There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, but experimental Alzheimer’s research, with promising results, is being conducted. This research includes treatment through caloric intake, vaccines and practical measures to aid those in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s.

Decrease Caloric Intake

In conducting Alzheimer’s research it is important to thoroughly investigate each possibility in combating Alzheimer’s disease. One such research option includes the effects that decreasing one’s food intake and subsequent caloric intake has upon Alzheimer’s disease.

A laboratory study conducted upon mice indicated that a decrease in calories helped produce a specific protein that protected the brain from Alzheimer’s disease. The findings of this Alzheimer’s research were based upon two groups of mice. The first group of mice ate what they wanted without restriction. The second group of mice ate 30 percent less food.

Six months later the brains of the mice were examined. The findings indicated that the mice, fed 30 percent less food, contained higher levels of a specific protein. This protein was found to work against the aging process. Furthermore, upon examination, these groups of mice were also found to have significantly lower amounts of plaque and even indicated a reversal of plaque buildup. The lower amounts of plaque were attributed to the lesser quantities of calories ingested by the mice and the subsequent production of the aging fighting protein.

Vaccine

Chemical studies are also an integral part in Alzheimer’s research. An experimental vaccine was administered in 2003. The purpose of this vaccine was to introduce a protein that would create a plaque buildup within the brain. The successful results anticipated were that the immune system would be trained to concentrate on this protein and expel the protein that caused the plaque build-up. Unfortunately, first experiments with a vaccine failed resulting in an adverse affect that caused a swelling of the brains in laboratory mice.

However, a new vaccine has been developed for research purposes. The results have been encouraging with the immune system attacking the plaque producing protein as anticipated. In addition, no adverse effects have been experienced by the mice.

Memory Kits

Finally, Alzheimer’s research has been conducted through the use of tangible and stimulating material items both to the touch as well as visually. Alzheimer’s research indicates that soft foam balls, supple blankets and teddy bears are an important part of the therapy for Alzheimer’s patients. It is an important part of Alzheimer’s research directed towards those individuals who are in the latter stages of Alzheimer’s. The results show that these items offer a diversion for patients who are anxious and distraught resulting in a calming affect for the patients.

Additionally, the use of aromatherapy has been determined to be of great help. The scent of lavender has been shown to be a great reliever of stress which is one of the major symptoms of Alzheimer’s patients.

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most debilitating sicknesses that someone can experience, and it doesn’t only affect the victim. Family members and friends of the victim suffer with each glance of confusion at a name and each time a cherished memory disappears.

There is help out there, though, through a number of Alzheimer’s organizations existing to help, to do research, and to find a way to cure or even prevent this horrible disease. Below is discussion of a few of these Alzheimer’s organizations available in most areas.

The Alzheimer’s Association

This particular Alzheimer’s organization has been the world leader in research and support, and it is the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding preventative methods, treatments, and an eventual cure for the disease. This Alzheimer’s organization has an underlying mission to eliminate the disease through research, drug development, and community outreach. Their resources include a care finder database, research library, and telephone support to help when things confusing.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association

Another Alzheimer’s organization that has become a wonderful resource for families and friends of those affected by this disease is the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, or ADRDA. This Alzheimer’s organization was incorporated on April 10, 1980, with seven founding chapters in Boston, Columbus, Minneapolis, New York City, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Today it is a multi-million dollar organization and has been a catalyst and leader for a generation of advancements in the disease, the treatment, and counseling of the people affected by it. This Alzheimer’s organization is quickly becoming a wonderful resource for everyone affected by this disease.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation

Perhaps one of the most recognizable names in the many Alzheimer’s organizations available is that of the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Founded in 2002, this organization was started by a consortium of organizations to fill the gap that existed on a national level to assure quality of care and provide an excellence in service to individuals with this disease and their families. The goal of this Alzheimer’s organization is to unite other organizations across the United States to help meet the educational, social, emotional, and even practical needs of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Local and National Help

All these Alzheimer’s organizations, as well as many others, have national and local chapters and regional associations. If you want to help, or even learn more about this disease, perhaps one of the easiest ways to go about it is to open your local phone book and start dialing the number of your local chapter. Another option in finding a nearby Alzheimer’s organization is to go online and search the Internet. Or, check out your local community center or local library. Chances are the information for an Alzheimer’s organization will be waiting there.

One of the most difficult decisions that you will make when you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s is when it comes time to choose a nursing home. You will know it is time simply because you will no longer be able to provide a safe and healthy environment for your loved one.

There is some basic information that will help you choose a good Alzheimer’s nursing home for your family member or loved one.

There are two types of nursing care facilities that can care for an Alzheimer’s patient:

1. Skilled care: This type of Alzheimer’s nursing home only provides care that can be provided by a doctor, licensed nurse, physical or occupational therapist, respiratory therapist, or social worker. These types of nursing homes are also know as ’sub-acute’ or ‘medicare occupancy’. This type of nursing home is generally paid for by Medicare for approximately one hundred days, so is not suitable for the long-term.

