Options Available For Treating Alzheimer

There are many options available for the Alzheimer's patient and his/her family to consider. The treatment plan will revolve around the presenting symptoms, which will change and intensify as the...

There are many options available for the Alzheimer’s patient and his/her family to consider. The treatment plan will revolve around the presenting symptoms, which will change and intensify as the disease progresses. The options include medicated, non-medicated methods, therapeutic activities and alternative treatments. Education is a big part of treatment. In the mild stage of the disease the patient should be told as much as they can understand so that some of the confusion, uncertainty and fears can be addressed. It is important that all caregivers, family and close friends receive education regarding the symptoms and the progressive nature of the disease so that they can be ready for what is to come and yet cherish the moment. It is important for all involved parties to be able to coordinate the care and that the dietary, exercise, and health needs of the patient are addressed in a timely manner. The options available for treating Alzheimer’s disease will vary depending on location and availability of certain facilities, equipment and professionals.

The treatment options will revolve around the symptoms of the disease. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease so the symptoms will worsen and the need for more supervised care will become obvious as the patient leaves the mild stage and enters the moderate stage of the disease.

Medication options include cholinesterace inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists for the cognitive symptoms. Some doctors will prescribe vitamin E supplements to go along with the medications.

The behavioral symptoms of the disease are usually treated with non-medicated options such as exercise, calming and relaxing therapies such as music therapy, massage therapy and behavioral therapy. The environment is important for the management of behavioral symptoms of the disease. This may require changing the living arrangement to a quieter environment or to where the patient can be more easily monitored.

The options should always keep safety in mind as well as to try to maintain as much independence and mobility as possible especially in the mild to early moderate stages of the disease.

There are not only options in treatment but in care giving because it is the caregiver that implements the treatment plan. Educating the caregiver about the disease is vital to the patient receiving quality and appropriate care. Care is typically done in the patient’s home in the initial mild stage of the disease and then as the disease progresses into the moderate and severe stages of the disease care may move to a care facility such as a nursing home, specialty center, or a hospital. The setting is usually chosen based on where the treatment plan can be implemented the best but also by keeping in mind the safety and well being of the patient.

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