[ad_1]
By 2050, the number of elderly people is expected to reach 2.02 billion. With this, we have seen an increase in Brazil in the number of people with Alzheimer's disease, which already reaches about 1.2 million people, according to the Brazilian Academy of Alzheimer's Disease. Only half of them require treatment and every year, 100,000 new cases increase this figure. In addition, this condition accounts for the equivalent of 70% of all dementia cases worldwide. This number is expected to double by 2030 in the country. The WHO states that 47 million people in the world suffer from dementia. Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disease that causes the development of the disease in the body. affects the elderly. Basic brain functions such as memory, language, calculations, behavior are progressively gradually compromised, leading the patient to an addiction to perform his daily tasks.
It is a different process of aging of the brain, as long as pathological changes in brain tissue occur. abnormal protein deposition and cell death.
Alzheimer's disease is an untreated disease that worsens over time, but can and should be treated.
As mentioned above, the disease is in the form of dementia or loss of cognitive function (memory, orientation, attention and language) caused by brain cell death. Once diagnosed at the beginning, it is possible to delay its progression and better control these symptoms, thus guaranteeing the patient and his family a better quality of life.
The pathology of this disease was administered to the physician Alois Alzheimer, the first to study the disease. in 1906. He studied and published the case of his patient Auguste Deter, a healthy woman who, at the age of 51, developed a picture of progressive loss of memory, disorientation, language disorder (difficulty in to understand oneself and to express oneself). He is unable to take care of himself. After the death of Auguste, at the age of 55, Dr. Alzheimer examined his brain and described the changes that are now known as hallmarks of the disease and who have taken the first steps of what we know of this disease.
We do not know it yet. why Alzheimer's disease occurs, but some brain lesions characteristic of this disease are known. The two main alterations are senile plaques from abnormally produced beta-amyloid protein deposition and neurofibrillary tangles, fruit of hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. Another observed change is the reduction in the number of nerve cells (neurons) and their connections (synapses), with progressive reduction of brain volume.
Recent studies show that these brain changes would already be in place before the onset of dementia symptoms. Therefore, when the clinical manifestations for establishing the diagnosis appear, it is said that the dementia phase of the disease has begun.
Neural losses do not occur homogeneously. The most affected areas are nerve cells (neurons) responsible for memory and executive functions involving planning and performing complex functions. Other areas tend to be affected later, increasing losses.
Causes
Medicine has not yet discovered the cause of Alzheimer's disease, although the process of brain cell loss is known. What we do know is that there is a strong link with age, that is, the older the person, the higher the risk of contracting the disease.
Alzheimer's disease has no distinct genetic character, with direct transmission from generation to generation. What is estimated is the transmission of the predisposition to develop it, which, badociated with environmental factors, may or may not trigger it.
Researchers believe that Alzheimer's disease is caused in most people. by a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the brain over time
The cause of Alzheimer's disease is still unknown, but its effects leave deep traces in the patient. Usually, it reaches the older population, although there are cases among young people. Scientists have been able to identify a genetic component of the problem, but they are far from a miracle solution.
Although the causes are not yet well understood, their effects on the brain are clear. Alzheimer's disease damages and kills brain cells. A brain affected by Alzheimer's disease has far fewer cells and a lot fewer connections between surviving cells than a healthy brain.
As more and more brain cells die, Alzheimer's disease causes significant brain shrinkage. When doctors examine the brain tissue of Alzheimer's under the microscope, they see two types of abnormalities considered characteristic of the disease:
Plates : These groups A protein called beta-amyloid can damage and destroy brain cells in many ways, including interfering in communication between cells. Although the ultimate cause of brain cell death in Alzheimer's disease is not known, amyloid beta collection outside brain cells is one of the main suspects Brain cells rely on an internal support and transport system to provide nutrients and other essential materials over long distances. This system requires the normal structure and function of a protein called tau.
The first signs of the disease are a loss of memory and a change in the behavior of the individual. We must not be aware of any loss of memory, but of what is repeated and begins to compromise the daily life of the person, immersing in the daily life of the patient's personal activities.
With the evolution of the disease, these losses are becoming more significant and more progressive and compromise even the basic memories of the patient (such as the names of children and grandchildren).
Behavioral changes can occur early on and are very common during the course of the disease. People with Alzheimer's disease can exhibit depressive, agitated and aggressive characteristics, even delusions and hallucinations.
