Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects at least 5 million Americans and many others around the world. It is a common form of dementia characterized by memory loss. There is no known cure for Alzheimer's, but new research on epilepsy has revealed a startling potential treatment for the neural disorder.
History
Alzheimer's disease was first documented by Alois Alzheimer in 1906. However, after the original diagnosis, little progress was made on treating the disease for the next 85 years. Most of what the scientific and medical communities know about Alzheimer's has been discovered in just the last 15 years.
Significance
Dementia is a general term used to describe memory loss and the deterioration of reasoning and intellectual abilities, to the point where the problem interferes with daily life. When the cells in the brain lose the ability to communicate with each other and the rest of the body, this can lead to Alzheimer's disease.
Misconceptions
Many people think that memory loss and the slowing of motor functions and reasoning abilities is a natural part of aging. While minor memory loss may be acceptable, serious trouble recalling names, familiar faces or recent events can be a sign of serious neural difficulties that are not normal. If left untreated, these issues can lead to major behavioral disorders that can prevent the Alzheimer's patient from living a normal, happy life.
Prevention/Solution
There is no documented cure for Alzheimer's disease. Some scientists believe that essential nutrients like omega 3 fatty acids can help shield the brain from this disorder, but this has not been proven. Others believe that by constantly learning new things, you can give your brain cells "alternate routes" for communication when the original pathways start to deteriorate. However, none of this is conclusive. One of the most recent discoveries about Alzheimer's is exciting: Research appears to indicate that epilepsy drugs may alleviate, and even eliminate, some of the most problematic symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Theories/Speculation
While epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease are not necessarily linked, they are both neural disorders. Several drugs that are commonly used to treat people who have epileptic seizures--carbamazepine and similar anti-seizure medications--appear to dramatically reduce aggressive and violent episodes in patients with advanced Alzheimer's. Because Alzheimer's disease actually kills brain cells over time, patients can become increasingly disoriented and frightened, which turns into a cycle of agitation and violence. The drugs appear to calm and even reorient the patients to some degree, which makes them far easier to care for.
Warning
Alzheimer's disease is very difficult to understand and treat. If you or a loved one is already being treated for the disease, then you should never alter any medication without consulting a physician.
Tags: Alzheimer disease, memory loss, about Alzheimer, believe that, brain cells