there is no cure for this disease. Researchers are still trying to understand exactly how this disease causes memory loss and changes in behavior. But that doesn't mean there's nothing we can do. There are many treatments that can help control the symptoms and provide some relief for the patient and you. That's what we're talking about today.
Medications to control symptoms
There are various medications available to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, such as memory loss, behavioral changes, and sleep problems. While these medications cannot stop the disease, they can help control the severity of symptoms for months or years. Like all medications, they can cause side effects, especially in older people. Therefore, these medications should always be used only as directed by your doctor .
Amyloid-beta plaques, a type of protein that builds up in the brain, are a major cause of Alzheimer's disease. Two new drugs have now been approved to target and reduce these deposits. They are donanemab (Kisunla) and lecanemab-irmb (Leqembi). These are given to people in the early stages of the disease. Although they cannot reverse damage that has already occurred, they can slow down the progression of the disease. However, they can also cause serious complications, such as swelling or bleeding in the brain.
In addition, the doctor may prescribe other medications to control the patient's mood, agitation, anger, and anxiety.
| When to use the medicine | Examples of medications (brand names) |
|---|---|
| Depression, anger, frustration. | Citalopram (Celexa), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft) |
| Anxiety, restlessness. | Alprazolam (Xanax), Buspirone (BuSpar), Lorazepam (Ativan) |
| Confusion, aggression, hallucinations (seeing/hearing things that are not there). | Aripiprazole (Abilify), Haloperidol (Haldol), Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Quetiapine (Seroquel) |
Important: Some studies have found that some of the antipsychotic drugs mentioned last, which are used to treat aggression, increase the risk of death in patients with dementia. Therefore, a special warning has been issued regarding these drugs. However, the doctor will only prescribe these drugs if the benefit outweighs the risk , based on the patient's condition.
Other therapies that help besides medication
Medication is not the only solution. There are many other ways to make the patient's life easier and help them feel happier.
Music Therapy
Music has amazing power. Music helps an Alzheimer's patient in many ways.
- Calms the mind: Music can calm the mind when they are anxious or angry.
- Stirs up old memories: Old memories can resurface when they hear songs they loved when they were young.
- Activates the brain: Even in the final stages of the disease, music helps connect with their brain.
Things you can do:
- Play old songs: Find songs that were popular when they were younger and let them listen to them. Sing along with them.
- Dance to the beat: Play songs that have a bit of a fast beat and make you want to move your body. If possible, try to get them to dance too.
- Soft music: Playing soothing music, such as a lullaby, at bedtime can help them fall asleep more soundly.
Art Therapy
When they can't express their feelings in words, things like drawing and coloring are a great relief for them.
- Reminisce about the past: Encourage them to draw a picture about an old memory or story.
- Give them freedom: Don't impose rules like "do this, do that." Give them the freedom to wear whatever they want, however they want.
- Don't criticize: Even if you don't like the color they choose or the way they dress, keep that in mind. The most important thing is to appreciate them and say, "This is beautiful."
Other helpful things
- Massage: A gentle massage can reduce their anxiety and help them sleep better.
- Pet Therapy: If someone previously loved a pet, spending time with a dog or cat can bring them joy and comfort.
- Previous Hobbies: Incorporate things they used to enjoy into their daily routine, such as doing a little gardening or helping with cooking. This will give them a sense of stability.
- Occupational Therapy: This therapist can help make daily life safer and easier for the patient. For example, making the wardrobe easier to use or advising on building a fence around the garden so that people don't get lost outside the house.
- Physical Therapy: This therapy helps improve balance and prevent falls. Exercise is also good for their mental health.
- Therapy for Depression: Depression is a common condition among Alzheimer's patients. Your doctor may recommend medication as well as counseling. You can also help them feel better by maintaining a regular routine, involving them in family activities, and telling them you love them often.
Let's also learn about dietary supplements and painkillers.
Supplements
Some people use supplements like vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids for Alzheimer's disease.
However, there is not enough scientific evidence to confirm whether these actually work. These supplements are not regulated like medications. Also, some supplements can interact with medications your doctor has prescribed and cause dangerous side effects. Therefore, do not start any supplements without first consulting your doctor.
Common painkillers
For temporary pain, you can take a painkiller, such as acetaminophen, as prescribed by your doctor. Always follow the instructions on the package. If you have liver disease, ask your doctor. If the pain is severe or does not subside, tell your doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Although there is still no complete cure for Alzheimer's disease, there are many treatments that can control symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Medications can slow the progression of the disease and control behavior. However, all of this should only be done under the supervision of a doctor.
- Non-drug therapies like music, drawing, and old hobbies are very important for the patient's mental well-being and happiness.
- Do not give vitamins or other supplements without consulting your doctor for any reason.
- Caring for someone with Alzheimer's is not easy, so take care of your own physical and mental health as well as your own.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න