Named after the German neurologist, Alois Alzheimer, this is a chronic, progressive disorder
that accounts for more than 50% of all dementias. Most commonly affecting people older than
65, symptoms can occur as early as 40. Alzheimer's begins with mild memory loss which soon
progresses to deterioration of intellectual functions, personality changes, and problems with
speech and language. In the terminal stage, patients may suffer from seizures, delusions,
depression, hallucinations, and paranoia. Death results from complications caused by
immobility. The disease may take 10-15 years. There is no exact cause known.
Helpful Links:
Alzheimer's Disease
ome 3-4 million persons suffer from senile dementia. As many as
10 percent of people over age 65 can expect to suffer from mental deterioration associated
with Alzheimer's disease. After age 85, changes are one in two that you will be diagnosed
with this disease. There are only two definite factors that increase the risk for
Alzheimer's disease: a family history of dementia and Down syndrome.
The classic sign of
early Alzheimer's disease is gradual loss of short-term memory. Other signs include
inability to recognize objects or concentrate, problems finding or speaking the right word,
forgetting how to do ordinary things like write a check, and forgetting to do things like
lock doors. With this memory dysfunction, agitation often occurs, and poor judgment may
cause unusual behavior. Although there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease at this
time, it may be possible to relieve some of the symptoms, such as wandering and
incontinence.
Ginkgo
has a long history of traditional use and has been the subject of
research. Another traditionally used herb is
Dandelion, which is a
source of lecithin.
Stinging Nettle contains the mineral boron.
Willow Bark and
Gotu Kola are other
traditionally used herbs.
The classic sign of
early Alzheimer's disease is gradual loss of short-term memory. Other signs include
inability to recognize objects or concentrate, problems finding or speaking the right word,
forgetting how to do ordinary things like write a check, and forgetting to do things like
lock doors. With this memory dysfunction, agitation often occurs, and poor judgment may
cause unusual behavior. Although there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease at this
time, it may be possible to relieve some of the symptoms, such as wandering and
incontinence.Ginkgo
has a long history of traditional use and has been the subject of
research. Another traditionally used herb is
Dandelion, which is a
source of lecithin.
Stinging Nettle contains the mineral boron.
Willow Bark and
Gotu Kola are other
traditionally used herbs.
Note:
This information is provided for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace the use of a qualified
health care professional. We strongly recommend the use
of a physician for the diagnostic phase of any treatment.
With an accurate diagnosis in hand, we believe the consumer,
at that point, has a basic, unalienable right to seek out
factual information on all therapeutic approaches, both
orthodox and alternative, and choose those approach(es)
that are right for them. Nonetheless, a "good doctor"
should be considered a requisite starting point.To U.S. Users:
None of the products mentioned on this page have been
evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration;
therefore, they are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease.