Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment
Alzheimer disease – diagnose, treat, preserve more.
The course of Alzheimer disease can be influenced by drugs. They can stop the worsening of symptoms and delay progression of the disease. Alzheimer disease is a progressive disease of the brain that leads to the death of nerve cells. The loss of everyday competence – or basic everyday activities – does not, however, occur suddenly from one day to the next. It is an insidious, gradual process. The trouble is that, once they are lost, abilities cannot be regained. Therefore an early diagnosis of the disease and a promptly instituted treatment are hugely important. The earlier a treatment begins, the longer skills can be preserved that are still present. For this reason, anxiety or feelings of shame – no matter how understandable they may be – must not stand in the way of dealing openly with the diagnosis.
Go to a doctor to discuss it with him/her. Talk to friends and neighbours about your new situation. Alzheimer disease is not a reason to hide oneself away. Quite the opposite: the more people from your surroundings know about it, the more understanding, help and encouragement can make your situation easier. However, since there is as yet no cure for Alzheimer disease, one needs to be realistic about the expectations regarding the success of any treatment. The drugs available today can admittedly slow down the course of the disease, but, over time, the condition of the Alzheimer patient will worsen nevertheless. Just at a slower rate. The earlier a treatment starts, the more time the patient can gain. Time to lead an independent, self-determined life – a “plus” in time that is also important and valuable for those around him or her.
Equally crucial is the long-term and consistent taking of the prescribed drug. Since it often takes a few weeks for an effect to be seen, you should always have patience and stay on the ball. For just as the course of Alzheimer’s can differ quite widely from patient to patient, the positive effect of the drug treatment can vary greatly, too.
Some patients report a detectable improvement in their symptoms very quickly, others experience no change at first. One should always continue taking the drug for as long as the doctor considers it right. Deciding to stop it yourself or discontinuing the treatment too soon, can lead to a rapid loss of the positive effects of treatment, or even worsen the symptoms.
Non-pharmacological Treatments for Alzheimer disease
Research conducted over the past decade indicates that a healthy lifestyle and regular physical and mental activity may help delay the onset of Alzheimer disease. In addition, you will reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Physical activity, good nutrition, and social interaction are important for keeping Alzheimer patients as functional as possible. Maintaining a calm, safe, structured environment also helps patients feel better and remain independent longer.
There are different non-pharmacological treatment options for Alzheimer patients available, e.g.
- Cognitive Training
- Kinesitherapy
- Behavior therapy
- Music therapy
- Valodation therapy
- Reality orientation training (ROT)
- Self-preservation therapy (SPT)
- Pet therapy
Another important aspect in the treatment of Alzheimer patients is a strong assistance for caregivers:
Caregivers need…
- information about the disease, causes and course of the disease
- information about the handling of the disease
- advice for special situations, e.g. in case of aggressive patients
- help with legal and financial counselling
- addresses were they can get help
- possibilities to exchange their problems and experiences
- time for themselves
- information about nursing home placement
