Alzheimer's disease degrades a person's memory and cognitive abilities. Although there is no cure, there are ways to help patients retain their mental abilities for a longer period of time. Here are five innovative methods of treating Alzheimer's disease and delaying its progress.
1. Mind Exercises Studies have shown that exercising the mind on regular basis slows Alzheimer's disease significantly, especially later in life. Alzheimer's progresses faster and does more extensive damage when the patient's mind is inactive. To prevent this damage, patients should stay involved in the activities and hobbies they love. They should also participate in activities that challenge the mind and involve strategy, problem solving and memorization. Puzzles, word games, memorizations, journaling and playing musical instruments all help keep the mind active and help preserve the ability to form memories.
2. Brain-healthy Diets Inflammation within the brain can damage neurons and brain cells, preventing them from communicating and functioning properly. Some studies show that there is a link between a poor diet and declining cognitive abilities, and that a Mediterranean diet can help fight Alzheimer's disease. The Mediterranean diet is low in meat and dairy and high in whole grains, vegetables, fish, olive oil and beans. Other nutrients that support brain health are vitamin B-12, vitamin D, magnesium, beta-carotene, anti-oxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers theorize that these nutrients can reduce inflammation as well as the beta-amyloid plagues that disrupt the brain's signaling system.
3. Physical Exercise Physical exercise can keep the brain healthy by improving blood circulation. When the blood circulates well, it delivers the oxygen, minerals and vitamins to the brain and helps it stay active. Studies by the Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation show that physical exercise helps the brain preserve memories and develop new ones. Additionally, group exercise provides social stimulation and interaction that can also ward off the damage from Alzheimer's.
4. Therapeutic Massage Studies have proved that massage therapy and therapeutic touch are both effective ways to re-balance a person's energy field. Imbalances often make patients agitated and disruptive, especially in the later stages of Alzheimer's. Therapeutic touch consists of holding one's hands close to the affected person without actual physical contact. This action corrects the energy imbalance and provides a calming effect. Therapeutic touch has also been found to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, thus leaving the person calmer and in a more stable mood.
5. Supplements As researchers work on cures for Alzheimer's disease, they often discover that certain substances can slow the disease's progress. These include food supplements and herbs that boost memory and brain power. Some have shown promise in delaying the disease's long-term effects, such as
phosphatidylserine, a fatty substance produced in the body that covers and protects every cell in the body and is involved in the clotting function of the body. It's particularly vital for the proper functioning of nerve cells within the brain, helping to transmit messages between them.
X Gold Health offers a 2-in-1 brain supplement combining phosphatidylserine and bacopa monnieri, to help heighten memorization, support cognitive function, and improve communication among neurons
Alzheimer's disease may be irreversible, but the above treatments clearly show that it's possible to substantially delay its long-term effects and implementing these therapies soon after diagnosis provides the best chance for them to have an impact. If a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, start these therapies as soon as possible to maximize their effect and to slow the process of this devastating disease.
