How To Help Yourself Depression
There are many people suffering from depression disorders who fail to recognize the symptoms and sometimes it takes being informed by a trusted friend or family member that you are exhibiting the signs of depression. Additionally, many of those suffering depression do not seek professional psychotherapy help whether die to embarrassment, the perceived notion they cannot realistically help or the idea they cannot afford a professional.
However, one of the first steps in getting over depression is the recognition of the symptoms of depression and understanding that a problem may exist. For minor situational based depression, that is depression caused by a major life changing situation, you can learn how to help yourself through this brief period.
Depression can make person feel worthless and helpless and sometimes exhausted which they often attribute to overwork or stress. They often feel worthless and added together can increase negativity about themselves. What is important is to realize that there negative emotions are not real and do not accurately define the reality of the situation. As treatment progresses, whether self-help treatment or professional care, the negative emotions will fade.
First, you must set realistic goals of things you want to accomplish. If your goals are too lofty, more than likely you will fail to meet them, adding to your frustration and the feeling of inadequacy. Break your goals down into manageable piece that you know you can achieve to help build your self-confidence and, resultantly, your self esteem. Remember that the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time, and set your goals and desired time frame to meet them within reason.
Try to be with other people when possible and share your burden of depression. A close friend or family member can do wonders for your recovery, provided they know how you feel. They may even be able to offer support and give an objective opinion concerning certain situations in which you feel inadequate. They can also offer advice on whether your goals are too high to realistically reach them and may be able to offer advice on how best to go about succeeding.
Become active, perhaps in small steps, in activities you enjoyed prior to the onset of depression. If you are thinking about starting an exercise program, however it may be wise to consult a doctor to determine your fitness and ability to do this without additional risks. If you have never exercised in the past and have lived a sedentary life, starting out slow and easy is probably a healthier way to begin.
Do not expect depression to suddenly disappear. Most of the time it will take time to get over whatever even caused the depression. Do not make any life-changing decisions such as getting married or divorced while depressed. Since you are viewing situations in a negative aspect, the decisions will be based on those negative emotions instead on being based on facts. It Is not advisable to move or change jobs while depressed as those type of decisions may only serve to exacerbate your depression.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Gastric Banding The Best Option for Overweight Adolescents
Gastric Banding The Best Option for Overweight Adolescents
Gastric banding is a weight loss procedure that can be performed on patients as young as 12 years old. It is a safe and effective alternative to gastric bypass in an obese adolescent. Adults have experienced vast success with the gastric bypass surgery, and there has been weight loss in every case. However, the long-term impact of gastric bypass for adolescents is yet unknown. If an adolescent has gastric bypass surgery, they will require a lifetime of nutritional supplements following the surgery. Adolescent patients that don’t meet the nutritional requirements can have skin, growth, and developmental problems following surgery. Adolescents are just in being concerned about the problems, because the nutritional deficiencies can be seen in adults who had the surgery and did not comply with a supplement regimen.
Young patients will not experience nutritional problems, because there is no rerouting of the gastrointestinal tract to reduce absorption. The gastric banding surgery may carry more risks of complications, but they are less severe than the gastric bypass surgery, and the mortality rate is less than 1 percent. The gastric banding surgery does not involve the cutting of any part of the stomach. In the banding procedure an adjustable silicone band is placed around the proximal stomach to restrict food entry. The band placed around the stomach may be tightened to allow more weight loss, or loosened in cases of pregnancy or when weight is being loss at a dangerous weight.
Gastric banding is the best option for adolescents because the procedure can be reversed. An operation must be performed to remove the band, but it is still a safer and more straightforward procedure than the gastric bypass surgery. Young patients will not change their anatomy permanently, and will be able to have the band removed, once they’ve lost weight. The gastric banding surgery is as effective as the gastric bypass surgery, and a safer procedure to perform on adolescent patients. Gastric band patients are able to lose 40 to 45 percent of their excess body weight while patients of the gastric bypass surgery experience a weight loss of 50-60 percent of excess weight. However, within three years the total weight loss from both surgeries will be about the same for patients.
The adolescent patients will experience the same weight loss advantages with the gastric banding procedure, as they would with the bypass surgery. Patients will also experience improvements in the comorbidities associated with obesity, and gastric banding will be especially effective for adolescents. The adolescent patients of gastric banding procedure require more counseling than adult patients, and must be advised to change eating habits and be patient with the weight loss process. The young patient must also have frequent follow-ups with the doctor, and some patients many adolescents require further counseling after the surgery. Having weight loss surgery can be significant for any person, but it is especially difficult for adolescents. The decision to have the procedure performed should be discussed with the parents of the young patient as well as the surgeon.
Gastric banding is a weight loss procedure that can be performed on patients as young as 12 years old. It is a safe and effective alternative to gastric bypass in an obese adolescent. Adults have experienced vast success with the gastric bypass surgery, and there has been weight loss in every case. However, the long-term impact of gastric bypass for adolescents is yet unknown. If an adolescent has gastric bypass surgery, they will require a lifetime of nutritional supplements following the surgery. Adolescent patients that don’t meet the nutritional requirements can have skin, growth, and developmental problems following surgery. Adolescents are just in being concerned about the problems, because the nutritional deficiencies can be seen in adults who had the surgery and did not comply with a supplement regimen.
Young patients will not experience nutritional problems, because there is no rerouting of the gastrointestinal tract to reduce absorption. The gastric banding surgery may carry more risks of complications, but they are less severe than the gastric bypass surgery, and the mortality rate is less than 1 percent. The gastric banding surgery does not involve the cutting of any part of the stomach. In the banding procedure an adjustable silicone band is placed around the proximal stomach to restrict food entry. The band placed around the stomach may be tightened to allow more weight loss, or loosened in cases of pregnancy or when weight is being loss at a dangerous weight.
Gastric banding is the best option for adolescents because the procedure can be reversed. An operation must be performed to remove the band, but it is still a safer and more straightforward procedure than the gastric bypass surgery. Young patients will not change their anatomy permanently, and will be able to have the band removed, once they’ve lost weight. The gastric banding surgery is as effective as the gastric bypass surgery, and a safer procedure to perform on adolescent patients. Gastric band patients are able to lose 40 to 45 percent of their excess body weight while patients of the gastric bypass surgery experience a weight loss of 50-60 percent of excess weight. However, within three years the total weight loss from both surgeries will be about the same for patients.
The adolescent patients will experience the same weight loss advantages with the gastric banding procedure, as they would with the bypass surgery. Patients will also experience improvements in the comorbidities associated with obesity, and gastric banding will be especially effective for adolescents. The adolescent patients of gastric banding procedure require more counseling than adult patients, and must be advised to change eating habits and be patient with the weight loss process. The young patient must also have frequent follow-ups with the doctor, and some patients many adolescents require further counseling after the surgery. Having weight loss surgery can be significant for any person, but it is especially difficult for adolescents. The decision to have the procedure performed should be discussed with the parents of the young patient as well as the surgeon.
