Alzheimer’s disease, also referred to as AD, is a form of dementia. It is a progressive and degenerative brain disease. It affects the patient’s memory, behavior and thinking.Memory impairment is an essential feature for the diagnosis of this disease or any other form of dementia. A change in one of the following areas should also be present: decision-making ability, attention, language, judgment, and other areas of personality and mental function.
| TREATMENT LIST | |
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| Clinics providing Alzheimer’s disease treatment: | $ 15600.00 |
The rate of progression differs for each patient. If Alzheimer’s develops very quickly, it is likely to continue to progress very rapidly. In case it has been slow to progress, it is likely to continue on a slow course.
Causes:
As you get older, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is much greater, even though it is not a part of the normal aging process. Another very common risk factor is family history. In addition to aging and family history, the risk factors for Alzheimer’s may include:
- History of head trauma
- Long history of high blood pressure
- High levels of homocysteine (a chemical in the body that contributes to chronic illnesses like depression, heart disease and probably AD)
- Since women usually live longer as compared to men, they are more vulnerable to developing AD. Hence, belonging to the female gender is also considered a risk factor.
There are 2 types of Alzheimer’s disease, early onset and late onset. In the early onset of Alzheimer’s, the symptoms first appear before the age of 60. An early onset of AD is less common and accounts for only 5 to 10% of the cases, but it tends to progress very quickly.
The actual cause for Alzheimer’s disease is not entirely known yet, but is believed to include both genetic as well as environmental factors. A diagnosis is made based upon characteristic symptoms and excluding the other causes for dementia.
Previous theories regarding the accumulation of lead, aluminum, mercury as well as other substances within the brain, which seemed to lead to Alzheimer’s have all been disproved. The only way to know for sure that someone had Alzheimer’s disease is through microscopic examination of a brain tissue sample after death.
The brain tissue sample shows “neurofibrillary tangles” (twisted protein fragments in nerve cells that clog the cell), “neuritic plaques” (abnormal cluster of dead and dying nerve cells, protein and other brain cells), and “senile plaques” (areas in which dying nerve cells have accumulated around the protein). Even though these changes occur to a certain extent in all brains with aging, there are many more in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
The destruction of neurons (nerve cells) results in a decrease in neurotransmitters (chemicals secreted by a neuron to transmit messages to another neuron). The right balance of neurotransmitters is very crucial to the brain.
By causing both chemical and structural problems in the brain, Alzheimer’s disease appears to disconnect areas of the brain that usually work together. Around 10 percent of all people over 70 years of age have significant memory problems and around half of those are due to Alzheimer’s. The number of people with this disorder doubles every decade after the age of 70. Having a close blood relative who has Alzheimer’s disease increases your risk of developing it.
An early onset can run in families and involve autosomal dominant, which are inherited mutations that might be the cause for the disease. Thus far, 3 genes that cause an early onset have been identified.
The late onset is the most common form of Alzheimer’s disease and develops in people who are 60 years or older, and is considered to be less likely to develop in families. Late onset Alzheimer’s might run in some families, but the role of genes is less definitive and direct. These genes might not cause the problem itself, but increase the possibility of the formation of plaque and tangles or other Alzheimer’s related pathologies within the brain.
Symptoms:
During the early stages, symptoms of Alzheimer’s may be subtle and resemble signs that people mistakenly attribute to “natural ageing.” Some of the common symptoms include:
- Misplacing items
- Repeating statements
- Personality changes
- Getting lost on familiar routes Having trouble recollecting names of familiar objects
- Loss of interest in activities or things previously enjoyed
- Difficulty performing tasks that require some thought, but used to come quite easily earlier. For example, balancing a checkbook, learning new information, playing complex games (like bridge or chess), etc.
Symptoms in a more advanced stage are very obvious. These include:
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Agitation
- Delusions
- Difficulty in performing basic tasks such as driving, cooking, etc.
- Forgetting details about current events
- Forgetting events in personal life
- Losing awareness of who you are
- Violent behavior
During the end stages of Alzheimer’s disease, an individual is unable to survive without assistance. Most patients in this stage are no longer able to:
- Recognize family members
- Understand language
- Perform basic and routine activities, such as eating, bathing, dressing, etc.
Tests and Exams
The very first step in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease is establishing the presence of dementia. Next, the type of dementia must be clarified. A medical practitioner will take a history, conduct a physical test (including a neurological test) and conduct a mental status test.
Tests may be recommended to determine whether there is a treatable condition that could be causing dementia or perhaps contributing to the confusion of Alzheimer’s disease. These conditions include vitamin deficiency, thyroid disease, brain tumor, anemia, drug and medicine intoxication, severe depression and chronic infection.
