Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer’s) is a degenerative brain condition that affects millions of people, especially those over 65. It’s the most common cause of dementia – a condition when memory, thinking, and reasoning worsen and impact daily life negatively. First step in addressing Alzheimer’s is learning about it and treatments that are available.
About Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s slowly destroys nerve cells and the connections between them. Imagine your brain as a busy city where messages travel like cars on roads. In Alzheimer’s, the build-up of certain proteins (called plaques and tangles) damage roads, causing communications traffic jams that affect memory and thinking (cognition). It usually starts in the part of the brain responsible for new memories, which is why being forgetful is one of the first signs among elderly.
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is still unknown, but age has been identified as the biggest risk factor. Other factors are genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension) or diabetes. Early diagnosis is very important since changes happen in the brain years before symptoms start.
Early symptoms may involve forgetting recent conversations, misplacing items, or asking the same questions again and again. People may struggle to find the right words or make decisions. Although it may appear at first that an individual is confused, disorganized or disoriented, these could be early symptoms of Alzheimer’s and should not be ignored if they persist. As Alzheimer’s progresses, memory problems worsen and daily tasks become harder. You might notice more frequent confusion about time and place, trouble recognizing relatives, mood swings, or difficulty with speech and coordination.
This growing challenge impacts not just the person with Alzheimer’s but also their family. It’s a journey of adjustment, learning, and finding new ways to communicate and connect.
Despite the fact that there is no cure for Alzheimer’s yet, medications, treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Regular medical care, cognitive exercises, and healthy lifestyle choices play a big role. Medications may boost brain function and slow disease progression, helping with memory and thinking.
Common medicine for Alzheimer’s
- Aricept (donepezil) – helps improve memory and cognition by increasing certain neurotransmitters
- Exelon (rivastigmine) – supports communication between brain cells
- Namenda (memantine) – regulates brain cell activity by blocking release of glutamate, thus calming overactive cells and reducing wear and tear. Namenda is typically used for moderate and severe Alzheimer’s
- Combination therapy with Aricept and Namenda may also be prescribed
- Other medications can address mood, sleep, or behavior challenges commonly seen in Alzheimer’s patients
Supportive therapies focus on keeping people active, engaged, and socially connected. Helpful lifestyle changes also include:
- Staying physically active with gentle exercise like walking and/or stretching
- Engaging in mental activities such as puzzles, reading, or memory games
- Eating a brain-healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
- Ensuring good sleep and managing stress through relaxation techniques
- Staying socially active and maintaining strong connections with friends and family
Alzheimer’s disease brings challenges but also opportunities for meaningful moments and support. Early diagnosis and ongoing care can help maintain independence longer. At RxVitaPharm, we understand the unique needs of people living with Alzheimer’s and their families. We provide specialized medication support, insurance guidance, and home delivery to make your journey easier. Together, we can face Alzheimer’s with compassion and strength – because your care is our calling.