Panic attacks – a type of anxiety
Panic attacks – a type of anxiety
Panic attacks, medically called a panic disorder, are a short period of time that causes extreme fear resulting in severe anxiety and distress.
The difference between a panic disorder and other anxiety conditions is that other anxiety conditions last for long periods of time where a panic disorder has short bursts of heightened anxiety.
Although some people are diagnosed with a panic disorder, there are many that suffer with isolated attacks ever year.
What happens during a panic attack?
The body releases a large amount of adrenaline in a short period of time as a reaction to large amounts of stress; a “trigger” usually causes this stress. A trigger is something that causes the panic attack to occur, this can come in many different forms from confined spaces to being around large groups of people.
There are many feelings a person who has a panic attack goes through, without warning intense fear creeps in, causing physical affects like shortness of breath, trembling, palpitations of the heart, excessive sweating and the feeling of choking. These physical affects also contribute to psychological distress, making the sufferer feel like they lose control, some may feel like their going crazy and it has been known for some to feel like they are dying.
How long does a panic attack last?
The length of time a panic attack lasts varies from person to person and what situation they are in, but the American Psychological Association (APA) the average panic attack lasts about ten minutes.
In more severe cases it may seem like a panic attack has lasted for longer periods of time but this is normally one panic attack rolling straight into another without a break, this can cause fatigue as the body tries to cope with the stress being put on it.
How can I treat my own panic attacks?
Some people can manage their own panic attacks once they have grown accustomed to the affects of the attack as they happen, if they feel a panic attack begin then they use calming exercises like deep breathing to relax the body as much as possible.
When should medical advice be looked for?
If the panic disorder starts to happen on a regular basis, or the intensity of the attacks gets worse, then it may be beneficial to see a medical professional so a treatment to combat the attacks can be found.
Summary
Those who suffer from the panic disorder know how awful it can feel when an attack occurs, over time they can grow to live with the condition but it is not an easy condition to cope with.
Because a sufferer has no symptoms of having a panic disorder, it can surprise friends and family should an attack occur and you give in to the flight or fight scenario that you are put in. Once you have found that you have a panic disorder it can be more beneficial for friends and family to be told about the condition so they have a better understanding what you are going through.
Panic attacks, medically called a panic disorder, are a short period of time that causes extreme fear resulting in severe anxiety and distress.
The difference between a panic disorder and other anxiety conditions is that other anxiety conditions last for long periods of time where a panic disorder has short bursts of heightened anxiety.
Although some people are diagnosed with a panic disorder, there are many that suffer with isolated attacks ever year.
What happens during a panic attack?
The body releases a large amount of adrenaline in a short period of time as a reaction to large amounts of stress; a “trigger” usually causes this stress. A trigger is something that causes the panic attack to occur, this can come in many different forms from confined spaces to being around large groups of people.
There are many feelings a person who has a panic attack goes through, without warning intense fear creeps in, causing physical affects like shortness of breath, trembling, palpitations of the heart, excessive sweating and the feeling of choking. These physical affects also contribute to psychological distress, making the sufferer feel like they lose control, some may feel like their going crazy and it has been known for some to feel like they are dying.
How long does a panic attack last?
The length of time a panic attack lasts varies from person to person and what situation they are in, but the American Psychological Association (APA) the average panic attack lasts about ten minutes.
In more severe cases it may seem like a panic attack has lasted for longer periods of time but this is normally one panic attack rolling straight into another without a break, this can cause fatigue as the body tries to cope with the stress being put on it.
How can I treat my own panic attacks?
Some people can manage their own panic attacks once they have grown accustomed to the affects of the attack as they happen, if they feel a panic attack begin then they use calming exercises like deep breathing to relax the body as much as possible.
When should medical advice be looked for?
If the panic disorder starts to happen on a regular basis, or the intensity of the attacks gets worse, then it may be beneficial to see a medical professional so a treatment to combat the attacks can be found.
Summary
Those who suffer from the panic disorder know how awful it can feel when an attack occurs, over time they can grow to live with the condition but it is not an easy condition to cope with.
Because a sufferer has no symptoms of having a panic disorder, it can surprise friends and family should an attack occur and you give in to the flight or fight scenario that you are put in. Once you have found that you have a panic disorder it can be more beneficial for friends and family to be told about the condition so they have a better understanding what you are going through.
What To Do In An Panic And Anxiety Attack
What To Do In An Panic And Anxiety Attack
If you wait until the last minute, as in when you are actually having a panic attack, before planning a course of action then of course things will get ugly. You will be afraid, feeling a rush of different emotions, and probably be unable to take even one step. Therefore it is best to think up a working plan for surviving a panic attack well in advance. Having a definite plan of action will teach you how to cope with your symptoms and possibly even reduce the total number of panic attacks you have.
The first step is to control your breathing. One of the first symptoms you may upon suffering an attack is a shortness of breath. Therefore, when you're actually having an attack, frantically looking for a way to control your breathing will only send you more anxiety. The best thing to do is to learn a simple breathing exercise that's designed to make you relax, so that even if you find yourself in a panic, you will still maintain control over your breathing. Practice breathing exercises well in advance of any panic attack, at various parts of the day. This will familiarize you with the steps, as waiting until an attack might be too late to actually learn the technique. One often advised breathing method is to inhale deeply through your nose, hold your breath for a few moments and then exhale through your mouth very slowly. Be sure and practice any suggested method beforehand to make sure it actually helps you reduce stress levels. You don't want to wait until a panic attack happens before finding out the breathing exercise actually makes you more anxious. After all, not everyone finds the same exercises relaxing.
There are also relaxation techniques you could learn for use in a panic attack. After controlling your breathing, you may feel the need to calm your nerves. Various exercises can be taught by therapists or even through meditational practices such as Yoga. Many of these may involve sitting, laying down or stretching while focusing on a specific thought or feeling. Before trying anything physical such as unusual neck stretches, make sure the practice is advocated by a professional therapist. The last thing you need is to damage your body and have to visit a chiropractor.
You can also create a small support group that you can contact specifically in the event of a panic attack. The contact information should include a telephone number where you can reach them at any reasonable hour. Keep these contact numbers in a safe place that you will easily remember, at home and on your person if you are traveling. It's important to compile a large list so that only one or two persons won't be your only hope in the event of an attack. Rather than put pressure on friends and family some people find it beneficial to join a support group for this very reason—fast and empathetic support at all hours of the day. A crisis hotline should also be one of the numbers on this contact list, as these are lines set up exclusively for emotional emergencies.
The most important thing is to have a definite plan ready. Even though your mind may be panicking at some point, you will quickly remember the plan of action that you practiced. It may be just what is needed to guide you back to emotional control.
