There are a variety of natural Alzheimer's treatments that are proven to be effective in slowing the progression of the disease. Alzheimer's and dementia can have a devastating effect on families. The progressive mental decline eventually leaves those who have the condition unable to care for themselves, and their loved ones are often left feeling helpless.
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, some medications are effective in helping patients retain their memory longer. Alternative Alzheimer's treatments can offer similar results, without the risk of side effects. Most treatments work best when they are started early. Ideally, treatment should begin as soon as a person first starts having symptoms.
Vitamin E as an Effective Alzheimer's Therapy
Researchers have long suspected that Vitamin E can be used as a form of Alzheimer's therapy. Several studies are now supporting these theories. The research indicates that Vitamin E and anti-inflammatory medications can help people with Alzheimer's stay mentally alert and maintain their independence longer. The National Institutes of Health sponsored a study on the subject. The findings were released at the American Geriatrics Society's 2009 meeting in Chicago.
The study analyzed 540 Alzheimer's patients for three years. During that time, some patients were given Vitamin E. Others were given anti-inflammatory medications. Another group was given both, and a few patients were not given vitamin E or anti-inflammatory medicine. Researchers tested the patients every 6 months to analyze their mental functioning and their ability to care for themselves. They found that anti-inflammatory worked better in slowing decline, if patients also took vitamin E.
Coffee as a Memory Loss Treatment
Studies show that coffee is also among the effective Alzheimer's disease treatments. A study that was published in the Journal of Neuroscience (July 21, 2006), found that coffee can reduce a person's risk for developing Alzheimer's. The study also suggests that coffee can also benefit people who already have Alzheimer's, or are in the early dementia stages.
According to scientists at the Byrd Alzheimer's Institute in Florida, people can protect themselves from Alzheimer's by drinking five cups of coffee daily. They came to this conclusion after studying the effects that caffeine had on the brains of mice that had Alzheimer's. They found that caffeine reduces beta-amyloid protein levels. Beta-amyloid proteins cause the plaque build-up in the brain that is associated with Alzheimer's.
Prevent Memory Loss by Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Some of the most effective Alzheimer's disease treatments are focused on prevention. A number of studies suggest that people can dramatically reduce their risk for Alzheimer's by losing excess weight. According to a study published in Obesity Reviews (May 2008), obese people are 80 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer's.
One way to lose weight is to start an exercise routine. Exercise can also reduce a person's risk for Alzheimer's because the movement helps the blood circulate better throughout the body. This helps keep a person mentally alert. Staying physically active can also protect a person from conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which are also risk factors for Alzheimer's.
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