What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia in older Americans, affecting around 50% to 60% of older individuals. It is characterized by the growth of two proteins in the brain, known as tau and amyloid, which trigger the onset of dementia. While most people develop Alzheimer's disease after the age of 65, some may experience symptoms earlier, known as early onset Alzheimer's.
What Will Happen to My Loved One?
The progression and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease vary from person to person. However, the disease is progressive, and certain patterns may emerge. There are seven stages of Alzheimer's disease:
1. Usual Outward Behaviors
In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, symptoms may not be noticeable to others. They may only become apparent through medical interventions such as brain scans.
2. Mild Changes in Behaviors
Minor behavioral changes may occur, such as forgetting small words or misplacing everyday objects. These changes may only be noticeable to the individual and close family members.
3. Mild Decline in Behaviors and Thinking
Reasoning and thinking abilities may start to be affected, leading to repetitive questioning, difficulty remembering names, and trouble recalling recently acquired information.
4. Moderate Decline in Behaviors and Thinking
The signs of Alzheimer's become more prominent, with the individual struggling to remember basic information, handle finances, and answer simple questions.
5. Moderately Severe Decline in Behaviors and Thinking
At this stage, daily life is significantly impacted, and the individual may require assistance with daily chores. Having a trusted friend or relative stay with them is advisable for their safety.
6. Severe Decline in State of Mind and Overall Competency
Basic tasks, such as feeding and dressing, become difficult. Physical decline, weight loss, and additional health complications may occur, requiring constant care and supervision.
7. Very Severe Decline of Mind and Overall Competency
In the final stages of Alzheimer's disease, individuals lose all basic day-to-day abilities. Moving to a place that offers full-time care and support may be necessary for their safety and well-being.
What Happens If A Loved One Can No Longer Live At Home?
If it becomes evident that your loved one can no longer safely manage at home, there are several options to consider:
– Assisted living facilities with specialized memory care can provide a supportive environment for individuals who require assistance with daily activities and social engagement.
– Adult day centers offer respite care for caregivers, providing structured activities, meals, and transportation for individuals with Alzheimer's.
– Home care services can be a temporary solution, allowing the individual to remain in their familiar surroundings while receiving assistance with daily tasks and activities.
Remember, each individual's situation is unique, and it's crucial to consider their specific needs and consult with healthcare professionals and caregivers to make the best decision.
Sources:
– Alternative Medicine Magazine
Frequently Asked Questions
What does holistic mean?
Holistic refers to being whole-based. Holistic refers to looking at the whole picture, not just one part. This is not always easy because we are used to seeing things as separate parts.
We tend to think of black and then white. However, grey comes in a wide range of shades.
You should always see the project from many angles when working on it. Consider it from every side.
You should try to see it all as one. What are the interactions between its different elements?
And if you find a problem, ask yourself why this particular element is causing trouble. Don't forget about the effects of any change that you make.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare: Is it Evidence-based?
Although evidence for complementary and other medicine is still being developed, there are many benefits to these treatments. You might have tried traditional treatments and found them ineffective. Or you may be looking for an alternative treatment because it has more benefits than conventional care. They might also consider alternative and complementary medicines to improve their health. Always check with your doctor to ensure that any complementary and/or alternative medicines you take are supported scientifically. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. It could save you money and time in the long run.
What are the benefits of alternative treatment methods for cancer patients?
Cancer patients often face many challenges as they attempt to overcome their illness. Patients may feel hopeless or helpless, and might lose all hope of recovery. Some patients may feel nausea, pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, weakness, or other symptoms.
Additionally, most traditional treatments do not work against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Nearly half of cancer patients use alternative medicines at some point during treatment, according to studies.
Complementary medicine is often chosen by cancer patients over chemotherapy. It's easier to manage side effect. Also, they may prefer it because it costs less.
There are also other reasons.
Some patients believe natural remedies could prevent a return of the disease.
Many people believe natural remedies are a way to improve your quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies may reduce the chance of getting cancer.
Natural remedies are first-line therapy for those who are concerned about side effects from chemotherapy.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
doi.org
How To
How to Pursue a Career in Holistic Medicine
The field of holistic medicine continues to grow at an incredible rate. There are many paths you can take to this career. It is best to return home to school if this is what you desire to do if it is a commitment to your chosen profession.