If you wait until the last minute, as in when you are actually having a panic attack, before planning a course of action then of course things will get ugly. You will be afraid, feeling a rush of different emotions, and probably be unable to take even one step. Therefore it is best to think up a working plan for surviving a panic attack well in advance. Having a definite plan of action will teach you how to cope with your symptoms and possibly even reduce the total number of panic attacks you have.
The first step is to control your breathing. One of the first symptoms you may upon suffering an attack is a shortness of breath. Therefore, when you're actually having an attack, frantically looking for a way to control your breathing will only send you more anxiety. The best thing to do is to learn a simple breathing exercise that's designed to make you relax, so that even if you find yourself in a panic, you will still maintain control over your breathing. Practice breathing exercises well in advance of any panic attack, at various parts of the day. This will familiarize you with the steps, as waiting until an attack might be too late to actually learn the technique. One often advised breathing method is to inhale deeply through your nose, hold your breath for a few moments and then exhale through your mouth very slowly. Be sure and practice any suggested method beforehand to make sure it actually helps you reduce stress levels. You don't want to wait until a panic attack happens before finding out the breathing exercise actually makes you more anxious. After all, not everyone finds the same exercises relaxing.
There are also relaxation techniques you could learn for use in a panic attack. After controlling your breathing, you may feel the need to calm your nerves. Various exercises can be taught by therapists or even through meditational practices such as Yoga. Many of these may involve sitting, laying down or stretching while focusing on a specific thought or feeling. Before trying anything physical such as unusual neck stretches, make sure the practice is advocated by a professional therapist. The last thing you need is to damage your body and have to visit a chiropractor.
You can also create a small support group that you can contact specifically in the event of a panic attack. The contact information should include a telephone number where you can reach them at any reasonable hour. Keep these contact numbers in a safe place that you will easily remember, at home and on your person if you are traveling. It's important to compile a large list so that only one or two persons won't be your only hope in the event of an attack. Rather than put pressure on friends and family some people find it beneficial to join a support group for this very reason—fast and empathetic support at all hours of the day. A crisis hotline should also be one of the numbers on this contact list, as these are lines set up exclusively for emotional emergencies.
The most important thing is to have a definite plan ready. Even though your mind may be panicking at some point, you will quickly remember the plan of action that you practiced. It may be just what is needed to guide you back to emotional control.
Three Ways To Ease Your Anxiety During A Panic Attack
Three Ways To Ease Your Anxiety During A Panic Attack
Panic attacks can make you feel like you’re losing control of not only your body, but your mind as well. Panic attacks are times of severe anxiety or stress, usually caused by a certain trigger. They are usually characterized by increased heart pace, rise in blood pressure, shortened or difficulty breathing, and even dizziness. Anxiety attacks are horrifying; many sufferers compare the feeling of a panic attack to that of having a heart attack, so needless to say panic attacks are pretty tough, and serious.
The good thing about panic attacks is, that unlike many other afflictions, there are methods to decreasing the severity and likelihood of a panic attack. Along with prescription medication and some type of counseling or therapy, there are ways to go about easing your anxiety as you feel a panic attack coming on, and keeping the clarity of mind during a panic attack to help bring yourself down.
Breathe
If you are experiencing shortness of breath and feel that it may be a symptom of a panic attack, there are ways you can try to control your breathing to ease the anxiety you are feeling, or will soon be feeling. Cover your nose and mouth with your hands by cupping them over your face and breathe slowly in and out, as controlled as possible. It won’t be easy at first, but soon enough you should have slowed your breathing down enough so that your brain can start getting some oxygen again, and hopefully ease the rest of the symptoms you are experiencing, if any.
Concentrate/Focus
However difficult it may be, try not to focus on what it is you are feeling when you feel a panic attack coming on. This will only cause the brain to react more, and perhaps worsen the symptoms. Instead, control your breathing and focus on something entirely different from where you are and what you are doing. If you have a ‘Happy Place,’ go to it. If you can take your mind off of your current environment, you may be able to rid your brain of whatever it was in your environment or your mind that triggered the attack in the first place.
Coach Yourself
Panic attacks can come on at any time of the day, no matter where you are. They are just an exaggeration of the body’s natural reaction to extreme stress or anxiety; since the reaction is created in the brain, you can actually use the brain to help your symptoms subside. Try to consistently remind yourself that what you are experiencing is a natural reaction, and that it will go away. Remind yourself that no, you are not going crazy and yes, these feelings you are having will go away.
If you are a panic attack sufferer, take heart. There are ways to get around the symptoms you are feeling, and there are people out there who are willing to help you, if you just look. The anxiety you feel during a panic attack will eventually go away after a while, even though it may not feel like that at the time. It’s just a matter of learning to take control of your mind, or your body.
Panic attacks can make you feel like you’re losing control of not only your body, but your mind as well. Panic attacks are times of severe anxiety or stress, usually caused by a certain trigger. They are usually characterized by increased heart pace, rise in blood pressure, shortened or difficulty breathing, and even dizziness. Anxiety attacks are horrifying; many sufferers compare the feeling of a panic attack to that of having a heart attack, so needless to say panic attacks are pretty tough, and serious.
The good thing about panic attacks is, that unlike many other afflictions, there are methods to decreasing the severity and likelihood of a panic attack. Along with prescription medication and some type of counseling or therapy, there are ways to go about easing your anxiety as you feel a panic attack coming on, and keeping the clarity of mind during a panic attack to help bring yourself down.
Breathe
If you are experiencing shortness of breath and feel that it may be a symptom of a panic attack, there are ways you can try to control your breathing to ease the anxiety you are feeling, or will soon be feeling. Cover your nose and mouth with your hands by cupping them over your face and breathe slowly in and out, as controlled as possible. It won’t be easy at first, but soon enough you should have slowed your breathing down enough so that your brain can start getting some oxygen again, and hopefully ease the rest of the symptoms you are experiencing, if any.
Concentrate/Focus
However difficult it may be, try not to focus on what it is you are feeling when you feel a panic attack coming on. This will only cause the brain to react more, and perhaps worsen the symptoms. Instead, control your breathing and focus on something entirely different from where you are and what you are doing. If you have a ‘Happy Place,’ go to it. If you can take your mind off of your current environment, you may be able to rid your brain of whatever it was in your environment or your mind that triggered the attack in the first place.
Coach Yourself
Panic attacks can come on at any time of the day, no matter where you are. They are just an exaggeration of the body’s natural reaction to extreme stress or anxiety; since the reaction is created in the brain, you can actually use the brain to help your symptoms subside. Try to consistently remind yourself that what you are experiencing is a natural reaction, and that it will go away. Remind yourself that no, you are not going crazy and yes, these feelings you are having will go away.
