How Is Alzheimer’s Treated?

2024-11-03

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that affects memory and other cognitive functions. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are treatments and strategies that can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for those affected. Here are some of the most common treatment options and support measures for people with Alzheimer’s.

Medication

To manage Alzheimer’s symptoms, there are medications that can help improve memory and cognitive function. Two main groups of drugs are often used:

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors: These medications, including donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine, help increase levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that facilitates communication between nerve cells. These drugs can enhance memory and attention, especially in the early and moderate stages of the disease.
  • Memantine: Memantine is often prescribed in the later stages of Alzheimer’s. It works by modulating glutamate, a neurotransmitter essential for learning and memory. Memantine can help reduce certain symptoms, such as agitation and confusion.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments

In addition to medication, there are other methods that can be beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s. Some common examples include:

  • Memory Training and Cognitive Stimulation: Brain exercises, such as memory tasks and puzzles, can help maintain certain cognitive functions. Cognitive stimulation may also include social activities that engage mental abilities.
  • Physical Activity: Regular physical activity, such as walking or light exercise, has proven beneficial for both mental and physical health. Exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep in people with Alzheimer’s.
  • Social and Emotional Support: Support from family and social circles is crucial. Social interactions and emotional support can help reduce feelings of isolation and stress, which can positively impact the progression of the disease.

Support for Caregivers

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be challenging, so support for caregivers is equally important. Support groups and counseling can provide caregivers with strategies for managing stress and better understanding the disease’s progression.

Treating Alzheimer’s involves a combination of medication and supportive interventions tailored to the individual’s needs and the stage of the disease.

Sensorem’s safety alarm has GPS positioning, medication reminders and automatic fall alarm

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people with dementia. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app. Relatives are automatically called by the personal alarm (two-way communication) if the user leaves a predetermined geographical area. The personal alarm also has medication reminders, which means that the watch emits a sound and tells the user that it is time to take their medication. The personal alarm can also alert automatically in the event of a fall with the built-in fall sensor.

 

Senior with Sensorem security alarm on the arm. The alarm works outdoors and without home service

 

READ ABOUT HOW SENSOREMS PERSONAL ALARM CAN HELP WITH DEMENTIA