What is dementia? It?s not a disease itself, but is rather a term used to describe memory loss and problems with thinking that are severe enough to have an impact on your day-to-day life.
Dementia encompasses several different conditions. The most common form, which affects up to 80 percent of people with dementia, is Alzheimer?s disease. In Alzheimer?s, abnormal proteins called beta-amyloid and tau build up in the brain and destroy nerve cells, leading to memory loss, loss of judgment, and other symptoms of the condition.
Vascular dementia stems from blocked or bleeding blood vessels in the brain, which can be due to a stroke. A lack of blood flow eventually damages brain cells.
What is dementia with Lewy bodies? It begins when a protein called alpha-synuclein clumps together in the brain and causes damage. When the different forms of dementia occur together, they are called mixed dementia.
No single test can determine with any certainty whether someone has dementia. Diagnosis involves several different examinations and tests, including a health history, physical exam, neurological tests, brain imaging, blood tests, and tests of mental status.
While there currently is no cure for Alzheimer?s or other forms of dementia, treatments can address symptoms and help people live better with the disease. Some drugs target the irritability and moodiness that can accompany dementia. Other medicines improve sleep, which becomes more difficult as dementia progresses. Two types of drugs?cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne) and memantine (Namenda)?can slow memory loss from Alzheimer?s disease, although they can?t halt it entirely.
Researchers are currently trying to develop drugs that will prevent the damaging proteins that cause dementia from forming, or clear up proteins that have already formed. These and other therapies offer hope for a more effective dementia treatment, or one day, a cure.
Fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains and low-fat/fat-free dairy products, are cornerstones of the heart- and blood-pressure-friendly DASH diet. Not only are they generally low in sodium, but many of them are good sources of other nutrients that are associated with lower blood pressure:
The sensation of twitching while sleeping is a common occurrence, but many people who experience sudden but brief muscle movements at night aren’t even aware that they’re happening. Sometimes, however, the twitching or jerking of your hand or foot—a condition known as sleep myoclonus—is enough to … Read More
The Glycemic Index (GI) is a rating system that measures how much a carbohydrate-containing food raises your blood-sugar levels. The lower a food is on the GI, the lower the effect on your blood sugar. Low-glycemic foods also can reduce your risk … Read More
Alternative treatment options can be a good adjunct to medication when it comes to managing arthritis symptoms. Some of the options address physical causes of pain, but don’t forget that chronic pain is complicated.
In arthritis, tissue inflammation, bone erosion, and nerve impingement can combine to “rewire” your nervous system, making … Read More
Have you ever been warned that you should cut bread out of your diet because it's full of carbohydrates, makes you gain weight, and is bad for your health? If you’re a bread lover, sourdough bread may be a great option.
Sourdough bread's health benefits make it an … Read More
Close your eyes and sit up straight. Take a deep breath while you count to five, then count to five again as you exhale. Go ahead and try it right now for six breaths. It feels good, doesn’t it? Here’s what happens when you do easy breathing exercises:
There are several reasons why certain foods are good for your cholesterol and your heart health. Some have direct effects on reducing LDL and/or triglycerides. Others are more filling and, if they’re low in calories, will help with weight loss. Plus, by filling up on these healthier options, you’re not … Read More
The “abs” get most of the attention in advertisements for strength devices, and a big waist is something almost everyone tries to avoid. But the first sign of weak core muscles is poor posture—both standing and sitting. Other signs are back pain and muscle weakness.
The American Physical Therapy Association … Read More
SIBO treatment (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) is often needed for many people with chronic gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. (Find a full discussion of SIBO symptoms by clicking here.)
An increasingly recognized problem, SIBO occurs when bacteria that normally occupy the colon migrate to the Read More
As someone who’s had five surgeries in the past six years (a result of my hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), I know a thing or two about scars—namely, that they can be an eyesore. For years, I’ve struggled to find a scar treatment that works to minimize … Read More