If you are a panic attack sufferer, take heart. There are ways to get around the symptoms you are feeling, and there are people out there who are willing to help you, if you just look. The anxiety you feel during a panic attack will eventually go away after a while, even though it may not feel like that at the time. It’s just a matter of learning to take control of your mind, or your body.
General anxiety disorder
General anxiety disorder
Everyone suffers with anxiety now and then, this is normally attributed to something happening in their lifetime like a test or a job interview, but those with an anxiety disorder is someone who has let anxiety take a hold of their life so much so that they often suffer with anxiety over the most simple activity.
When someone suffers with the general anxiety disorder (also known as GAD) they will normally suffer with many different symptoms. The symptoms are headaches, sweating, nerves, problems concentrating, trembling, tiredness and other sleeping problems.
Common causes
The two most common factors of anxiety are mental in nature; these factors are a Panic disorder or stress. To better understand anxiety we need to understand the causes of these two factors.
Panic disorder
Panic attacks can occur at any point and for the smallest reasons, these panic attacks cause shortness of breath, heart palpitations and dizziness, which can cause anxiety because the sufferer may not be able to control what is happening to them.
Stress disorder
Stress is caused by external factors that affect the way an individual lives; normally a disorder is caused due to excessive amounts of stress on the individual like financial problems or relationship failures.
Symptoms
Because of the symptoms involved with anxiety it is very easy for a doctor to diagnose general anxiety disorder but when should you seek medical advice?
When the symptoms become so severe that you become worried and find it hard to control your anxiety then it is important that you visit a medical professional.
If the symptoms impact on your day to day life, making it difficult to function in social settings, both in your personal life and work life.
Finally if your physical symptoms like dizziness and palpitations become too difficult to handle, or you have chest pains then it is imperative that you seek medical help.
Treatment
Treatment varies from patient to patient; some just require the use of calming techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, anything that can relieve the tension in a person’s body.
In more extreme cases, the person suffering with anxiety may need medical treatment. When medical treatment is the only option it can move in two ways, the first being psychological where the sufferer may need counseling to talk through living with anxiety and manage their problems causing it. The second problem can be a physical issue caused by thyroid gland problems, in this case surgery; medication or both may be the answer.
Summary
Anxiety is not a condition that doesn’t impact on a sufferer’s life; in some cases it can control the person suffering with it. It is important that a person with anxiety finds a way to manage their condition and try to lead a normal life.
If the symptoms of anxiety can be managed effectively, it can spell the decline of the awful attacks people endure, and in some cases mean the end of the condition that has ravaged their life for a long time causing their life to have been put on hold.
Everyone suffers with anxiety now and then, this is normally attributed to something happening in their lifetime like a test or a job interview, but those with an anxiety disorder is someone who has let anxiety take a hold of their life so much so that they often suffer with anxiety over the most simple activity.
When someone suffers with the general anxiety disorder (also known as GAD) they will normally suffer with many different symptoms. The symptoms are headaches, sweating, nerves, problems concentrating, trembling, tiredness and other sleeping problems.
Common causes
The two most common factors of anxiety are mental in nature; these factors are a Panic disorder or stress. To better understand anxiety we need to understand the causes of these two factors.
Panic disorder
Panic attacks can occur at any point and for the smallest reasons, these panic attacks cause shortness of breath, heart palpitations and dizziness, which can cause anxiety because the sufferer may not be able to control what is happening to them.
Stress disorder
Stress is caused by external factors that affect the way an individual lives; normally a disorder is caused due to excessive amounts of stress on the individual like financial problems or relationship failures.
Symptoms
Because of the symptoms involved with anxiety it is very easy for a doctor to diagnose general anxiety disorder but when should you seek medical advice?
When the symptoms become so severe that you become worried and find it hard to control your anxiety then it is important that you visit a medical professional.
If the symptoms impact on your day to day life, making it difficult to function in social settings, both in your personal life and work life.
Finally if your physical symptoms like dizziness and palpitations become too difficult to handle, or you have chest pains then it is imperative that you seek medical help.
Treatment
Treatment varies from patient to patient; some just require the use of calming techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, anything that can relieve the tension in a person’s body.
In more extreme cases, the person suffering with anxiety may need medical treatment. When medical treatment is the only option it can move in two ways, the first being psychological where the sufferer may need counseling to talk through living with anxiety and manage their problems causing it. The second problem can be a physical issue caused by thyroid gland problems, in this case surgery; medication or both may be the answer.
Summary
Anxiety is not a condition that doesn’t impact on a sufferer’s life; in some cases it can control the person suffering with it. It is important that a person with anxiety finds a way to manage their condition and try to lead a normal life.
If the symptoms of anxiety can be managed effectively, it can spell the decline of the awful attacks people endure, and in some cases mean the end of the condition that has ravaged their life for a long time causing their life to have been put on hold.
Anxiety or depression?
Anxiety or depression?
It may sound strange but a lot of people suffering with anxiety actually believe they have depression, why is this?
One of the side affects of anxiety is to become reclusive and emotional, while some people may actually suffer with a side affect of depression.
Because people generally have the tendency to shy away from social settings when they have an anxiety condition friends and family can automatically presume that depression is the cause. The difference between the two conditions is vast, below is a detailed outline of each condition.
Anxiety disorder
Anxiety is the feeling of fear and apprehension; this can be caused by a multitude of different reasons depending on the type of anxiety condition a person has.
A person suffering with anxiety will have physical symptoms like trembling and excessive sweating on the surface while underneath the blood is flowing to the major muscles inhibiting the digestive and immune systems and the heart is beating very fast.
The anxiety can make panic set in, which causes a person to feel the “flight or fight scenario”.
Anxiety is not hereditary and anyone can suffer with the condition, sometimes for no apparent reason.
Depression
Depression is the feeling of overwhelming sadness, guilt, worthlessness and isolation; these emotional feelings cause physical issues like fatigue, problems concentrating and difficulty sleeping.
It is believed that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the neurotransmitters found in the brain and central nervous system. These neurotransmitters (Serotonin and norepinephrine) help manage a persons mood so if there is an imbalance then a crash in a persons mood can happen.
When a person does have depression they will feel like the world is falling around them, it is common for thoughts of suicide to cross their mind and feelings of woe are never far from a sufferers mind.
Depression has been shown to be hereditary, if a family member has suffered with depression it is likely another family member will be diagnosed in their lifetime.
Summary
As you can see, anxiety and depression are two totally separate conditions. If you were to have anxiety then yes, you may shy away from the world outside, but this is not out of sadness or thoughts of suicide it is out of general fear of what is happening on the other side of your front door.
You may not be aware but about 3.5% of the population suffer with an anxiety condition in their lifetime with many not even realizing they have one, on top of this one in sixty people in the western world will have an isolated anxiety attack every year.
