A Look into Alzheimers
When we mention dementia, the first condition to enter our minds might be Alzheimer’s, it has become the most notable despite there being many other types. It is currently affecting one in ten people aged 65 and over.
Although discovered just over a century ago by Alois Alzheimer a German Physician, it is only during the last 30 years that this disease has started to have more research carried out. According to studies, it is advancing age that is the greatest risk to developing Alzheimer’s disease. Many people experiencing the first signs of Alzheimer’s are unwilling to admit to themselves or others that there is anything wrong.
As far as treatment is concerned, Alzheimer’s disease is treated in the same manner as other types of dementia. Despite the studies, there is no permanent treatment for the condition but there are a number of drugs which can help with the condition. Donepezil, Tacrine, and Rivastigmine are three drugs that have been approved for use in treating Alzheimer’s by the Food and Drug Administration.
This drug slows down the mental deterioration so those already prescribed Donepezil with severe symptoms are now prescribed Memantine. Fortunately, Memantine has few side effects as 80 percent of the drug is passed in urine unchanged and so far it is the only drug that has proved to be of real benefit to patients with moderate to severe symptoms.
The average age of a person living in the industrialized world is increasing. The cost of providing care and treating patients is already costing 40 billion dollars every year with this figure expected to increase. Over 300 different compounds are already at various stages of development for its treatment.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one proven method you can use to reduce the risks of contracting dementia. Studies have also indicated that a number of Alzheimer’s patients have reduced their rate of decline by staying healthy and happy. At the moment, the disease is still primarily affecting the elderly but there have been incidences of people contracting it before the age of 60.