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Diseases related to Neurology affect nerves, brain and spinal cord. Any related problem can affect your daily activities, where you might have difficulty in speaking, moving, swallowing, remembering things, breathing and even learning. Alzheimer s is one such chronic neurological disease which happens due to the death of brain cells, resulting in memory loss and it generally begins slowly and becomes worse as time goes by.

When Does Alzheimer s Occur?

The Alzheimer s Disease generally occurs to people who are above 65 years old. Though neurosurgeons are not completely aware of the exact reason why this happens among people who are in their mid 60s but the assumption is that, in most of the cases, it is believed to be genetic. Other reasons which they usually come up with, after thorough research that can lead to Alzheimer s are previously suffered head injuries, depression and hypertension.

Age is a major factor, as brain cells slowly tend to die down and you are not able to remember events and happenings, that have taken place few days back but surprisingly you are able to recollect quite a number of events, which had occurred 5 or 10 years ago.

Symptoms Of Alzheimer s Disease

You could easily sense that there seems to be an onset of Alzheimer s disease among older persons, be it your father, mother, grandfather or grandfather, when there seems to be a decline in the ability to acquire knowledge about something and understanding that in a sensible manner.

We will discuss about some of the most symptoms of this disease in a detailed manner, to help you understand better and thus allow you to take necessary precautions in whatever way possible:

There is loss of ability to gather new information and remember them, which in turn leads to asking repetitive questions, personal belongings getting misplaced, forget the fact that they have had their meal.
You can also get a sense of the disease eating into the nervous system, when a person is not aware of how to manage his or her finances, not getting concerned about the safety measures while trying to carry out everyday activities and are not able to take decisions on their own.
As days go by, the disease can take such shape that you might not recognize your near and dear ones. Then you need to make them go back 10-12 years down the memory lane, narrate an incident involving the particular individuals, which would slowly allow things to settle down and help them recognize his or her brother, sister or any other relative.
Frequent mood swings, withdrawal from social circle, agitation are major symptoms of Alzheimer s disease
Stages

The progress of Alzheimer s disease can be broken down into three stages:

Preclinical i.e. before any of the symptoms occur
When mild symptoms start to show up, referred as mild cognitive impairment
Last stage is dementia, when damage is at its peak.
Treatment

There is no cure for Alzheimer s as the dead brain cells cannot be reversed.

On the 21st of the month, World Alzheimer s Day will be observed with the objective of creating a society wherein patients who suffer from Alzheimer s related dementia are treated with empathy, kindness, and respect by citizens who strive to be aware and responsible for the cause. One must, however, be well-informed about the disease and its many repercussions so as to contribute better to the overall well-being of their society.

Who are Likely to get Alzheimer s Disease?

Elderly People

It has been observed that people above the age of 65 tend to be at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer s disease or dementia. In fact, every 5 years, this risk is doubled for people who fall in this age group. While genetic factors may couple with ageing to invite the disease, it is likely that in numerous instances environmental aspects and lifestyle choices also play a big role.

Family History of Alzheimer s or Dementia

In certain families, it has been observed that dementia or Alzheimer s has been passed on from one generation to its next. This has largely to do with the genetic makeup of family members, and children of dementia patients are always at a greater risk of developing this disease. The majority of dementia cases, however, do not result from inheritance factors.

Gender

Recent studies in dementia and Alzheimer s related complications have revealed that women past the age of 60 are twice as likely to suffer from dementia as their male counterparts. In fact, the likelihood of developing Alzheimer s is understood to be greater than developing breast cancer. The precise reasons behind this are yet to be known, but medical experts feel that the loss of oestrogen hormone in women after menopause might be a contributing factor to the cause.

Poor Lifestyle Practices

Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in determining one s likelihood of developing Alzheimer s. Smoking regularly, consuming alcohol in excess amounts, and leading a sedentary life with minimum physical activity can lead to numerous debilitating health factors, one of them being dementia.

Accident or Head Injury

Individuals who might have suffered from severe head injuries tend to do serious damage to their brain. This may often turn into a cause for the onset and development of Alzheimer s disease.

Since the exact reasons behind Alzheimer s is not fully known, it is best to be prudent about one s lifestyle choices!