It is true that the medication used in the treatment of anxiety is the same as that used for cases of depression but this has no bearing on the conditions being close in any way, shape or form.
The next time you think a person you know has depression but you cannot understand why, look further in to the symptoms they have and you may be surprised to find that anxiety is the reason they are unsocial.
It may sound strange but a lot of people suffering with anxiety actually believe they have depression, why is this?
One of the side affects of anxiety is to become reclusive and emotional, while some people may actually suffer with a side affect of depression.
Because people generally have the tendency to shy away from social settings when they have an anxiety condition friends and family can automatically presume that depression is the cause. The difference between the two conditions is vast, below is a detailed outline of each condition.
Anxiety disorder
Anxiety is the feeling of fear and apprehension; this can be caused by a multitude of different reasons depending on the type of anxiety condition a person has.
A person suffering with anxiety will have physical symptoms like trembling and excessive sweating on the surface while underneath the blood is flowing to the major muscles inhibiting the digestive and immune systems and the heart is beating very fast.
The anxiety can make panic set in, which causes a person to feel the “flight or fight scenario”.
Anxiety is not hereditary and anyone can suffer with the condition, sometimes for no apparent reason.
Depression
Depression is the feeling of overwhelming sadness, guilt, worthlessness and isolation; these emotional feelings cause physical issues like fatigue, problems concentrating and difficulty sleeping.
It is believed that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the neurotransmitters found in the brain and central nervous system. These neurotransmitters (Serotonin and norepinephrine) help manage a persons mood so if there is an imbalance then a crash in a persons mood can happen.
When a person does have depression they will feel like the world is falling around them, it is common for thoughts of suicide to cross their mind and feelings of woe are never far from a sufferers mind.
Depression has been shown to be hereditary, if a family member has suffered with depression it is likely another family member will be diagnosed in their lifetime.
Summary
As you can see, anxiety and depression are two totally separate conditions. If you were to have anxiety then yes, you may shy away from the world outside, but this is not out of sadness or thoughts of suicide it is out of general fear of what is happening on the other side of your front door.
You may not be aware but about 3.5% of the population suffer with an anxiety condition in their lifetime with many not even realizing they have one, on top of this one in sixty people in the western world will have an isolated anxiety attack every year.
It is true that the medication used in the treatment of anxiety is the same as that used for cases of depression but this has no bearing on the conditions being close in any way, shape or form.
The next time you think a person you know has depression but you cannot understand why, look further in to the symptoms they have and you may be surprised to find that anxiety is the reason they are unsocial.
Understanding the Stages of Alzheimers Disease
Understanding the Stages of Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimer’s is a serious illness that affects many people every year. Although Alzheimer’s has a widespread effect, many people don’t understand the disease. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys the memory, the ability to learn, reason, make judgements communicate and perform daily activities. The disease causes anxiety, paranoia or agitation, delusions and hallucinations. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are new treatments. The Alzheimer’s illness can last from 3 to 20 years. If a person has no other serious illnesses, then the loss of brain function from Alzheimer’s will cause their death. The staging systems provide frames of reference for understanding how the disease may unfold, and helps patients make future plans.
The first stage of the disease is defined as no impairment or the normal function stage. During this stage diagnosed individuals will experience no memory problems, and the evident signs of the disease will no be visible at this time. In the second stage, individuals will have a mild cognitive decline. During this time, the sick person may have memory lapses. In this stage, it may be difficult to diagnose the disease, because many of the symptoms are common to the aging process. The third stage of Alzheimer’s involves mild cognitive decline. In this stage, problems with memory or concentration are evident, and can be measured through clinical testing. Some of the most common problems during the third stage include word-or name-finding difficulty that is noticeable to people around the sick person. There is also a decreased ability to remember names after being introduced to new people, and there will be noticeable performance issues in social or work settings.
During stage four there will be visible signs of deficiencies. Patients will experience decreased knowledge of recent occasions or current events; there will be an impaired ability to perform challenging mental arithmetic. Individuals may also experience a decreased capacity to perform complex tasks, such as paying bills and managing finances. There will also be a reduced memory of personal history, and may seem withdrawn in socially or mentally challenging situations. In stage five patients will experience moderately severe cognitive decline. In this stage, it is essential for patients to have assistance with daily activities.
During the fifth stage, patients may also become confused about where they are, about the date, day of the week, and about the time of year. However, in this stage, patients retain knowledge of their own names and the names of certain family members. The memory difficulties worsen during the sixth stage, and there is a significant personality change. Extensive assistance for daily activities is needed during this stage. It is common for patients to lose awareness of recent experience and events as well as of their surroundings. Commonly, patients will experience disruption of their normal sleep cycles. Patients will also need assistance with using the bathroom, and may have increased episodes of urinary of fecal incontinence.
At this stage, patients will begin to have delusions and hallucinate. A person with Alzheimer’s in this stage may also begin to wonder from home, and get lost. The final stage of the discase involves severe cognitive decline. Individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, the ability to speak, and the ability to control movement. In this stage, using the bathroom and eating must be assisted. Patients are also unable to walk without assistance, and reflexes become abnormal and muscles grow rigid.
Alzheimer’s is a serious illness that affects many people every year. Although Alzheimer’s has a widespread effect, many people don’t understand the disease. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys the memory, the ability to learn, reason, make judgements communicate and perform daily activities. The disease causes anxiety, paranoia or agitation, delusions and hallucinations. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are new treatments. The Alzheimer’s illness can last from 3 to 20 years. If a person has no other serious illnesses, then the loss of brain function from Alzheimer’s will cause their death. The staging systems provide frames of reference for understanding how the disease may unfold, and helps patients make future plans.
The first stage of the disease is defined as no impairment or the normal function stage. During this stage diagnosed individuals will experience no memory problems, and the evident signs of the disease will no be visible at this time. In the second stage, individuals will have a mild cognitive decline. During this time, the sick person may have memory lapses. In this stage, it may be difficult to diagnose the disease, because many of the symptoms are common to the aging process. The third stage of Alzheimer’s involves mild cognitive decline. In this stage, problems with memory or concentration are evident, and can be measured through clinical testing. Some of the most common problems during the third stage include word-or name-finding difficulty that is noticeable to people around the sick person. There is also a decreased ability to remember names after being introduced to new people, and there will be noticeable performance issues in social or work settings.
During stage four there will be visible signs of deficiencies. Patients will experience decreased knowledge of recent occasions or current events; there will be an impaired ability to perform challenging mental arithmetic. Individuals may also experience a decreased capacity to perform complex tasks, such as paying bills and managing finances. There will also be a reduced memory of personal history, and may seem withdrawn in socially or mentally challenging situations. In stage five patients will experience moderately severe cognitive decline. In this stage, it is essential for patients to have assistance with daily activities.
