Alzheimer’s disease was named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first identified the disease in 1906 and is considered to be one of the most devastating conditions that affects millions of people around the world.
The disease gradually leads to loss of memory, confusion, and inability to perform daily activities. This blog delves into what Alzheimer’s is, current treatment options, Can Alzheimer’s be cured and the ongoing search for a cure.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a term widely used to address memory loss and other cognitive impairments that interfere with daily life making everyday life a task for people diagnosed with it. The disease typically affects older adults, with symptoms first appearing in their mid-60s. Early-onset Alzheimer’s, which occurs between a person’s 30s and mid-60s, is rare but can be particularly challenging for those affected.
The hallmark features of Alzheimer’s disease are amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which interfere with communication between brain cells and eventually kill them. Amyloid plaques are aggregated fragments of protein that accumulate between nerve cells, and neurofibrillary tangles are twisted fibres that build up inside brain cells. Interference with normal brain functions leads to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:
Memory loss:
Tending to forget a lot of information, important dates or events, and repeatedly asking for the same information over and over again.
Problem-solving difficulty:
Following a plan or working with numbers, as with keeping track of monthly bills.
Disorientation to time and place:
Unable to keep track of the seasons, the time of year, or the passing of time. May have difficulty understanding where he or she is or how they got there.
Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relations:
Trouble reading, judging distance, colour, or contrast. This might lead to problems in driving.
New Problems with Words in Speaking and Writing:
Trouble keeping up with or adding to a conversation; struggles with vocabulary; repetition of self.
Losing Things; Losing Ability to Retrace Steps:
Placing things in odd places, losing stuff, and being unable to retrieve it again.
Decreased or Poor Judgment:
Poor decision-making, giving large amounts of money without understanding people’s intentions, or paying less to no attention to grooming and hygiene.
Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities:
Ignoring hobbies, social activities, or not actively interested in other engagements.
Changes in Mood and Personality:
Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious, and becoming easily upset at home, with friends, or in unfamiliar places.
Can Alzheimer’s Be Cured?
It is said that currently, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. While some medications and Alzheimer’s disease treatments can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, they do not address the underlying cause. Researchers are actively investigating potential treatments, including drugs that target amyloid plaques and tau proteins, but these treatments are still in the experimental stage and have not yet been proven to cure the disease.
There are several medications to treat the symptomatology of Alzheimer’s. These are as follows:
Cholinesterase Inhibitors:
Drugs like donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine help in increasing the levels of acetylcholine – a chemical messenger involved in memory and judgment, which can improve cognitive function and reduce behavioral symptoms.
Memantine:
This medication regulates the activity of glutamate, another chemical messenger involved in learning and memory. It is used for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s.
In an aggregate form, drugs besides pharmacological agents can help an Alzheimer’s sufferer maintain the quality of life. These are:
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy:
Some activities and exercises that stimulate thinking and memory can be maintained.
Physical Exercise:
Regular exercise is helpful for the overall health of a body and may slow up the progression of the disease symptoms.
Social Activity:
Staying social and engaged helps prevent one from feeling lonely and depressed.
Current Research and Possible Cure
There are several ongoing studies on Alzheimer’s disease with research conducted in different sectors on this disease to develop a permanent cure. Among these promising studies include:
Amyloid Plaque Targeting Drug Development:
Drugs designed to degrade or remove amyloid plaques formed in the brains. The latter example is Aducanumab, shown positive results in some clinical trials.
Tau Proteins Targeted Drug Development:
Tau proteins collect and form aggregates or tangles in the internal machinery of a neuron, responsible for Alzheimer’s pathology. New research focuses on finding drugs targeting prevention or resolution of these insoluble tangles.
Immunotherapy:
An approach that uses the body’s immune system to detect and eliminate aberrant proteins, which are implicated in Alzheimer’s.
Lifestyle Interventions:
Lifestyle aspects, such as diet, exercise, and cognitive stimulation, may have a relationship with the incidence of Alzheimer’s.
Why Choose Buddhi To For Alzheimer’s Treatment
Buddhi Clinic specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer’s. Here’s why Buddhi Clinic is an excellent choice for managing Alzheimer’s:
Expertise and Experience
Our clinic is backed up with a team of highly qualified people with experience in treating Alzheimer’s. This multidisciplinary team includes neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and orthopaedic surgeons.
Comprehensive Treatment Plans
The clinic deals with all aspects of health and well-being for the patients by treating each individual according to their unique needs through our comprehensive approach to healthcare.
Innovative Therapies
One of the leaders in neuropsychiatry and integrative medicine is Buddhi Clinic, which gives access to promising neurotechnologies and treatments that will help improve the lives of patients with Alzheimer’s. These non-pharmacological treatments can be an addition to conventional treatment to offer more benefits.
Patient-Centered Care
Buddhi Clinic focuses more on giving quality compassionate and patient-centered care to all our clients. We give people comfort and empowering ambiance as they go through treatments in the company of their loved ones.
Highly Equipped Structures
Buddhi clinic with the state-of-the-art medical equipment and highly developed diagnostic appliances, therapeutic facilities, and supporting technologies.
Conclusion
It is said that there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease today. However, scientists are continuing with research Can Alzheimer’s be cured to introduce new drugs with better therapeutic treatments. By becoming aware of and seeking appropriate treatment, the journey of dealing with Alzheimer’s in the life of a patient is made more reassuring and hopeful with the family supporting them through that journey.
Further efforts by researchers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers will be needed in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, and hopefully, one day, a cure will be discovered.
FAQs
1. What are the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease?
Early signs of Alzheimer’s include memory loss, confusion about time and place, difficulty completing familiar tasks, and changes in mood and behaviour.
2. Can Alzheimer’s disease be prevented?
There is no surefire way to prevent Alzheimer’s, but a healthy lifestyle, such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and mental stimulation, may reduce the risk of developing the disease.
3. Are there any new treatments against Alzheimer’s?
Currently, researchers actively continue discovering new treatments of Alzheimer’s by developing drugs intended to target the amyloid plaques and tau proteins. All these are currently under experimental and are promising steps for better managing the disease.
4. How can I support individuals with Alzheimer’s?
Caregivers can provide emotional support, create a safe and comfortable environment, and engage their loved ones in activities that promote cognitive and physical well-being.