With a globally coordinated awareness Day and Month, it has become easier to involve governments and law-makers around the world to reflect on the seriousness of the disease, and accordingly, work towards the goal of strengthening healthcare systems in order to facilitate the demographic most susceptible to the disease.

What are the Early Signs of Alzheimer s Disease?

While mild forgetfulness might not be a cause for worry, one must remember that severe memory loss begins with this otherwise simple problem. Medical experts insist on regular check-ups even if a person might be experiencing only possible signs of Alzheimer s. This is because, by the time most diagnoses are carried out, irreparable damage brain damage has already taken place. Therefore, one must be aware of the early signs of Alzheimer s in order to protect themselves and keep their loved ones safe. Common symptoms of Alzheimer s are:

Difficulty in Remembering Things

Short-term memory is generally affected in the case of Alzheimer s, and this may lead to more severe memory loss issues in the future. If you experience increasing difficulty in remembering appointment schedules or names of new friends or acquaintances, you might want to go for a check-up before it s too late.

Problems with Ordinary Chores

When daily activities like getting dressed, using the toaster, etc. become difficult because one cannot remember how they function, it is possible that Alzheimer s is already starting to show its effects.

Difficulty in Organizing and Expressing Thoughts

One might struggle with language when Alzheimer s has set in. Vocabulary becomes an ordeal, and the affected person might find themselves describing something because they cannot find the right word for what they re trying to convey.

Losing Vision

As simple as being unable to read, vision loss may occur with the progression of Alzheimer s. This will also cause difficulty in determining colour or judging distance.

Mood Changes

The aforementioned symptoms may result in triggering personality changes and mood swings, leading to depression, anxiety, confusion, etc.

Losing Sense of Time and Place

People with Alzheimer s find it difficult to keep track of time or forget how they arrived at a place. This makes them especially vulnerable to accidents.

Even simple forgetfulness shouldn t be ignored if it persists for long. You must consult a doctor while there s still time.

The Alzheimer s Disease International (ADI) declared the annual celebration of World Alzheimer s Day on 21st September. With financial assistance from various organizations, the Alzheimer s Disease International (ADI) distributes resources around the world during this time for the purpose of organizing sensitisation drives and spreading awareness. Since every affected person might experience the disease differently, it becomes imperative to understand how the progression of Alzheimer s may occur in people. For this purpose, medical and healthcare professionals refer to the seven-stage framework.

What are the Seven Stages of Alzheimer s?

No Cognitive Decline - In this pre-diagnosis stage, no signs of impairment have manifested in the person yet.

Extremely Mild Cognitive Impairment - The affected person might manifest common symptoms of ageing like forgetfulness, and a general sense of carelessness, such as misplacing an object or forgetting where they belong.

Mild Cognitive Impairment - At this stage, forgetfulness might be aggravated and the person will find themselves losing their ability to concentrate. The person may also struggle to engage with daily household chores. This stage can in fact, last for nearly seven years before the complete onset of Alzheimer s.

Moderate Impairment - The symptoms become more evident at this stage, and the person might struggle to remember important life events, experience short-term memory loss, find difficulty in doing simple calculations, etc. The person might be in denial about these problems, and consequently, they might withdraw from social settings.

Moderately Severe Impairment - Patients might require assistance in carrying out regular activities. At this stage, they may forget how to dress or may feel confused about things all the time. Losing orientation of place and time may occur during this stage.

Severe Cognitive Impairment - At this stage, a full-time caregiver will be required for the patient. This Middle Dementia stage is characterized by a decline in speech abilities, loss of vision, drastic personality changes and mood swings, and losing the memory of friends and family members.

Very Severe Cognitive Impairment - Late-stage dementia is characterized by a complete decline in communication abilities. Memory is also impaired irrevocably, and around-the-clock assistance is necessary to help the person get through their day. Sometimes, patients may also lose their psychomotor abilities and find that they cannot walk or need help with movement.

Since Alzheimer s is a progressive disease, the condition of the patient is likely to worsen with time. Caregivers and family members must, therefore, be patient, gentle, and compassionate in their dealings with the patient.