During the fifth stage, patients may also become confused about where they are, about the date, day of the week, and about the time of year. However, in this stage, patients retain knowledge of their own names and the names of certain family members. The memory difficulties worsen during the sixth stage, and there is a significant personality change. Extensive assistance for daily activities is needed during this stage. It is common for patients to lose awareness of recent experience and events as well as of their surroundings. Commonly, patients will experience disruption of their normal sleep cycles. Patients will also need assistance with using the bathroom, and may have increased episodes of urinary of fecal incontinence.
At this stage, patients will begin to have delusions and hallucinate. A person with Alzheimer’s in this stage may also begin to wonder from home, and get lost. The final stage of the discase involves severe cognitive decline. Individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, the ability to speak, and the ability to control movement. In this stage, using the bathroom and eating must be assisted. Patients are also unable to walk without assistance, and reflexes become abnormal and muscles grow rigid.
The Ineffective Side of Alternative Alzheimer Medications
The Ineffective Side of Alternative Alzheimer Medications
Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that affects millions of people every day. A cure for Alzheimer’s has yet to be found, but there are many treatments available. There are also many alternative treatments available for individuals with Alzheimer’s, but there are many facts about the alternative medicines that many people are unaware of. Herbal remedies and dietary supplements are promoted as effective treatments for fighting against Alzheimer’s, but there is no real proof of their effectiveness. Many claims of the products effectiveness are based largely on testimonials, tradition, and a small body of scientific research. The same extensive research required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) for the approval of prescription drugs, is not required for dietary supplements.
The alternative drugs may be valid for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, but there are many concerns about using these types of drugs as an alternative to physician-prescribed therapy. The first concern is that the supplements may not be effective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. The effectiveness and safety is unknown, because makers of dietary supplements are not required to provide the FDA with evidence on which the company bases its claims of safety and effectiveness. The purity of the supplements is also unknown. There is no authority over supplement production, and bad reactions to the treatments are not commonly monitored. The manufacturers of the alternative medicines are not required to report any problems consumers may have with a certain product. The FDA provides reporting channels for manufacturers, health care professionals, and consumers to issue warnings about products when there is a concern. However, many of the potential side effects for the alternative medicines for treating Alzheimer’s are unknown.
Dietary supplements may have serious interactions with prescribed medications, and there are many supplements that cause concern. Some of the supplements that cause concern, include Coenzyme Q10, Ginkgo biloba, and Huperzine A . Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in the body, and is needed for normal cell reactions to occur. This supplement has not been proven effective for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, and may be dangerous if too much is taken, and there isn’t a common dosage prescribed to patients. Ginkgo biloba is a plant extract that contains several compounds that may have positive effects on cells within the brain and the body. This supplement has been proven ineffective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, although it may work to improve some cognition in social behavior.
There are few side effects associated with the Ginkgo biloba supplement, but it may reduce the ability of blood to clot, which can lead to internal bleeding. The risk of internal bleeding may increase if Ginkgo biloba is taken in conjunction with other blood-thinners, such as aspirin and warfarin. Huperzine A is a moss extract that has properties similar to FDA-approved Alzheimer medications. This supplement is promoted as an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, and has been accepted as a treatment for mild to moderate symptoms. When used in combination with other Alzheimer medications, a person could experience serious side effects.
Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that affects millions of people every day. A cure for Alzheimer’s has yet to be found, but there are many treatments available. There are also many alternative treatments available for individuals with Alzheimer’s, but there are many facts about the alternative medicines that many people are unaware of. Herbal remedies and dietary supplements are promoted as effective treatments for fighting against Alzheimer’s, but there is no real proof of their effectiveness. Many claims of the products effectiveness are based largely on testimonials, tradition, and a small body of scientific research. The same extensive research required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) for the approval of prescription drugs, is not required for dietary supplements.
The alternative drugs may be valid for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, but there are many concerns about using these types of drugs as an alternative to physician-prescribed therapy. The first concern is that the supplements may not be effective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. The effectiveness and safety is unknown, because makers of dietary supplements are not required to provide the FDA with evidence on which the company bases its claims of safety and effectiveness. The purity of the supplements is also unknown. There is no authority over supplement production, and bad reactions to the treatments are not commonly monitored. The manufacturers of the alternative medicines are not required to report any problems consumers may have with a certain product. The FDA provides reporting channels for manufacturers, health care professionals, and consumers to issue warnings about products when there is a concern. However, many of the potential side effects for the alternative medicines for treating Alzheimer’s are unknown.
Dietary supplements may have serious interactions with prescribed medications, and there are many supplements that cause concern. Some of the supplements that cause concern, include Coenzyme Q10, Ginkgo biloba, and Huperzine A . Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in the body, and is needed for normal cell reactions to occur. This supplement has not been proven effective for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, and may be dangerous if too much is taken, and there isn’t a common dosage prescribed to patients. Ginkgo biloba is a plant extract that contains several compounds that may have positive effects on cells within the brain and the body. This supplement has been proven ineffective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, although it may work to improve some cognition in social behavior.
There are few side effects associated with the Ginkgo biloba supplement, but it may reduce the ability of blood to clot, which can lead to internal bleeding. The risk of internal bleeding may increase if Ginkgo biloba is taken in conjunction with other blood-thinners, such as aspirin and warfarin. Huperzine A is a moss extract that has properties similar to FDA-approved Alzheimer medications. This supplement is promoted as an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, and has been accepted as a treatment for mild to moderate symptoms. When used in combination with other Alzheimer medications, a person could experience serious side effects.
Ten Common Signs of Alzheimers
Ten Common Signs of Alzheimers
It is common for aging individuals to experience problems with memory, but many of the symptoms may not be the common signs of aging. Memory lapses are most commonly associated with the early stages of Alzheimer’s, and in aging individuals, these problems should not be overlooked. Individuals with Alzheimer’s experience problems communicating, learning, thinking, and reasoning. These problems are so severe that they affect a person’s ability to work and socialize. Although there no effective way of diagnosing Alzheimer’s in the early stages of the disease, there are ten warning signs that will help victims receive early care and support for the disease.
The first sign of Alzheimer’s is memory loss; a sick person will often forget learned information, which are the early signs of dementia. The Alzheimer’s victim will not be able to recall forgotten information later. The second sign of the disease is experiencing difficulty performing familiar tasks. People with Alzheimer’s will have a difficult time planning and completing daily tasks. Sick persons may also lose track of the steps involved in preparing a meal or playing a game. The third warning sign involves problems with language.
Alzheimer’s victims often forget words, or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand. They might replace common words with abstract descriptions, such as replacing the word toothbrush with “that thing for my mouth.” The fourth warning sign is disorientation to time and place. Sometimes individuals with the diseases become lost in their own neighborhood, and forget where they are and how they got there, and don’t know how to get home.