Many schools offer holistic medicine courses. These include the National College for Complementary Medicines. They offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. You can also find programs specifically tailored for medical professionals looking to enter the field.
Many online universities also offer classes in holistic health. One such program is the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Students can access a variety of holistic health education tools, and resources from this institution.
Another option is to go to a traditional four-year college. Many colleges offer holistic health courses. For example, the University of California has a Bachelor's Degree in Holistic Health Sciences.
A course in nutrition is a good option if you are interested in pursuing a career as a holistic physician. NCCM recommends that all students take nutrition courses before embarking on professional training. Integrative medicine requires a thorough understanding of nutrition science.
Because holistic medicine addresses the whole person rather that just treating symptoms, it requires more skills and knowledge than conventional medicine. Because of this, those interested in holistic medicine need to understand how to evaluate different types of illness from a nutritional perspective.
The NCCM states that nutritionists often work in conjunction with doctors to provide advice on diet to their patients. Based on the assessment of the patient, some nutritionists will suggest diets or supplements.
The fundamental principles of nutrition are essential for holistic practitioners. This includes knowing the best foods and those that are not. It can also include identifying nutritional deficiencies or other problems that might be causing them.
It's important to note that not all holistic practitioners specialize in nutrition. Some practitioners focus solely on acupuncture, while others focus on herbal remedies. Some combine the two methods into one.
Most holistic practitioners advocate a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and nuts. They recommend eating lots of seafood and fish. They suggest avoiding processed foods and fast food restaurants. Instead, they urge people to eat organic whenever possible.
A balanced diet is a key factor in preventing disease, which holistic practitioners all agree on. That said, there are some things about which they disagree. For example, they don’t believe gluten causes celiac. They think that the disorder can be triggered by a lack or nutrients.
However, they are all in agreement that allergic reactions can occur with certain foods. They say peanuts and shellfish can cause anaphylaxis. They also warn against excessive caffeine.
Many holistic practitioners are able to use herbs to treat many illnesses. They avoid the use of pharmaceutical drugs. Because such drugs are not effective in solving the problem but only mask it, holistic practitioners avoid using them. Therefore, natural remedies are preferred.
In addition to offering a variety of alternative therapies, holistic practitioners tend to employ a number of complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture-In Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves inserting needles strategically into the skin. It is believed that this stimulates our body's healing ability.
- Herbal therapy: Holistic practitioners may use herbs to treat various conditions in addition to acupuncture. Ginseng, a popular herb for this purpose, is one of the most common.
- Homeopathy – A form of traditional Chinese medicine, also known as homeopathy, is based around the principle that like cures. Imagine that you have a similar symptom to someone who has the same ailment. In such cases, it's important to find a remedy with the same ingredients that the original medication.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage therapies to promote relaxation. They claim it improves blood circulation, increases energy levels, and relieves muscle tension.
You need to ensure that your needs are met when selecting a practitioner. Look for someone who is trained in nutrition counseling if you are looking for someone who is certified in that area. If you are interested in learning more about acupuncture and the American Association of Oriental Medicine, (AAOM), certification is available.
Ask your doctor if you have questions about holistic health care before making any decision. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for certain services.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: jbenson@innovisionhm.com
Title: Key Questions Answered When Caring For A Loved One Living With Alzheimer's Disease
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/brain-health/alzheimers/key-questions-answered-when-caring-for-a-loved-one-living-with-alzheimers-disease/
Published Date: Sun, 01 Oct 2023 19:36:10 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What does holistic mean?
Holistic refers to being whole-based. Holistic refers to looking at the whole picture, not just one part. This is not always easy because we are used to seeing things as separate parts.
We tend to think of black and then white. However, grey comes in a wide range of shades.
You should always see the project from many angles when working on it. Consider it from every side.
You should try to see it all as one. What are the interactions between its different elements?
And if you find a problem, ask yourself why this particular element is causing trouble. Don't forget about the effects of any change that you make.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare: Is it Evidence-based?
Although evidence for complementary and other medicine is still being developed, there are many benefits to these treatments. You might have tried traditional treatments and found them ineffective. Or you may be looking for an alternative treatment because it has more benefits than conventional care. They might also consider alternative and complementary medicines to improve their health. Always check with your doctor to ensure that any complementary and/or alternative medicines you take are supported scientifically. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. It could save you money and time in the long run.
