Change Your World Week Fall 2021 (Archived)

Beginning signs of this disease vary from person-to-person but usually involve memory problems. For many it could impact decline in non-memory aspects of cognition, such as word-finding, vision and spatial issues, and impaired reasoning and judgement. 

• Mild symptoms includes problems such as wandering, trouble handling money, repeating questions, and taking longer to complete daily tasks.
   
• Moderate symptoms include damage in the brain that controls language, reasoning, conscious thought, and sensory processing, such as correctly detecting sounds and smells. Memory loss grows worse in this stage to the point where they can no longer recognize family and friends, or even learn new things. 
   
• Severe symptoms includes significant brain tissue shrinkage causing the complete lack of communication and will require complete dependency. 

Sadly this disease does not have a cure, but can be managed by several medications. These medications can help with symptoms such as agitation, depression, sleep problems, wandering, or psychosis. Some alternative treatments to promote memory enhancers or delay the progression of this disease include: herbal dietary remedies and dietary supplements. Treatments for aid in behavioral changes include avoiding confrontation, creating a calm environment, and allowing adequate rest between extensive events. 

Individuals with continuation of this disease can expect to have very little memory remaining. Those affected can expect needing greater assistance while eating, bathing, and performing normal activities of daily living. They will have difficulty understanding language and speaking words, they will also no longer recognize their friends and family. 

In this disease physical therapy can be implemented into the early stages to promote muscle memory making mobility possible with assistive devices. This becomes important when these patients reach the point where they can no longer learn new things. Group therapy with simple exercises that use images rather than commands usually works very well. Exercises should be short and simple and done in the same order each day. With these patients repetition and reassurance can help keep them engaged. 

Regular physical activity through the stages of this disease can improve:

• Balance
• Blood flow to the brain
• Endurance
• Flexibility
• Muscle strength 

Research has proven Physical Therapy beneficial in these four ways:

1. Decreasing aggression and improving mood
2. Increases mobility and strength 
3. Maintain independence through activities of daily living
4. Slows the loss of memory 
    

There is compelling evidence for the important role of regular physical activity. Exercise training combined with behavioral management techniques can improve physical health and depression in individuals with AD. Leisure-time physical activity at midlife is associated with a decreased risk of dementia and AD later in life. Regular physical activity may reduce the risk or delay the onset of dementia and AD, especially among genetically susceptible individuals. 

Diet in midlife shows potential for neuroprotection, and findings can be generalized to a combination of the consumption of a diet low in fat, high in omega-3 oils, and high in dark vegetables and fruits; use of soy (for women only); supplementation with vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, and folate; and moderate alcohol intake. It appears that no single item creates that protection, but the foods and supplements may work together to lower the risks.

Pathology for the PTA - Second Edition