[ad_1]
How do the experts evaluate the initiative of relatives and caregivers of the Leipzig Alzheimer patient, Fritz Will? In an interview with LVZ.de, Andreas Papassotiropoulos, Professor of Molecular Neuroscience at the University of Basel, discusses the opportunities and risks of exercise therapy as well as current developments in research on HIV / AIDS. Alzheimer's
Want to stay on the saddle of a trotting horse for a few seconds, or for a short time?
Although Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive disease, not all parts of the brain are affected in the same way. First, the brain regions responsible for our conscious short-term memory, such as the temporal lobe and the hippocampus, are affected. The movements learned as in the case of Fritz Will are stored in other areas of the brain; approximately in the cerebellum, which is affected late in the course of AD and mild. With sufficient encouragement and adequate motivation, these movements can be reactivated. It is important to know that the cerebellum is directly related to brain structures that are important to our emotional world. Thus, when enjoyable activities associated with positive emotions – in the case of Fritz Will, gymnastics and riding – are resumed, this leads to simultaneous activation of these brain structures and subsequently to feelings such as joy and familiarity. In other words, Fritz Will feels comfortable to resume physical activity that has played a major role in his life and is positively affected.
How do you evaluate the movement therapy approach that parents have chosen for Fritz Will? 19659003] Unfortunately, with the increase in dementia, the ability to move steadily decreases. This treatment approach serves to prevent imminent immobility as possible. This is indeed very important, although sometimes expensive, as in the case of Fritz Will can be seen. It is important that the movement be done in a way that is not perceived by patients as stress. In addition, some movements can be painful in old age. Since patients often can not communicate adequately, special care is needed here. It is therefore always important to find the right form of movement without stress and pain for each patient.
What explains the significant increase in Alzheimer's disease over the last 15 or 20 years?
The most important This is due to the significant increase in average life expectancy over the past few decades. In simple terms, we are getting older and getting older. Since the risk of developing AD increases with age, it is inevitable that we notice this increase. In addition, because of the increased sensitivity of the subject and improved diagnostic methods, more and more diagnoses of AD are in progress
When is medicine in touch with Alzheimer's disease?
It is a very complex brain disease. , which has neurological and psychiatric symptoms and is also progressive. Current therapeutic approaches are only able to alleviate symptoms, but change little in their evolution. To control Alzheimer's disease, one should develop causal therapies that significantly slow down the disease or, ideally, stop it altogether. Although much research has been done for decades, the search for causal therapy is difficult because the causes of AD development are diverse and complex. Therefore, predicting when we finally have mastered this disease would be questionable. I hope that I will be able to experience this
What about the development of appropriate drugs?
Up to now, all approaches to developing a causal therapy have unfortunately failed. However, there are still some substances – antibodies against an endogenous toxic protein – in the race, which are in test phase. For one of these antibodies, we will know in two years time it will be effective because then two large scale clinical trials will show their results. You can be curious. In addition, it has recently become clear that a combination of different drugs – and not monotherapy – will probably be needed to combat the disease.
What signs usually indicate the onset of Alzheimer's disease? Dementia
Classically, the disease begins with increasing problems of short-term memory and spatial orientation. Other symptoms, such as speech disorders and behavioral problems may be present or may occur individually. In general, the clinical picture of the incipient disease is quite diverse and no symptoms can be used as evidence.
What should parents do then?
An open approach to anxiety and anxiety is central. In case of suspicion, patients should contact a specialized external memory clinic to initiate appropriate diagnostic procedures. As before, AD is a so-called exclusion diagnosis. This means that other diseases such as depression, metabolic disorders, circulatory disorders of the brain should be excluded before the diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's dementia can be made. And indeed, AD is not always responsible for memory problems in the elderly. Completely similar symptoms may be caused, for example, by depressive illness. And it's very treatable.
By Dominic Welters
Source link
