Out of Oxnard Family Circle’s 250 participants, 50 have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Our center alone is an indicator of the growing problem known as Alzheimer’s that is affecting families all over the world.
Here are some statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association:
- 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
- One in eight older Americans has Alzheimer’s disease.
- Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.
The numbers are rapidly growing. One of the major issues regarding Alzheimer’s disease is that we cannot identify the exact causes of the disease. Without knowledge of where the disease stems from, researchers have not been able to develop effective treatments to prevent it. However, many efforts are being made; information is constantly being gathered and potential drugs to combat the disease are being tested.
Much of the information that has been gathered covers preventative treatments for vascular dementia.
Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes are crucial in preventing vascular dementia. Caused by a series of small strokes that damage or destroy brain tissue and prevent oxygen from reaching the brain, vascular dementia is a serious health concern for older adults with diabetes. Because strokes occur suddenly, symptoms of vascular dementia may develop unexpectedly or without warning, then remain constant for a period of time and then abruptly become worse. Individuals with vascular dementia may even appear to improve for short intervals, only to get worse after the occurrence of one or more additional strokes. It is also possible for a person to suffer from both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease simultaneously, which can complicate matters further.
Antioxidants may be beneficial in preventing progression of dementia, but more research is needed. Be sure that your loved one is consuming healthy amounts of vitamins C and E, but avoid overly high doses of vitamin E.
Lipid-lowering medications can be prescribed to reduce risk of vascular dementia and are recommended for those with high cholesterol. Recent research suggests that statins may be associated with some short-term changes in cognitive processing and memory. However, there is no evidents that these agents contribute to the development of dementia.
Cholinesterase inhibitors may slow progression of dementia for those who may be at risk for Alzheimer’s due to advanced age or a history of Alzheimer’s in their family.
Available Treatments for Alzheimer’s and Dementia:
Cholinesterase inhibitors are medications that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved with cognitive processing. By increasing the levels of acetylcholine, these drugs may help maintain or improve cognitive abilities in some people with dementia. Doctors may recommend one of the following cholinesterase inhibitors:
- Donepezil (Aricept)
- Galantamine (Galantamine)
- Rivastigmine (Rivastigmine)
Doctors may also prescribe memantine (Namenda), the first N-methyl-D aspartate receptor antagonist (NMDA). Memantine is believed to modify the functioning of the NMDA brain receptor and reduce the negative effect of too much exposure to the brain chemical glutamate, which can cause the death of nerve cells and worsen memory loss.
Cholinesterase inhibitors are often prescribed during early phases of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Memantine is approved by the FDA for severe dementia and the doctor may suggest a combination of a cholinesterase inhibitor ansd memantine if the person does not respond to the cholinesterase inhibitor alone. The combination of these treatments can reduce memory loss, but the progress of dementia itself may make it hard for caregivers to notice this beneficial effect.
How can Oxnard Family Circle help?
Oxnard Family Circle Adult Day Health Care provides caregiver respite and specialized memory care. Oxnard Family Circle ADHC is the only center in Ventura County with a separate Memory Care Unit. Out of the 50 people with dementia at our center, 15 of those people who are lower-functioning dementia individuals stay in the Memory Care Unit. Higher functioning individuals are able to enjoy all areas of Oxnard Family Circle. Program aids and registered nurses are available to help distribute medication and monitor your loved one to prevent him or her from wandering. Enrolling at Oxnard Family Circle ensures that your loved one will be kept safe, content and secure at all times. Help yourself and your loved one with dementia by considering adult day health care.
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