Another sign of Alzheimer’s is having poor judgement skills. Alzheimer’s victims commonly dress inappropriately. People with the disease may wear several layers on a warm day and vice versa; they may also wear pajamas over normal clothing. They may also show poor judgement in money management areas, and may be willing to give money to almost anyone. The normal aging person may make a questionable decision occasionally. The next warning sign involves having problems with abstract thinking. A sick person may have incredible difficulty performing complex mental tasks, such as counting back from 40 by 4s.
The seventh sign of Alzheimer’s is the common misplacement of things. Individuals may place things in unusual places, or in places they don’t belong. Misplacing valuables is also a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. The next sign of the disease is changes in mood or behavior. Rapid mood swings are common in people with Alzheimer’s, the sick person may move from a calm mood to an angry or agitated mood for no apparent reason. Victims of Alzheimer’s may also seem subdued and withdrawn in socially challenging situations.
The ninth sign of Alzheimer’s involves changes in personality. The person with the disease may experience a dramatic personality change. A sick person may become often confused, agitated, paranoid, and anxious. The normal sign of aging involves a mild personality change, but people typically remain the same with age. The final sign of Alzheimer’s is a loss of initiative. People with the disease may become passive, and may watch television for hours without communicating with others. Sick persons may also sleep more than usual, and may shy away from normal activities.
It is common for aging individuals to experience problems with memory, but many of the symptoms may not be the common signs of aging. Memory lapses are most commonly associated with the early stages of Alzheimer’s, and in aging individuals, these problems should not be overlooked. Individuals with Alzheimer’s experience problems communicating, learning, thinking, and reasoning. These problems are so severe that they affect a person’s ability to work and socialize. Although there no effective way of diagnosing Alzheimer’s in the early stages of the disease, there are ten warning signs that will help victims receive early care and support for the disease.
The first sign of Alzheimer’s is memory loss; a sick person will often forget learned information, which are the early signs of dementia. The Alzheimer’s victim will not be able to recall forgotten information later. The second sign of the disease is experiencing difficulty performing familiar tasks. People with Alzheimer’s will have a difficult time planning and completing daily tasks. Sick persons may also lose track of the steps involved in preparing a meal or playing a game. The third warning sign involves problems with language.
Alzheimer’s victims often forget words, or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand. They might replace common words with abstract descriptions, such as replacing the word toothbrush with “that thing for my mouth.” The fourth warning sign is disorientation to time and place. Sometimes individuals with the diseases become lost in their own neighborhood, and forget where they are and how they got there, and don’t know how to get home.
Another sign of Alzheimer’s is having poor judgement skills. Alzheimer’s victims commonly dress inappropriately. People with the disease may wear several layers on a warm day and vice versa; they may also wear pajamas over normal clothing. They may also show poor judgement in money management areas, and may be willing to give money to almost anyone. The normal aging person may make a questionable decision occasionally. The next warning sign involves having problems with abstract thinking. A sick person may have incredible difficulty performing complex mental tasks, such as counting back from 40 by 4s.
The seventh sign of Alzheimer’s is the common misplacement of things. Individuals may place things in unusual places, or in places they don’t belong. Misplacing valuables is also a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. The next sign of the disease is changes in mood or behavior. Rapid mood swings are common in people with Alzheimer’s, the sick person may move from a calm mood to an angry or agitated mood for no apparent reason. Victims of Alzheimer’s may also seem subdued and withdrawn in socially challenging situations.
The ninth sign of Alzheimer’s involves changes in personality. The person with the disease may experience a dramatic personality change. A sick person may become often confused, agitated, paranoid, and anxious. The normal sign of aging involves a mild personality change, but people typically remain the same with age. The final sign of Alzheimer’s is a loss of initiative. People with the disease may become passive, and may watch television for hours without communicating with others. Sick persons may also sleep more than usual, and may shy away from normal activities.
Common Treatments of Alzheimers
Common Treatments of Alzheimers
Alzheimer’s is a serious disease that causes memory loss, disorientation, confusion, and problems with reasoning and thinking. The condition is the most common form of dementia, and eventually causes total loss of mental function. Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are many treatments available. The drugs available for treatment cannot alter the progressive loss of cells, but they can stabilize the symptoms of the disease. Using the medications may also delay the need for nursing home care. The treatments for the disease include Cholinesterase inhibitors, Memantine, and Vitamin E. The Food and Drug Administration(FDA) approved two classes of drugs for treatment of cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Cholinesterase inhibitors were the first of two Alzheimer medications approved by the FDA. The three common cholinesterase inhibitors prescribed are donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine. Donepezil(Aricept®) is approved by the FDA for use in all stages of the Alzheimer’s disease. Rivastigmine(Exelon®) is approved for treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. Galantamine(Razadyne®) was also approved for treatment of mild to moderate stages of the disease. Another cholinesterase inhibitor was approved by the FDA in 1993, but it is rarely used. Tacrine(Cognex®) was the first cholinesterase inhibitor, but it is rarely used because it may cause possible liver damage, and other dangerous side effects. The inhibitors were designed to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is a chemical messenger in the brain that is essential for memory and thinking skills.
The drugs are used to keep acetylcholine levels high, even when the cells that produce the chemical messenger continue to die. Approximately, half of the individuals who take cholinesterase inhibitors experience a moderate improvement in the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Memantine(Namenda®) was approved by the FDA in 2003 for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. This drug is classified as an uncompetitive low-to-moderate affinity
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, which is the first Alzheimer treatment of this type approved in the U.S. Memantine works by regulating the activity of glutamate, which is one of the brain’s specialized messenger chemicals involved in information processing, storage, and retrieval.
The messenger chemical, glutamate has an essential role in learning and memory. The chemical triggers NMDA receptors to allow a controlled amount of calcium to be released into a nerve cell, creating the chemical environment needed for information storage. If there is an excessive amount of glutamate, then the NMDA receptors will be overstimulated, and too much calcium will flow into nerve cells, causing disruption and death of cells. Memantine can protect cells against excess glutamate by partially blocking the NMDA receptors.
