Alzheimers: Facts and Fiction

Alzheimers is an extremely prevalent affliction -affecting roughly 1/8 of the seniors population. For such a widespread condition, the average person knows relatively little about this disease “ and may be prone to rumors concerning Alzheimers. Lets disperse some of those myths, discuss the condition, and look at several new treatments that are on the horizon.

Not just a seniors affliction

Almost five and a half million individuals in the US currently have Alzheimers disease. Over 200,000 of these individuals are under the age of 65. Theyve been diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimers. Symptoms of this variety of the disease can appear as early as your twenties, although such instances are quite rare. Usually, younger-onset Alzheimers is found in families whom have already demonstrated a strong genetic propensity for this disease.

Common myths about Alzheimers

The most common form of dementia, Alzheimers often attracts myths regarding its causes. Many are little more than superstition. Sometimes rumoured to have Alzheimers-causing properties, silver teeth fillings have been found harmless by both the FDA and the New England Medical Journal. Others have speculated that using aluminum cookware, cups, and cutlery could potentially increase your chance of developing Alzheimers disease. Our day-to-day contact with aluminum has not been conclusively linked to Alzheimers, but dismissing this rumour does not pardon other heavy metals “ especially lead.

This disease has many factors which can contribute its onset “ including strokes, head trauma, diabetes, and obesity. Keeping healthy and maintaining a sensible diet may be an effective strategy in reducing the likelihood of Alzheimers. The easiest way to discover your nutritional options is to consult with your caregiver, or the dietary advisor at your retirement home.

The future of treatment

Several promising new substances are slowly transforming how Alzheimers disease is treated. Scientists at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio have recently isolated a compound called MDA7. Originally discovered during chemotherapy trials, the substance interferes with Alzheimers ability to develop “ as well as repairing some of the damage already inflicted by the disease. A second treatment called IVIG focuses on delivering intravenous immunoglobulin to a patient. This has been found to prevent the disintegration of memory “ including an ability to partially rehabilitate a patients problem solving and comprehensional abilities.

Finally, theres always exercise “ a tremendous ally in the quest to optimize our health. By stimulating blood circulation, exercise helps deliver nutrition throughout the body, and assists in the removal of detrimental elements. This can substantially reduce the likelihood of complications like stroke and heart disease “ both which are significant factors in the cause and severity of Alzheimers.

Josh Byer is an author, blogger, and copywriter residing in Vancouver, BC. His article appears courtesy of SeniorsZen.com,a complimentary retirement resource for Canadian seniors.