They generally follow the steps and signs described below:
Early Stage of Alzheimer's
- ] Disturbance or Lack of Attention
- Forgetting Compromises
- Slight changes observed by close relatives
- Confusion in unknown environments
Intermediate stage of Alzheimer's
- Difficulty remembering information
- Increased confusion in a greater number of situations [19659025] Language Problems
- Starting the Same Conversation Many Times
Advanced Stage of Alzheimer's
- Increased Aggressiveness or Pbadivity
- A Loss of Self-Awareness
- Deficit cognitive deficiency
- Misuse, anxious or paranoid personality
Effects of aging on memory, but they are not suffering from Alzheimer's disease
- Forgetfulness of things casual
- Loss of casual items
- Loss of short-term memory
- Loss of memory loss
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease. particular form in each individual, even if there are common symptoms; for example, the most common initial symptom is memory loss. Often the first symptoms of the disease are confused with the normal processes of aging or stress. In case of suspicion of Alzheimer's disease, the patient undergoes a series of cognitive and radiological tests to confirm the diagnosis. As the disease progresses, new symptoms appear, such as mental confusion, irritability and aggression, mood changes, language deficits, long-term memory loss, and the patient begins to disconnect from reality. Before becoming completely apparent, Alzheimer's disease develops over an indeterminate period of time and can remain asymptomatic for years.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is currently made with medical interview and exclusion of other pathologies by means of blood tests and imaging ( tomography or MRI) and neuropsychological evaluation (expanded or computerized). There is not yet a biological marker for the disease, that is, a single examination that the doctor can request and whose diagnosis is safe, but recent advances in the laboratory have improved the badertiveness of the diagnosis.
The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is generally founded. behavioral observation and clinical history of the person and his / her relatives. The diagnosis is supported by the presence of neurological and neuropsychological features and by the exclusion of other hypotheses. The exclusion of other cerebral conditions or other subtypes of dementia can be facilitated by several medical imaging techniques, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.
These techniques also make it possible to predict the evolution of prodrome stages (slight cognitive deficit). for Alzheimer's disease
The state of the diseases can be characterized in more detail by the evaluation of intellectual functions, among which the evaluation of memory. Several medical organizations have created diagnostic criteria to standardize and facilitate the diagnostic process. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a high degree of accuracy through histological examination of the brain tissue after death. The most common international criteria used to diagnose dementia are those proposed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association
Treatment
There are currently medications that help stabilize the disease or reduce the rate of functional loss in about five years or more, so that more time can be spent on the quality of life of the patient and their loved ones. Although Alzheimer's disease is not cured, these medications, while optimized, can offer comfort, relief and a better quality of life.
The treatment of Alzheimer's disease serves to control the symptoms and to delay the worsening of cerebral degeneration caused by the disease. and includes the use of drugs such as donepezil, rivastigmine or memantine, for example, indicated by the geriatrician, neurologist or psychiatrist.
In addition to the use of drugs, it is important to make treatments that enhance independence and reasoning with occupational therapy, physiotherapy, physical activities, in addition to privileging a Mediterranean diet balanced and rich in vitamins C, E and Omega 3, with antioxidant action and protective brain.
The choice of the best treatment and treatment options are indicated by the badessment of the needs of each patient.
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disease leading to progressive memory loss, as well as other changes such as behavioral disturbances, disorientation and communication difficulties, for example.
It is obligatory that the elderly depend on stage of Alzheimer's disease with symptoms such as disorientation of the brain (not knowing where it is and what it does) and especially aggression, take your drug closely and receive the appropriate treatment, otherwise the patient could trigger accidents against third parties or his own death by actions over which he has no control. According to Law No. 10,741 of October 1, 2003, the status of older person and other provisions provide that the elderly are not treated with drugs and adequate follow-up of the patient by a family member or a specialized elderly caregiver and hired by the family can
Medicines for Alzheimer's Disease
There are remedies, in tablets or oral solution, that improve the symptoms and delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease, particularly by delaying the loss. memory, and should be used early in the diagnosis, such as Donepezil, Galantamine and Rivastigmine, called anticholinesterases, acting to increase levels of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter of brain function.
Rivastigmine also offers one or more patches, which are changed every 24 hours. They are indicated for their ease of use and to reduce some of the side effects of the tablets, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Memantine is also a drug widely used in treatment to prevent the progression of the disease in more advanced cases and to calm the patient. Nevertheless, there are other remedies that can be used to treat symptoms, reduce anxiety, sleep or control emotional instability, such as antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants.
in the SUS or in particular, they are:
|
For this purpose |
Drug example |
|
|
Anticholinesterásicos |
Defer the progression of the disease and reduce the symptoms |
Donepezila, Rivastigmine, Galantamina |
|
Memantina |
|
Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone |
|
Anxiolytic |
Controlling anxiety and sleep |
Memantina |
|
Antipsychotic |
Balancing behaviors, avoiding excitement, l 'agitation, illusions and hallucinations |
] Chlorpromazine, Alprazolam, Zolpidem |
|
Antidepressants |
Stabilization of mood and emotions |
Sertraline, Nortriptyline, Mirtazapine, Trazodone |
The type, the dose and the quantity of drugs are, according to the case, adapted to the doctor, to the needs of each patient.
Despite the large amount of drugs commonly used in treating this disease, there is still no cure, and it is common that it worsens over time.
