Treatment and Prevention
Because there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and maintaining the quality of the person's life. Certain medications can help maintain brain function. However, the course of the disease is such that it eventually continues to worsen.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to help people with Alzheimer's disease that do not involve medications. These include:
- reminder notes
- personal organizing tools, such as date books and beepers
- providing instructions for activities such as bathing, eating, and dressing
- family counseling and support
- behavior training for inappropriate behaviors
The behavior changes of Alzheimer's disease can be very distressing to people and their families or caregivers. Medications may be used to control severe agitation or behaviors which may result in physical harm or are very distressing to the person. However, in many cases agitation can be controlled without medications.
Not enough is known about the causes of Alzheimer's to provide clear advice about how to prevent it. Research into the effects of tobacco and alcohol is just getting underway, but there's still no hard evidence one way or the other. These drugs are clearly linked to other forms of dementia, however - it's a good idea for people who want their brains to stay healthy to avoid both.
Contact your local Alzheimer's society for more information on new advances in research and suggestions for helping a person who has Alzheimer's disease.