An Alzheimer’s diagnosis is one of the most devastating things one can experience. It arouses dread in the one facing it and a deep sense of loss and foreboding in their loved ones. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease is an acute form of dementia. It can lead to complete memory loss, including names, words, and identity.
The National Library of Medicine estimates that 6.7 million people in America live with Alzheimer’s at present. The number could reach almost 14 million by 2060. More young people are susceptible to developing dementia due to various reasons. Frontiers assesses that excessive light pollution could be one of the factors. It disrupts circadian rhythms and may trigger neurodegenerative diseases.
A particularly heartbreaking aspect of this diagnosis is its permanent, unstoppable nature. Medical research hasn’t found a foolproof treatment for the condition yet. However, caregivers can find solace in emerging therapies that help deal with this overpowering challenge.
Activating Brain Regions Through Music
Music therapy has shown promise in slowing down the decline caused by Alzheimer’s. A review of non-pharmacological treatments for dementia finds that musical memory isn’t lost until late in the disease.
Musical therapy can activate neural networks and assist with autobiographical recall. It may be particularly helpful in people suffering from agitation and anxiety, which are prevalent symptoms as the disease takes hold.
So far, the best results have come from letting dementia patients listen to their favorite music. It can evoke pleasure and reduce the incidence of agitated behavior.
The very well mind attributes the power of music therapy to the way our brain stores this information. We keep musical information, like tunes and song lyrics, in an area where memory loss does not impact as much. Current research focuses on how to sing along or play music for dementia patients. It can slow down memory problems, once thought irreversible.
Specialized Support from Professionals and Community Members
The efficacy of therapy hinges on the training and expertise of the professionals delivering it. Alzheimer’s can be devastating for everyone. Only experienced caregivers can make a difference in how people and their family members cope.
There’s also an urgent need to realize the impact of support and guidance on mental health. Many US cities like Wichita are growing sensitive to the needs of their fellow beings.
KMUW highlights the growing use of mental health crisis cards in Wichita. These cards state the person’s contact information and the fact that they suffer from a mental health condition. They let people help other community members without involving emergency services.
In fact, Wichita also excels at specialized assisted living facilities. Some of them have integrated memory care. Availing of senior care in Wichita can help people access personalized 24-hour care. Experienced nurses can assist Alzheimer’s patients with daily activities and medication. They can help maximize the likelihood of seeing perceivable improvement.
Looking for professional help with late-stage Alzheimer’s can evoke guilt and inadequacy in family members. However, doctors reiterate that Alzheimer’s raises the probability of dangerous behaviors like aggression and wandering. It can expose patients to injuries from road accidents.
Facilities that persevere to create a home-like environment with privacy and respect can ensure your loved ones receive the care they need. Heartful Homes recommends prioritizing the ratio of staff to residents for personal attention.
Complementing Therapy With Medication and New-Age Strategies
Drug development for Alzheimer’s is in progress, but the current options only address the symptoms. Harvard Health Publishing notes that many drugs focus on increasing the levels of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger for the brain. It can help Alzheimer’s patients be more alert and process their thoughts better.
A recently approved drug called Lecanemab may slow down Alzheimer’s progression. It targets beta-amyloid, a protein that can cause plaques in the brain and interfere with brain cell communication. Although Lecanemab has stirred excitement in the medical community, it works only in the early stages of the disease.
Researchers are eagerly exploring alternate therapies and interventions for dementia. For example, therapies like MSC or medicinal signaling cell therapy have shown some promise. MSC infuses stem and progenitor cells in patients to slow down cognitive decline.
Another research direction for Alzheimer’s treatment is the inhalation of xenon gas. MedicalNews Today reports that xenon may reduce brain atrophy and neuroinflammation, although clinical trials are pending. Even so, initiatives like this are reassuring as they bring hope to dementia patients and their families.
Lifestyle Changes to Lower Alzheimer’s Risk
For a long time, the medical community considered dementia a genetic condition. Indeed, Alzheimer’s can be genetic, and testing can help you understand your risk. Some causes may be purely age-related. The National Institute on Aging mentions inflammation and blood vessel damage as changes that can potentially contribute to dementia.
However, new studies show that lifestyle factors may also affect your risk of developing the condition. For example, not getting enough sleep and consuming highly processed foods may make you more vulnerable. Some cases of Alzheimer’s may be linked to microbial infection from the herpes simplex virus and periodontitis.
As modern lifestyles get more stressful and chaotic, declining health is becoming a massive concern. Poor self-care exposes us to the risk of aging-related conditions and mental health issues.
Good old talk therapy can also prove helpful in identifying risk factors like loneliness and excessive stress in our daily behavior. It will also prove invaluable for those diagnosed with early-onset dementia, which can feel debilitating. While therapists may not be equipped to turn things around, professional care can teach us to cope and live fuller lives.