What are the benefits of alternative treatment methods for cancer patients?
Cancer patients often face many challenges as they attempt to overcome their illness. Patients may feel hopeless or helpless, and might lose all hope of recovery. Some patients may feel nausea, pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, weakness, or other symptoms.
Additionally, most traditional treatments do not work against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Nearly half of cancer patients use alternative medicines at some point during treatment, according to studies.
Complementary medicine is often chosen by cancer patients over chemotherapy. It's easier to manage side effect. Also, they may prefer it because it costs less.
There are also other reasons.
Some patients believe natural remedies could prevent a return of the disease.
Many people believe natural remedies are a way to improve your quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies may reduce the chance of getting cancer.
Natural remedies are first-line therapy for those who are concerned about side effects from chemotherapy.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
doi.org
How To
How to Pursue a Career in Holistic Medicine
The field of holistic medicine continues to grow at an incredible rate. There are many paths you can take to this career. It is best to return home to school if this is what you desire to do if it is a commitment to your chosen profession.
Many schools offer holistic medicine courses. These include the National College for Complementary Medicines. They offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. You can also find programs specifically tailored for medical professionals looking to enter the field.
Many online universities also offer classes in holistic health. One such program is the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Students can access a variety of holistic health education tools, and resources from this institution.
Another option is to go to a traditional four-year college. Many colleges offer holistic health courses. For example, the University of California has a Bachelor's Degree in Holistic Health Sciences.
A course in nutrition is a good option if you are interested in pursuing a career as a holistic physician. NCCM recommends that all students take nutrition courses before embarking on professional training. Integrative medicine requires a thorough understanding of nutrition science.
Because holistic medicine addresses the whole person rather that just treating symptoms, it requires more skills and knowledge than conventional medicine. Because of this, those interested in holistic medicine need to understand how to evaluate different types of illness from a nutritional perspective.
The NCCM states that nutritionists often work in conjunction with doctors to provide advice on diet to their patients. Based on the assessment of the patient, some nutritionists will suggest diets or supplements.
The fundamental principles of nutrition are essential for holistic practitioners. This includes knowing the best foods and those that are not. It can also include identifying nutritional deficiencies or other problems that might be causing them.
It's important to note that not all holistic practitioners specialize in nutrition. Some practitioners focus solely on acupuncture, while others focus on herbal remedies. Some combine the two methods into one.
Most holistic practitioners advocate a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and nuts. They recommend eating lots of seafood and fish. They suggest avoiding processed foods and fast food restaurants. Instead, they urge people to eat organic whenever possible.
A balanced diet is a key factor in preventing disease, which holistic practitioners all agree on. That said, there are some things about which they disagree. For example, they don’t believe gluten causes celiac. They think that the disorder can be triggered by a lack or nutrients.
However, they are all in agreement that allergic reactions can occur with certain foods. They say peanuts and shellfish can cause anaphylaxis. They also warn against excessive caffeine.
Many holistic practitioners are able to use herbs to treat many illnesses. They avoid the use of pharmaceutical drugs. Because such drugs are not effective in solving the problem but only mask it, holistic practitioners avoid using them. Therefore, natural remedies are preferred.
In addition to offering a variety of alternative therapies, holistic practitioners tend to employ a number of complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture-In Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves inserting needles strategically into the skin. It is believed that this stimulates our body's healing ability.
- Herbal therapy: Holistic practitioners may use herbs to treat various conditions in addition to acupuncture. Ginseng, a popular herb for this purpose, is one of the most common.
- Homeopathy – A form of traditional Chinese medicine, also known as homeopathy, is based around the principle that like cures. Imagine that you have a similar symptom to someone who has the same ailment. In such cases, it's important to find a remedy with the same ingredients that the original medication.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage therapies to promote relaxation. They claim it improves blood circulation, increases energy levels, and relieves muscle tension.
You need to ensure that your needs are met when selecting a practitioner. Look for someone who is trained in nutrition counseling if you are looking for someone who is certified in that area. If you are interested in learning more about acupuncture and the American Association of Oriental Medicine, (AAOM), certification is available.
Ask your doctor if you have questions about holistic health care before making any decision. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for certain services.