Every year, the advent of September marks the beginning of the month-long Alzheimer s disease awareness campaign. During this month, institutions and volunteers work towards their collective mission of creating a society where misinformation about the disease is effectively battled. Since Alzheimer s can affect individuals in varying ways and degrees, it is important to known if one can take suitable measures and work towards preventing this disease.

Can Alzheimer s Disease be prevented?

While there are no scientifically proven strategies of preventing the onset of the disease, several population-oriented studies and observations have shown that pursuing a healthy lifestyle can play a big role in reducing the risk of developing the disease. In fact, it often comes as a surprise to people that simple changes in your daily routine can go a long way in shielding you from this disease, and some preventive measures are as simple as

Looking after your heart - Since cardiovascular diseases are observed to be prevalent in people who may eventually develop Alzheimer s, one can adopt measures to improve their heart health and prevent the disease. Giving up smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, opting for regular check-ups can greatly minimize the possibility of getting Alzheimer s.

Exercising Regularly - When done on a regular basis for roughly 30 minutes, aerobic exercises can go a long way in preventing, as well as slowing down the progression of Alzheimer s in people who may show symptoms, or have pre-existing conditions that make them vulnerable to the disease.

Sleeping well - A well-rested brain and an improved sleeping schedule can do wonders in preventing the disease! Getting enough sleep has been directly associated with reducing amyloid deposition in the brain. This prevents Alzheimer s, for the disease crops from the accumulation of amyloid that triggers cell degeneration in the patient s brain.

Adopting a Mediterranean Diet - Rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, whole grains, etc., a Mediterranean diet, even when followed partially, can be of immense help in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer s. In fact, it can contribute to improving cognition and overall brain functioning.

Keeping up with your body - The connection between your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels with that of developing Alzheimer s is rather strong. It is essential that the numbers are always kept in check.

Generally speaking, the consequences of subscribing to a healthy lifestyle are many, and one must not look for reasons as grave as developing Alzheimer s in order to put those running shoes to use!

World Alzheimer s Day, which falls on 21st September every year, was first celebrated in 2012 as part of the campaign launched by Alzheimer s Disease International (ADI). The organization believes that knowledge about dementia is alarmingly inadequate around the world, as a consequence of which, patients often suffer stigmatization or negligence in society. To combat misinformation, it is important to know the implications that Alzheimer s has for patients.

What Causes Alzheimer s Disease?

Considered the most common reason behind the onset of dementia, Alzheimer s disease triggers the degeneration of brain cells, and as a progressive disorder, it has the potential to cause severe memory impairment and subsequent loss of social and behavioural skills. The most common causes of Alzheimer s disease are

Family History - The genes that have been passed on to you by your family can contribute to the overall risk of developing the disease, especially if dementia has previously featured in the family tree. It is best to consult a doctor and seek genetic counselling for reducing your chances of developing Alzheimer s.

Cardiovascular Diseases - Several studies have established links between cardiovascular diseases and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer s, especially in cases wherein diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and obesity tend to feature. Making better lifestyle choices goes a long way in keeping serious diseases at bay.

Down s Syndrome - The genetic factor that results in Down Syndrome has an important hand to play when it comes to triggering Alzheimer s, for it causes a gradual and sustained build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain and may cause irreversible memory impairment to the person who already has Down s Syndrome.

Age - Age is possibly the most important factor for charting the development of Alzheimer s in people. People above 65 years of age are at a doubled risk of developing Alzheimer s, but this doesn t mean that younger people possess no risk. Every one person out of twenty with Alzheimer s tends to be under 65 years old. Young or early-onset Alzheimer s is as much serious and severe as late-onset Alzheimer s.

Head Injury - People who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury tend to be at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer s, although the research establishing the connection between the two factors is still ongoing.

For reducing the possibility of developing Alzheimer s disease one has to subscribe to a lifestyle motivated by healthy living habits. Opt for regular testing and check-ups as you grow older, especially if Alzheimer s disease tends to run in the family.

Aging comes with many health problems including mild hearing loss. Usually, this mild hearing loss does not come alone. According to medical studies, adults, particularly males with hearing loss, mild or severe, are at a higher risk of developing Dementia and Alzheimer s disease. The risk increases as the hearing loss worsen. People with mild hearing loss are at twice the risk of developing dementia compared to people with normal hearing.