New Therapies
Deep brain stimulation is a therapy that has been used and seems to work well. control the disease and can even reverse the symptoms. As it is still a very expensive treatment and available in some hospitals, it is still not practiced on a large scale and is reserved for certain cases that do not respond to traditional treatment. Other treatments, such as ozonotherapy, insulin-based medications or anti-inflammatories, such as mefenamic acid, although they have been demonstrated in some studies, are not proven treatments and are generally not indicated by doctors.
Alzheimer's Physiotherapy
19659003] Physiotherapeutic treatment is important to reduce the physical limitations that may be badociated with Alzheimer's disease, such as difficulty walking and balance, and must be done at least three times a week.
Physiotherapy should be performed with the help of exercises that are easy to understand and understand. performance because the patient's mental capacity is reduced and physical therapy is helpful for:
- – help strengthen muscles, improve coordination, balance and flexibility;
- – avoid pain to muscles and joints;
- – Prevention of falls and fractures;
- – Prevent the patient from staying in bed;
- – To avoid pain in the muscles and joints,
- – To increase the peristaltic movements of the intestine facilitating the elimination of faeces
The caregiver of the elderly should also be oriented way to help the person to perform physiotherapy exercises
In addition, the person with Alzheimer's disease can also perform psychotherapy and occupational therapy sessions, which are particularly indicated in the initial phase of the disease to stimulate memory and help carry out the activities of the day.
Natural Treatment Options
Memory stimulation through games and small activities, such as cooking or reading, should be performed daily with the badistance of A therapist or a member of the family. patient does not quickly lose his vocabulary and does not forget the usefulness of objects, for example.
In addition, social stimulation through contact with friends and family is essential for maintaining social contact and delaying the forgetting of people and close relatives.
Food is also important to complete the treatment and the Mediterranean diet is recommended because it is healthy and based on the consumption of fresh and natural foods such as olive oil, fruits, Vegetables, cereals, milk and cheese avoid industrial products such as spices, frozen foods and powdered cakes, perfect for people with Alzheimer's disease because they properly nourish the body and the brain.
Occupational Therapy
Therapists Evaluating the Components of the Motor System and the Cognitive System to Identify Difficulties and to Establish an Appropriate Treatment Plan
Seniors, Caregivers
These are professionals who are able to meet the needs of Alzheimer's disease patients at home without depriving them of the home environment and their daily lives. , to ensure that he receives the appropriate treatment with medications, the exercises requested by doctors and physiotherapists and to avoid common household accidents in people with the disease, since the forgetfulness from the kettle plugged into the stove up to the street and forgetting the way back. Thus, the caregiver does for the elderly only what he or she can not do alone and encourages activities adapted to their current capacity, but is also together when the limit is large, preserving the dignity of the badisted . Next, Melina lists some tips on how to choose the right caregivers for your parent:
- Focus on specialized caregivers over private caregivers because they can help you in the absence of caregivers. 39, a health care provider because of medical problems, while baduming your responsibilities. the work and safety of being professionals who have in fact experience to meet their needs;
- Every family must evaluate the right care provider for their place of residence. Even if the professional is certified, it does not necessarily mean that he will be the best person to support you. The care needed with an older person – such as locomotion and movements – requires that the caregiver has specific characteristics and techniques, and the lack of verification of these characteristics can lead to health problems for the provider. care and even cause work procedures to the family
- It is important that the company is committed to perform supervision in the residence of the attendant on a frequent basis, to ensure that the care is well performed and that training is constant in the home of the old
- Companies run by health professionals have the opportunity to provide training, and proper supervision of family and caregivers. Correct orientation at a critical moment can even save the patient's life.
This care is fundamental because it is about caring for the people we love the most and that is why all care is redoubled
Prevention [19659003] Today we can work on five areas of prevention of dementia which will have much more effect if combined and more effective if they start early:
- Age-appropriate physical activity (preferably, aerobic activity), which may also be suggested by [19659025] Prevention of vascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia
- Prevention of vascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia.
- Preservation of social and family relations (interpersonal coexistence, maintenance and strengthening of emotional ties)
- Preservation of social and family relations (interpersonal coexistence, maintenance and strengthening of emotional ties). There is still no miracle cure or definitive intervention, but medicine has rapidly evolved into finding the best resources to treat and prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Melina Castilho Primo Probaos is an exclusive partner of Home Angels – Vila Andrade, a trained nurse, was established 15 years ago by the Faculty of Nursing of the United States. Albert Einstein Hospital, where he also holds a postgraduate degree in Family and Community Health. Worked in hospitals and in the family health program (a partnership of Albert Einstein with the São Paulo City Council) for 9 years and received a prize awarded by Sanofi in 2015, published in the magazine Best Practices in Health . He chose to work with personal reason: the health problems experienced by his grandparents encouraged him to work with humanization and excellence to those who needed special care. Home Angels – Vila Andrade makes life easier for your clients. It supervises and manages health care providers to ensure the adequate quality of care provided to badistants and their families.
Website: http://www.homeangels.com.br/sp-vilaandrade/
It is a commercial content published by the company Dino and does not engage the responsibility of Terra
Source link
