How Therapy Can Be Used to Manage Alzheimer’s

With the many treatment options that are currently on the market, it can be difficult to select the one that is best. Being knowledgeable about various treatment options is critical in selecting a proper treatment plan. Some modern treatments include therapy and pharmaceutical drugs, as well as care giving.

There currently exist three drugs approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European medicines agency, which are called Aricept, Razadyne, and Exelon. All three are effective in treating moderate or mild Alzheimer’s, although these drugs are less effective when dealing in the treatment of advanced stages of the disease.

Over time, Alzheimer’s disease will become more severe and emotional control will be lessened to the point where an individual with the illness may snap or lash out in anger at others. Pharmaceutical drugs can be used to such unpredictable behavior, which will improve the ability of someone with the disease to go out in the public and conduct normal activities without worries.

Therapy can be helpful for Alzheimer’s patients, as it will teach them to identify problem behaviors and show them how to control their actions, resulting in improved social function. Therapy is widely criticized as not being effective, and tests are still ongoing to decide whether group or individual therapy can have a positive effect in treating Alzheimer’s disease.

Other forms of therapy can include placing individuals in familiar situations by showing them photographs and music from their everyday lives, which can help in improving memory function and concentration.

As well, voice recordings of one’s loved ones can sooth and calm the Alzheimer’s patient and improve the function of the brain.

As Alzheimer’s worsens, a person will lose more and more social function and become dependent upon others. Typically, a caregiver is required as the disease enters the moderate to severe stage, as those with Alzheimer’s may take a scalding hot shower or drive to a place and forget where they are or how they got there. If there is no one willing to take care of the sufferer of Alzheimer’s disease, then a nursing home can be used, which can provide twenty-four hour care.

With all the treatment options on the market, it is important to be informed and select the option that is right for you or your loved one. Whether it be care giving, medications, or therapy, be sure to consult with your doctor to find out the correct treatment plan.

About the Author:
Juliane Anders offers a list of more Alzheimer’s treatment options as well as the book Naturally Combating Alzheimer’s at his website,Identify Alzheimers.