Dementia is a group of symptoms and diseases that affects the thinking, memory and social abilities that interfere with the daily functioning of an individual. However, memory loss alone does not mean that one has Dementia. Out of the many causes, Alzheimer s disease is usually the cause of Dementia. Alzheimer s disease is a progressive disease that affects the brain cells to degenerate and dies, destroying memory and other mental functions.

How Hearing Loss Causes Alzheimer s?

According to medical studies, hearing loss causes several brain changes which increase the risk of developing Dementia. Hearing loss can lead to brain shrinkage, the process in which the section of the brain responsible for hearing becomes inactive. This condition leads to loss of tissues and alterations in the brain structure, developing as the first connection between hearing loss and Alzheimer s. Studies show that the brain of people shrinks more quickly who have hearing loss as compared to the brain of an individual with normal hearing.

The second link created with an overwhelmed or overloaded brain. In hearing loss, the brain works overtime in understanding what others are saying. When the brain strains too much only for hearing every time and every day, it exhausts an individual s mental energy and snatches the brainpower required for other important mental functions, such as thinking, remembering and acting. This can further lead to Dementia, Alzheimer s and other mental disorders.

Hearing Aids to prevent Dementia and Alzheimer s

According to various studies, hearing aids are not only helpful in improving one s hearing but they can also preserve an individual s mental and emotional health. Early diagnosis and treatment of a possible hearing loss help reduce risks later in life.

At times, the symptoms of undiagnosed hearing loss are mistaken with the symptoms of Alzheimer s. Hearing impairment makes it challenging for an individual to listen and respond to verbal signs. It increases the feeling of confusion, paranoia, and isolation.

Hearing aids can relieve the symptoms of Alzheimer s. According to a study hearing aids slow down the rate of memory loss and improve an individual s quality of life.

Takeaway

Adults, especially males with hearing loss have a greater tendency of developing Dementia and Alzheimer s. Hearing loss causes brain to overwork leading to the loss of important mental functions. Hearing impairment can worsen the symptoms of Dementia and Alzheimer s.

Hearing aids do help in improving the condition and symptoms of Alzheimer s and improve one s quality of life. A timely diagnosis can make a big difference.

Nephrotic syndrome is a type of kidney disorder wherein, the body passes out excess amount of proteins through urine, owing to the damage caused to the tiny clusters of blood vessels in the kidneys. The symptoms include putting on excessive weight as a result of fluid retention, foamy urine and severe swelling around the region of the feet, ankles and eyes.

Common causes behind it:

Minimal change disease (also known as nil disease) leads to the abnormal functioning of the kidneys
Excess deposit of amyloid proteins in the organs, thus taking a toll on the filter mechanism of the kidneys.
Diabetes affecting the glomeruli (capillaries present in the nephrons of the kidneys).
Systemic lupus erythematous causing chronic swelling of your kidney.
Membranous nephropathy wherein the membranes in your glomeruli thicken.
Infections such as malaria, hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV.
Medications to combat infections and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Treatment Available:

Kidney Biopsy is an essential part of disease assessment.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors bring down blood pressure levels as well as the amount of protein discharged from the urine.
Water pills help control sweating, thus, increasing the fluid flushed from the kidneys.
Statins reduce cholesterol levels.
Blood thinners such as anticoagulants lower the risk of blood clots.
Corticosteroids regulate the immune system and ease the inflammation that results from kidney disorders.
Incorporating certain lifestyle changes such as opting for lean proteins, cutting on the intake of fat in the diet and consuming lesser amounts of salt can treat inflammation and swelling.

Nephrotic is a kidney dysfunction in which a person releases a huge amount of protein while urinating. This happens because of damaged blood vessels in the kidney which cannot properly filter water.

There are many treatments available for Nephrotic Syndrome. However, over the years, Homeopathy has shown greater results in the treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome. Homeopathy treats without affecting the kidneys and other organs. It cures Nephrotic Syndrome by reducing the symptoms of the disease.

Causes of Nephrotic Syndrome:

A cluster of tiny blood vessels in the kidney is called glomeruli. When the glomeruli are damaged, it can cause Nephrotic Syndrome.

