Alzheimer’s is a Women’s Health Issue - Part 3

Coping Tips

     Due to the fact that medications that have been approved for the symptoms pf Alzheimer’s disease are highly limited, the general approach involves non-medicinal therapies.  These therapies are focused on the caregiver’s understanding of the sufferer’s anxiety, sleep disturbances, triggers for cognitive and behavioral issues, and overall needs as well as challenges. 

   With that being said, the following are suggested coping tips via the Alzheimer’s Association. 

·        Ensure that the person is comfortable and that their basic needs are being met

·        Avoid confrontation

·        Respond to all requests

·        Consider plausible causes for issues, such as disruptions, stimulating events, etc.

·        Maintain a regulated schedule for both sleep and meals

·        Assist with exercise

     One of the very best strategies for the disease appears to be compassion.  This is due to the fact that throughout the progression of the disease, those afflicted are able to retain their sense of self.  They remain able to expressly respond to human connection and warmth.  A great number of patients are also able to be soothed during difficult moments with the aid of a security object.  This object tends to be something that is comforting and soft, such as a stuffed animal, quilt or pillow. 

The Future of Treatment and Care for Alzheimer’s disease

    

Currently, there are a number of clinical trials underway as well as a great deal of research being conducted into the understanding of the disease.  This is causing the medical community, at large, to become quite hopeful that more effective treatment regimens will be uncovered in addition to a [possible] cure and/or preventative strategies. 

     The war on the disease received government backing in 2011 when President Obama signed the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA).  This Act calls for “an aggressive and coordinated national plan to attack Alzheimer’s disease and improve care and services.”  This initiative was further backed a year later via the Department of Health and Human Services National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease.  This is an impeccable framework that has been designed to identify the challenges while outlining Acton needed for the promotion of research in addition to the improvement of patient care. 

Current Findings

·        In February of 2014, it was released that low doses of Celexa or Cipramil were able to assist in the relieving of agitation within those suffering from the disease. 

·        Per a study that was published in January of 2014, cognitive training may assist patients with mental functioning.

·        Late within the year 2013, it was reported that several rare genetic variants were linked to the disease.  This is bringing researchers closer to determining risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. 

For Part 1 of this series, please visit http://womansed101.blogspot.com/2015/11/alzheimers-is-womens-health-issue.html

For Part 2 of this series, please visit http://womansed101.blogspot.com/2015/11/alzheimers-is-womens-health-issue-part-2.html