Is There a Cure for Alzheimer’s Disease?
By Fiona Sembiring | October 25, 2023
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that impacts 1 in 10 people over the age of 65. Not only is it difficult for individuals with the disease, Alzheimer’s can also be very hard on the whole family. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s yet, but researchers are continuing to work on the latest developments. Still, family members can educate themselves about the disease to better take care of their loved ones.
The Cause
The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is the gradual deterioration and death of brain cells by molecules called plaques and tangles. These invasive molecules attach themselves to the location of the brain where memories are formed, known as the hippocampus, making it more difficult for those with the disease to remember. Plaques and tangles can spread beyond the hippocampus to other regions of the brain, further compromising function. For people with Alzheimer’s, it may be harder to remember words, problem solve, regulate emotions, understand senses, balance and coordinate, or even breathe.
The Cure - Preventative Action
Without a cure for Alzheimer’s, preventative measures are the best course of action. Proper diet and exercise can help lower the overall risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Experts suggest eating a diet containing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods with low fat and sugar. In addition, exercising 15 minutes a day for three or more times a week can lower the risk by 40%. Studies have shown proof that exercise is good for the brain. Taking care of one’s body can help prevent many chronic diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Current Treatments - Medication
Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease includes medications that treat the symptoms but not the disease itself. A doctor may prescribe one or more of the following:
Mild Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Aricept
Exelon
Razadyne
Moderate to Severe Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Aricept
Namenda
Other Possible Medications
Antidepressants
Sleep medications
Currently, these medications are purposed for decreasing the symptoms that deal with thinking, memory, speaking, and regulating brain communication networks.
Conclusion
To truly find a cure for Alzheimer’s, researchers must first discover how to stop plaques and tangles from killing brain cells. What they do know is that plaques come from the broken pieces of APP proteins called beta-amyloid fragments that attach themselves to the brain. So, scientists must further look into how to interrupt this process.
Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s may seem hopeless, but taking little steps of action can help a person regain control and combat the effects of the disease. For more information, please visit www.aboutalz.org or call 1-800-438-4380.
At Samaritan Senior Care, we believe in providing transparent and personalized support to help you navigate the difficulties of Alzheimer’s disease. Our dedicated team is committed to assisting you every step of the way, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the necessary standard and quality of care involved.
For more information and personalized guidance on in-home care services, reach out to Samaritan Senior Care today. Our experts are here to address your concerns and provide you with the necessary information to make well-informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of your loved ones.
*All content and information on our website is created for informational purposes only. The information presented does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult an appropriate professional for advice related to your specific situation.