2. Long-term care: This type of Alzheimer’s nursing home is for those individuals that require a 24-hour high level of care to insure their safety. Medicare does generally not cover a long-term Alzheimer’s nursing home. You must have your own resources to fund this level of care, although there are some government programs that may help after you have exhausted your resources. If the nursing home does not accept government funding, you will have to move them to a nursing facility that does.

How to Locate an Alzheimer’s Nursing Home

The government offices of Medicare and Medicaid have an extensive database that can help you to locate a good Alzheimer’s nursing home. You may want to consider a Special Care Unit (SCU) that is specially trained in the assistance of Alzheimer’s patients. Their database rates the Alzheimer’s nursing homes by quality of care, quality of life, nutrition, and safety.

They also provide a checklist for people to use when visiting the different Alzheimer’s nursing homes. This form will help you keep track of the different nursing homes so that you can evaluate them for the best alternative. This checklist is available at http://www.alzinfo.org/pdfs/checklist.pdf and the database of nursing homes can be found at http://www.alzinfo.org/providers/default.aspx?AreaId=3.

Above all, do not feel guilty when you make the decision to use an Alzheimer’s nursing home. It is impossible for one person to provide the care needed for a person with advanced symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that affects many elderly, causing the brain to degenerate, affecting memory and behavior, as well as normal thought processes. Learning about the disease at the earliest onset of symptoms can help not only the patient, but loved ones deal with this incurable disease. Because we don’t know very much about this disease as of yet, it’s important to research Alzheimer’s information, symptoms, and current treatments in order to make enduring the disease as easy as possible.

Finding the Information

Alzheimer’s information isn’t hard to find as over four million people in the United States alone suffer from the disease. With so many afflicted, information must be kept nearby so that people know what to expect. Finding Alzheimer’s information should be as easy as asking your doctor or finding your local Alzheimer’s Association.

Technology and the Internet also make finding Alzheimer’s information simple and easy. A quick search of the disease will bring up many websites dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease and its patients.

Alzheimer’s information helps keep everyone informed about this disease that already affects so many lives. By keeping up to date with the latest research and teaching about the disease, loved ones can be prepared for the worst of the symptoms. It’s often hard to witness a family member or friend endure the disease; however, Alzheimer’s information can help make it a little better.

Get Help from Those Who Know

Alzheimer’s information can even be found in local support groups, and the most beneficial Alzheimer’s information comes from people who have already experienced the disease. The stories, experiences, and advice offered from others will often be very similar to what you will go through. Alzheimer’s information lets you know what to look for and what to do in certain situations.

Everyday, scientists learn a little more about the disease and there may, indeed, be a cure one day. Until then, it’s necessary to gather as much Alzheimer’s information we can about this easily researched disease. Chances are someone you know has been affected by the disease or is going through the disease currently with a relative or friend. Seeking out the information isn’t the hard part. It’s what is done with the information that’s so important.

By gathering as much Alzheimer’s information as you can, you can hopefully reduce the suffering caused by this heinous disease and hopefully make the rest of your loved ones’ lives more comfortable.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be a daunting task. You will need all of the support you can get, along with the latest and most significant Alzheimer’s info and research. It is a confusing time, and the more you know, the more confident you will feel in your ability to give your loved one the best possible care and support. It is also important to build a support network that will help you to avoid the common problems associated with caretaker burnout.

Ask Questions

Your first stop to gaining Alzheimer’s info should be your doctor or your loved one’s doctor. You should make sure that you accompany your loved one to all appointments, and ask questions about anything that makes you feel are confusing or uncomfortable. It is the doctor’s job to provide you with the information you need. You should not count on the patient to relay necessary information to you; instead, make sure you are an integral part of the health care process.

Do not let your quest for information end with the doctor’s office, though. Make sure to go out and actively seek information, both on the specifics of the disease and current treatments, and on your role as caregiver. For the most up to date Alzheimer’s info, consider subscribing to medical journals that specialize in the field.

Seek Support

Consider looking into local support groups and organizations aimed at caretakers. In addition to providing Alzheimer’s info and sharing personal experience and knowledge, these groups can offer a variety of support services. Often you will be able to get temporary care to allow you to attend social events and help to prevent caretaker burnout, both of which allow you to continue to give the best possible care to your loved one. Most hospitals maintain a database of these types of support groups, as do local newspapers in many towns.

Check Online

There is a wealth of Alzheimer’s info and support online, as well. The National Institute of Health maintains a website dedicated to Alzheimer’s info, and includes up to the moment information on diagnostic tools and treatments. Information specifically for caregivers is included, as well, and is written for a layman to read, rather than a scientist. Many Alzheimer’s caregivers support groups maintain websites, which contain Alzheimer’s info, as well as message boards or chat rooms where you can connect with other caregivers. For many people, this is easier than attending an in-person support group, for which you need to arrange adult care and transportation.