- Introduction
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Prevention
-
Caregiving
- Coping with Emotional Changes
- Coping with Memory Loss
- Costs and Insurance
- Creating a Daily Routine
- Exercise
- Health and Wellbeing of the Caregiver
- Home Safety Adjustments
- Mental Exercises
- Respite Care
- Talking to Children about Alzheimer's
- Talking to Friends about Alzheimer's
- Telling Someone They Have Alzheimer's
- Transition to Assisted Living
- Transition to Nursing Home
- Work
- Related Conditions
- Resources
Q: WHAT CAN BE DONE TO DECREASE AND PROLONG SYPTOMS OF MY FATHER THAT HAS JUST BEEN DIAGNOISED WITH EARLY STAGES OF DEMENTIA
Hi Dave,
His doctor is the best resource for his particular needs. There are medications that help stave off the worst symptoms for a time. They don't help everyone, but they do help some people. Other than that, everything your father can do to increase his general health through exercise and diet should be done. Pumping oxygen to the brain is important. Keeping cholesterol in check is thought to be important. Challenging his mind with NEW things can be good. Whatever he does - every challenges himself to use his non-dominate hand to brush his teeth - will be good for his brain. Computer games, reading, board games that require strategy - these can all challenge his brain, which may help him stay sharper longer. There is no cure, unfortunately. But many people feel that exercise, diet and learning new things daily do help keep symptoms at bay longer.
Good luck to you both,
Carol
There are several pharmacological and non-pharmacological options to consider that may help slow the progression of symptoms. First, there are four drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Alzheimer's disease (brand names: Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne and Namenda). Physicians typically prescribe one of the four drugs or a combination of therapies depending on the stage of Alzheimer's disease that the person is in. In addition to medications, stimulation of the brain through a variety of activities, both intellectual and social, can help the healthy brain cells to compensate better for those that are damaged. In the early stages of the disease, it is important to utilize memory and language function and to keep physically active. Consider such activities as reading, crossword puzzles, practicing other languages (if any are known), and other types of word puzzles, which are very good for exercising language skills.
There are dementia drugs such as aricept or namenda that can help delaying the symtoms in the beginning but the delay is at best 6 months or something. Not very efficient in later stage.
The other thing you can do is to keep him alert. Keep him active even if he needs some reminder or cues. One thing you have to avoid if possible: trauma can cause a great deal of declining, so try to reduce the trauma. No fighting or arguments with him, no wandering episodes and etc. Hospitalization can cause the memory to decline as well. Gradually in later stage, any trauma can cause his memory/capablities to decline. It is no way to stop the disease, but if you try to do these things, it could make his life last longer with better quality.
My father-in-law is in severe stage now but he has been fighting this thing for 8 years or so.
I think the key is to give him comfort care in later stage. For now, try to keep him active but at the same time, prepare him to stop driving and banking so that he does not endanger himself and others. Also, while he is in early stage, get all the legal documents ready such as the POA stuff or living will/wills so the family knows what to do when he reaches the moderate/end stage.
Regards,
NC
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