Glomeruli helps in filtering the blood that passes through the kidney and separates the things body needs. Proper functioning of glomeruli vessel is to store the blood protein. This helps to maintain the correct measure of fluid in the body without letting it pass through the urine. Whereas a dysfunctional glomeruli vessel lets pass excessive blood protein through urine. This dysfunction of glomeruli causes Nephrotic Syndrome.

Health Risk Due to Nephrotic Syndrome:

There is a major health risk for a person who has Nephrotic Syndrome. Some of the health risks include:

Kidney Damage: With a damaged glomerulus, the risk of kidney damage increases by manifolds. Kidney becomes prone to diseases like lupus, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

Insufficient Protein: Due to the excess flow of protein through the urine, it gets hard for the body to maintain a sufficient amount of protein in the body. Lack of protein can lead to weight loss, reduction of blood cells, and deficiency of vitamins.

Blood clots: Loss of blood protein increases the risk of forming blood clots inside the body. These blood clots are also known as thrombus.

Infection: A person suffering from Nephrotic Syndrome is highly prone to developing an infection.

High Blood Pressure: Due to an improper filter of glomeruli, a lot of waste keeps running in the bloodstream. This waste can be a major reason which can cause high blood pressure.

Homeopathic Treatment for Nephrotic Syndrome:

Homeopathic treatment is very effective for people with Nephrotic Syndrome. The first aim of this treatment is to reduce the disease. It controls the excess leakage of protein through homeopathic medicines. It increases immunity as patients with this syndrome are prone to infection. So, by increasing the immunity, chances of getting cold, throat infection, etc. are reduced.

Duration of treatment varies from patient to patient. It depends upon the severity of the disease. It also depends upon factors such as:

Immune system

Other medical conditions

General overall health

Duration of Nephrotic Syndrome

Cause of Nephrotic Syndrome

Homeopathic treatment medicines are based on the guidelines which concentrate on improving the immunity of a person. It tries to reduce the dependency on steroids, which are harmful in the long run. These homeopathic medicines aim to repair the damaged glomeruli vessels. These methods are clinically proven.

Conclusion:

Homeopathy does work in this type of disease. However, it is always advisable to consult a Homeopathy specialist before opting for any Homeopathy medicines and remedies.

Are you experiencing memory loss? Your memory changes often as you grow, but memory loss which causes disruption of your daily life is not a part of ageing. It may be a symptom of Alzheimer s disease, which is the most common type of dementia. Dementia refers to a slow decline in your memory, thinking, judgement and reasoning skills.

Alzheimer s is a fatal disorder, which may result in the loss of brain function. It may be hard to differentiate between the symptoms of Alzheimer s disease and normal age-related changes. For proper identification of symptoms associated with Alzheimer s disease, you should know about the warning signs. They are as follows:

Memory loss which disrupts daily life: Forgetting of information learnt recently is a common sign of Alzheimer disease, especially in the early stage. Forgetting important events or dates and asking for something over and over are also likely signs.
Difficulty in planning and solving problems: Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow any plan or work associated with numbers. Trouble regarding keeping track of bills and following a particular recipe are common examples. A person may also face problems with concentration.
Difficulty in completing familiar tasks: Another warning sign of Alzheimer s disease is when a person cannot complete simple and familiar daily tasks. Problems like driving to a known location, remembering the rules of a game or managing budget are likely.
Confusion regarding time or place: People with Alzheimer s disease may lose track of seasons, dates and the passage of time. They may not understand situations when they do not happen immediately.
Problems in understanding visual images: Vision problems may be an indication of Alzheimer s in some people. Difficulty in reading, judgement of distance and the determination of color may occur which cause problems during driving.
Problems in speaking or writing: Another sign of Alzheimer s disease is when a person has problems in following or joining a conversation. They may pause while conversing and have no idea about how to continue with it. Problems with vocabulary, finding proper words and calling things by a wrong name are more warning symptoms.
Misplacing stuff and being unable to retrace steps: A person with Alzheimer s may develop a tendency of keeping things in unusual places. They end up losing the things as they cannot go back and retrace where they kept something. They may also accuse people of stealing their things.
Decreased sense of judgement: Another important warning sign of Alzheimer s disease is a decreased sense of judgement. Changes in decision making and judgement are likely to develop in a person.