Millions of Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. But the impact goes much deeper than just the patients themselves.
Alzheimer's research continues. In the meantime, the impact of the disease is powerful.
"Alzheimer's disease affects not just the patient, but the caretaker, the loved ones, the spouses and the children which causes a lot of distress and a lot of impact on the quality of life,” said Dr. Kore Liow of Castle Medical Center.
There are a number of folk remedies talked about as a cure for or preventative measure against Alzheimer's.
The jury is still out when it comes to those recommendations.
"Some doctors will actually prescribe vitamin E at high doses for patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, keep in mind that vitamin E can have interaction with other drugs, especially those taking blood thinners,” said Dr. Liow.
While there is no cure or certain prevention, there are steps to take during early stage Alzheimer's.
"Early diagnosis could give the patient and the family time to plan - look at safety issues, driving, look at financial planning, legal planning. It would also allow the doctors to look for reversible causes of dementia,” said Dr. Liow.
During early stage Alzheimer's, the patient may forget simple daily tasks.
"In later stage, about stage four and stage five, they are beginning to lose the ability to take care of themselves. However, at this stage, they still retain the ability to remember their families and important events,” said Dr. Liow.
During later stages, the patient will become withdrawn and not recognize loved ones.
Where do you go for help?
"The Alzheimer's Association, the Aloha chapter of Hawaii is a great resource. They have great programs for the caretakers, they have seminars, they do counseling for caretakers, for taking care of early stages of Alzheimer’s,” said Dr. Liow.
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