Alzheimer

ALTERNATIVE DOCTOR, LLC

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive degeneration of brain tissue. It results in a worsening, irreversible decline in the brain's ability to function. AD, which affects three to four million people in the United States, is the most common form of dementia and the fourth leading cause of death among adults. On average, the disease runs its course for nine years.

Alzheimer's disease is devastating to the individual and those who care for him or her. Individuals with Alzheimer's experience a loss of memory and gradually lose their capacity to reason, communicate, recognize family members, and carry out the simple tasks of daily life. They may be disoriented and wander off or become lost. Bewilderment and frustration set in. Dramatic mood swings occur. Motor skills are impaired.

Treatments exist that help manage the symptoms of Alzheimer's. There are new behavioral approaches that encourage greater independence and reduce disturbing behavior. And, researchers are investigating drugs that may delay the onset of the disease or improve the functional ability of people who have it.

Signs and Symptoms

Alzheimer's disease is accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:

	Memory loss, disorientation, confusion, inattention
	Inability to perform daily activities
	Language problems
	Loss of motor skills
	Mood changes, such as depression, paranoia, agitation, anxiety, childishness, and delusions
	Insomnia or disturbances in sleep/wake patterns
	Incontinence
	Seizures

What Causes It?

The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown, but theories include viruses, autoimmune disorders, an accelerated aging process, and environmental causes.

Who's Most At Risk?

People with the following conditions or characteristics are at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.

	Genetic predisposition
	Advanced age (20% to 40% with fully developed symptoms are over age 85)
	Women more likely than men
	Down syndrome

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

If you or someone you care for are experiencing symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease, you should see a health care provider. AD is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and by ruling out all other possible causes. A thorough evaluation will include neuropsychologic testing, blood tests, and imaging procedures.

Treatment Options

Prevention

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and estrogen are being investigated for lowering the risk of getting Alzheimer's.

Treatment Plan

The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and provide support for patients and caregivers. In early stages, memory aids are useful. Keeping living areas predictable and safe helps reduce falls and accidents.

Drug Therapies

Your provider may prescribe the following medications.

	Tacrine—for early-stage only; 10 to 20 percent of early-onset patients have shown positive response
	Donepezil—slows progression of AD
	Antidepressants
	Drugs to control agitation, mental disturbances, and insomnia

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

A comprehensive treatment plan for Alzheimer's disease may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies. A gentle exercise program that increases circulation and flexibility may be helpful.

Nutrition

A well-rounded diet may help improve brain function and keep the body healthy.

	Eat whole grains, fresh vegetables, fruits, and anti-inflammatory oils (cold-water fish, nuts, and seeds)
	Limit saturated fats found in animal products, and refined foods
	Eliminate alcohol, nicotine, and food additives (especially MSG and aspartame)

Potentially beneficial nutrient supplements include the following.

	Vitamin E (400 to 800 IU per day), vitamin C (1,000 mg three times per day), and coenzyme Q10 (50 mg three times per day)
	Acetyl-L-carnitine (1,000 to 1,500 mg per day)
	Phosphatidyl serine (100 mg two to three times per day)
	NADH (10 mg per day)
	Vitamin B₁₂ (1,000 mcg per day) and folic acid (800 to 1,000 mcg per day)

Herbs

Herbal remedies may offer relief from symptoms. Herbs are generally available as dried extracts (pills, capsules, or tablets), teas, or tinctures (alcohol extraction, unless otherwise noted). Dose for teas is 1 heaping tsp. per cup of water steeped for 10 minutes (roots need 20 minutes).

	Ginkgo biloba (120 mg two times per day)
	Combine the following in equal parts: gotu kola (Centella asiatica), rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), prickly ash bark (Xanthoxylum clava-herculis), passionflower (Passiflora angustifolia), and lavender (Lavendula angustifolia). Take 30 to 60 drops tincture two to three times per day, or drink one cup of tea 3 times per day.

Homeopathy

Some of the most common remedies include alumina, argentum nitricum, cocculus, conium, helleborus, and zincum. Acute dose is three to five pellets of 12X to 30C every one to four hours until symptoms are relieved.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may help alleviate imbalances and support overall well-being.

Massage

Massage stimulates circulation and can provide comfort; many elderly individuals are deprived of touch and respond well to massage.

Prognosis/Possible Complications

Complications may include falls, patients inflicting harm on themselves or others, increased withdrawal or agitation in the evenings, malnutrition, infection, and, sometimes, suicide.

Special Considerations

Caregivers must attend to their own needs, as well, to prevent burnout. Taking regular breaks and joining support groups help reduce psychological and physical exhaustion.

Supporting Research

Alzheimer's Prevention Foundation Web site. Available at: www.brain-longevity.com.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998: 137-138, 179-180, 159-160.

Cecil RI, Plum F, Bennett JC, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 20^th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders; 1996.

Dambro MR. Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult. 1999 ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.; 1999.

Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14^th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1998.

Furlong JH. Acetyl-L-Carnitine: metabolism and applications in clinical practice. Alt Med Rev. 1996; 1(2):85-93.

Goroll AH, ed. Primary Care Medicine. 3^rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott-Raven Publishers; 1995.

Kawas C, Resnick S, Morrison A. A prospective study of estrogen replacement therapy and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Neurology. 1997;48(6).

Kidd PM. Phosphatidylserine; membrane nutrient for memory. A clinical and mechanistic assessment. Alt Med Rev. 1996; 1(2):70-84.

Morrison, R. Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms. Albany, Calif: Hahnemann Clinic Publishing; 1993.

National Institute of Aging Web site. Available at: www.alzheimer's.org.

Rakel RE, ed. Conn's Current Therapy. 50^th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders; 1998.

Sloane PD, Mitchell CM. Environmental correlates of resident agitation in Alzheimer's disease special care units. J Am Geriatrics Soc. 1998; 46(7).

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