Vitamin E supplements may also be used as treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, because they may help protect brain cells against attacks. Cell functions may create free radicals, which are a type of oxygen molecule that can damage cell structures and genetic material. The damage done by free radicals is called oxidative stress, and may have a role in Alzheimer’s disease. Aging causes some of the bodies natural defenses to decline, including the body’s ability to create the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E. Taking vitamin E supplements can help effectively fight the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s is a serious disease that causes memory loss, disorientation, confusion, and problems with reasoning and thinking. The condition is the most common form of dementia, and eventually causes total loss of mental function. Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are many treatments available. The drugs available for treatment cannot alter the progressive loss of cells, but they can stabilize the symptoms of the disease. Using the medications may also delay the need for nursing home care. The treatments for the disease include Cholinesterase inhibitors, Memantine, and Vitamin E. The Food and Drug Administration(FDA) approved two classes of drugs for treatment of cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Cholinesterase inhibitors were the first of two Alzheimer medications approved by the FDA. The three common cholinesterase inhibitors prescribed are donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine. Donepezil(Aricept®) is approved by the FDA for use in all stages of the Alzheimer’s disease. Rivastigmine(Exelon®) is approved for treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. Galantamine(Razadyne®) was also approved for treatment of mild to moderate stages of the disease. Another cholinesterase inhibitor was approved by the FDA in 1993, but it is rarely used. Tacrine(Cognex®) was the first cholinesterase inhibitor, but it is rarely used because it may cause possible liver damage, and other dangerous side effects. The inhibitors were designed to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is a chemical messenger in the brain that is essential for memory and thinking skills.
The drugs are used to keep acetylcholine levels high, even when the cells that produce the chemical messenger continue to die. Approximately, half of the individuals who take cholinesterase inhibitors experience a moderate improvement in the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Memantine(Namenda®) was approved by the FDA in 2003 for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. This drug is classified as an uncompetitive low-to-moderate affinity
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, which is the first Alzheimer treatment of this type approved in the U.S. Memantine works by regulating the activity of glutamate, which is one of the brain’s specialized messenger chemicals involved in information processing, storage, and retrieval.
The messenger chemical, glutamate has an essential role in learning and memory. The chemical triggers NMDA receptors to allow a controlled amount of calcium to be released into a nerve cell, creating the chemical environment needed for information storage. If there is an excessive amount of glutamate, then the NMDA receptors will be overstimulated, and too much calcium will flow into nerve cells, causing disruption and death of cells. Memantine can protect cells against excess glutamate by partially blocking the NMDA receptors.
Vitamin E supplements may also be used as treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, because they may help protect brain cells against attacks. Cell functions may create free radicals, which are a type of oxygen molecule that can damage cell structures and genetic material. The damage done by free radicals is called oxidative stress, and may have a role in Alzheimer’s disease. Aging causes some of the bodies natural defenses to decline, including the body’s ability to create the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E. Taking vitamin E supplements can help effectively fight the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
Common Myths About Alzheimers Disease
Common Myths About Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimer’s is a commonly misunderstood disease. It affects many people and their families each year, but there are many misinterpretations and myths associated with the disease. There are five common myths associated with Alzheimer’s and dispelling the myths can help many individuals find better treatment for the disease. The first myth involves memory loss and the aging process. Many people believe that memory loss is a natural part of aging, and some believe Alzheimer’s is also a natural part of aging. However, Alzheimer’s is not a part of aging; it is a serious disease that does not affect every elderly person. Severe memory loss is recognized as a symptom of serious illness. It has never been proven that age causes memory loss, but many individuals will admit that their memories decline as they grow older. If an aging person experiences excessive memory loss, it should not be passed over as a normal part of aging.
If an elderly person forgets simple and common things, then they may be showing clear signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The second common myth about Alzheimer’s disease is that the disease is not fatal. However, many people should know that Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease. Victims of Alzheimer’s may live for 3 to 20 years, but the disease is fatal for all victims. The disease begins with the destruction of cells in regions of the brain that are important for memory and thinking functions. Eventually, the loss of cells in other regions of the brain will occur, and will lead to the failure of essential systems in the body. The disease will also eventually cause the complete loss of all brain functions. If a person with Alzheimer’s has no other serious diseases, then the disease will be the single factor in the death of an individual.
The third myth about Alzheimer’s is that drinking from aluminum cans or cooking with aluminum pots and pans can lead to the disease. Disposing of aluminum products will not protect anyone from getting the Alzheimer’s disease. Aluminum’s role in causing Alzheimer’s disease is currently being researched and debated. However, there isn’t any sufficient evidence to show that aluminum is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s or a cause for dementia. Another common myth is that aspartame causes memory loss. There is no scientific evidence that supports the theory that aspartame affects cognitive function and memory loss. The aspartame product is used in foods and beverages, such as NutraSweet® and Equal®. So, consumers are able to consume these sweeteners without worrying about the products causing the Alzheimer’s disease.
The final myth is that natural therapies are able to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are several treatments available. The treatments may be effective in slowing down the declination of cognitive functions, but they are not able to completely stop the process. The FDA-approved drugs are effective in temporarily improve or stabilize the memory and thinking skills in individuals. There are also alternative medicines to the FDA-approved drugs, but they have not been proven effective in treating the disease.
Alzheimer’s is a commonly misunderstood disease. It affects many people and their families each year, but there are many misinterpretations and myths associated with the disease. There are five common myths associated with Alzheimer’s and dispelling the myths can help many individuals find better treatment for the disease. The first myth involves memory loss and the aging process. Many people believe that memory loss is a natural part of aging, and some believe Alzheimer’s is also a natural part of aging. However, Alzheimer’s is not a part of aging; it is a serious disease that does not affect every elderly person. Severe memory loss is recognized as a symptom of serious illness. It has never been proven that age causes memory loss, but many individuals will admit that their memories decline as they grow older. If an aging person experiences excessive memory loss, it should not be passed over as a normal part of aging.
If an elderly person forgets simple and common things, then they may be showing clear signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The second common myth about Alzheimer’s disease is that the disease is not fatal. However, many people should know that Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease. Victims of Alzheimer’s may live for 3 to 20 years, but the disease is fatal for all victims. The disease begins with the destruction of cells in regions of the brain that are important for memory and thinking functions. Eventually, the loss of cells in other regions of the brain will occur, and will lead to the failure of essential systems in the body. The disease will also eventually cause the complete loss of all brain functions. If a person with Alzheimer’s has no other serious diseases, then the disease will be the single factor in the death of an individual.
The third myth about Alzheimer’s is that drinking from aluminum cans or cooking with aluminum pots and pans can lead to the disease. Disposing of aluminum products will not protect anyone from getting the Alzheimer’s disease. Aluminum’s role in causing Alzheimer’s disease is currently being researched and debated. However, there isn’t any sufficient evidence to show that aluminum is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s or a cause for dementia. Another common myth is that aspartame causes memory loss. There is no scientific evidence that supports the theory that aspartame affects cognitive function and memory loss. The aspartame product is used in foods and beverages, such as NutraSweet® and Equal®. So, consumers are able to consume these sweeteners without worrying about the products causing the Alzheimer’s disease.
The final myth is that natural therapies are able to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are several treatments available. The treatments may be effective in slowing down the declination of cognitive functions, but they are not able to completely stop the process. The FDA-approved drugs are effective in temporarily improve or stabilize the memory and thinking skills in individuals. There are also alternative medicines to the FDA-approved drugs, but they have not been proven effective in treating the disease.
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