Although there are many therapies available, not all of them are efficient or successful for everyone with early-stage dementia. The optimal course of action for you or a loved one will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the symptoms, what works for you personally, and whether other therapies can replace or augment prescription medications. Explore the details in this blog for a better understanding!
Dementia and medical research
It is significant to highlight that the majority of research examining various treatments has been conducted on people who were initially diagnosed with less severe diseases. It may be challenging to evaluate if a particular intervention is effective later in the course of the illness because individuals typically enroll in clinical trials when their symptoms are more severe. This makes it challenging to suggest certain treatments unless such approaches have already shown promise.
However, several non-conservative strategies (like exercise) seem to slow the rate of cognitive deterioration in those with early-stage Alzheimer’s. We add these tactics here as a result. Additionally, some dietary supplements may improve cognitive function and guard against oxidative stress, both of which contribute to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
In our overview of prospective therapies, we also touch on several drug types, including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor modulators. The last option we examine is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which includes things like aerobic exercise and herbal therapies. Some researches has examined these values in dementia, despite the fact that several of them have shown efficacy in treating mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
Neurotransmitter replacement therapies
Newer Alzheimer’s disease treatments concentrate on replenishing the brain’s depleted neurotransmitters to enhance cognitive performance.
Chemical messengers called neurotransmitters help neurons communicate with one another. Both good (such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine) and negative (for example, glutamate) ones are possible.
Restoring the equilibrium of these substances is thought to aid in treating dementia because one of the signs of the disease is issues with memory, thinking, and behavior.
This is accomplished via a variety of tactics, including prescription drugs, dietary supplements, and physical activity.
A molecule called acetylcholine, which is important for memory and learning, is prevented from breaking down by medications like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs).
Antioxidants and ketogenic diets are two examples of nutritional therapies that may be helpful. Finally, aerobic exercises like walking can improve blood flow throughout the body, which will improve the delivery of oxygen to organs like the brain.
Multidisciplinary treatment
A variety of therapy, not just one strategy, is the most effective way to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, the majority of currently accessible treatments concentrate on managing your diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels.
According to studies, patients who already have early-stage Alzheimer’s disease may benefit in some ways from this. However, it does nothing to stop or slow down cognitive aging and might potentially make matters worse.
Although type 2 diabetics are 1.6 times more likely to acquire dementia than those without it, it is unclear whether managing their diabetes will have any additional beneficial effects.
Due to this, there isn’t enough information to say whether lowering blood glucose can help you avoid developing Alzheimer’s disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, supplementing with medicines to lower glucose does not seem to be effective in avoiding dementia even if diet and exercise are crucial for controlling blood sugar in persons with diabetes.
Instead, research indicates that treating underlying risk factors, such as smoking, high cholesterol, and inadequate sleep, can lower a person’s chances of acquiring dementia.
Take Away!
Dementia is a growing medical issue and needs critical attention. If proper attention will not be paid, a large population will suffer. If you want to add to the information on Alzheimer’s disease management, leave a comment.