Alzheimer’s disease generally has a characteristic pattern of symptoms. It can be diagnosed by checking medical history and physical examination by an experienced clinician. The tests that are often conducted to evaluate or exclude other causes of dementia comprise of blood tests, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
During the early stages of dementia, the brain image scans could appear normal. In the later stages, an MRI might show a reduction in the size of the cortex or area of the brain that is responsible for memory (hippocampus). Although the scans don’t confirm the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, they certainly exclude the other causes (like stroke and tumor) for dementia.
DETAILS
Treatment
Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s has no cure. The goal for treating the condition is to:
- Slow down the progression of the disease.
- Modify home environment.
- Manage behavior problems, agitation and confusion.
- Support family members and caregivers.
The most promising treatments include medication, healthy lifestyle changes and antioxidant supplements, such as ginkgo biloba and vitamin E.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
These steps will help patients suffering with Alzheimer’s disease:
- Go for regular walks with a caregiver or reliable companion. This will help improve communication skills and avoid wandering.
- Practice relaxation techniques.
- Use bright light therapy in order to reduce insomnia.
- Listen to calm and soothing music. This helps reduce wandering and restlessness, ease anxiety, improve sleep, boost brain chemicals, and improve behavior.
- Get regular massage as it helps relax and provides social interaction.
DRUG TREATMENT
There are several drugs available in the market that help in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s and possibly improve the patient’s mental capabilities. Presently, Memantine (Namenda) is the only drug approved for treating moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease.
Some of the other medications include Rivastigmine (Exelon), Donepezil (Aricept), Tacrine (Cognex) and Galantamine (Razadyne, formerly known as Reminyl). These medicines affect the level of a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine in the brain. These medicines may cause vomiting and nausea. Tacrine is also known to cause an elevation in liver enzymes. However, it is rarely used now. Aricept helps stabilize and even improve the patient’s mental capabilities. Generally, it is well tolerated. Exelon also seems to work in the similar manner.
Other drugs may be needed in order to control aggressive, and dangerous or agitated behavior. These medicines are usually given in very low doses. It is necessary to stop using any medication that can make the confusion worse. Some of these medicines include certain pain killers, sleeping pills, central nervous system depressants, cimetidine and antihistamines. Never stop taking or change any medication without first consulting your healthcare professional.
SUPPORT AT HOME
As the disease progresses, anyone with this condition will need support at home. Family members, relatives, friends or caregivers can help by trying to understand how a patient with Alzheimer’s perceives his/her world. Try and simplify the patient’s surroundings. Give the patient a chance to talk about the challenges he/she is facing and participate in their own care. Give frequent reminders, lists of routine tasks, notes or directions for routine activities.
OTHER PRACTICAL STEPS
Patients with Alzheimer’s disease must have their ears and eyes checked. In case problems are found, glasses, hearing aids or cataract surgery might be required. Those with Alzheimer’s may have specific dietary requirements, which include:
· Excess calories due to increased physical activity from wandering and restlessness.
· Supervised meals and help while eating. Patients with Alzheimer’s often forget to eat and drink, and as a result can easily get dehydrated.
Implemented by the Alzheimer’s Association, The Safe Return Program requires patients to wear an identification bracelet. In case he/she wanders, the caregiver can contact the police and/or the national Safe Return office, where information regarding the person is stored and shared across the nation.
Eventually, 24-hour assistance and monitoring may be needed to provide a safe environment, meet physiological needs and control agitated or aggressive behavior. This may include nursing homes, adult day care or in-home care.
Support Groups
For more information and resources for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, check out Alzheimer’s disease support groups.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The possible outcome is poor. Usually, the disorder progresses steadily and total disability is common. Generally, death occurs within 15 years, due to an infection or failure of other body functions.
Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells)
Mentioned below is a broad outline for the eligibility, inclusion and exclusion criteria. However, any exceptions to these guidelines should also be properly considered and the final decision for selection for the prescribed Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) would depend entirely upon the project director on a case-to-case basis.
As a preference we recommend umbilical cord and cord blood derived Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) as compared to autologous Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) that are derived from sources such as bone marrow, peripheral blood, adipose tissue, skin, cornea (limbus), liver, small intestine, etc. However, the final decision is taken after a comprehensive study and after deliberating the medical history of a patient. Hence, the selection of Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells), dosage, source and exact mode of administration of the same is decided on case-to-case basis.
Prior to therapy, administration of GM-CSF is also recommended purely to mobilize the patient’s autologous Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) from his/her bone marrow and make them act synergistically with the transfused cells.
The project director also recommends relevant supportive therapies, which include:
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy:
Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy is performed by administrating hyperbaric Oxygen in specialized Hyperbaric Oxygen chambers. The therapy is used for:
Treating de-compression sickness or air embolism.
Increasing partial pressure of oxygen within the damaged tissues in the body.
Enhancing oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.
Chelation Therapy:
Chelation Therapy is used for removal of toxic heavy metals, such as iron (including in cases of Thalassemia), mercury, lead, arsenic, plutonium, uranium and other forms of toxic metal poisoning. Chelating agent can be administered orally, intramuscularly, or intravenously, depending upon the agent as well as the type of poisoning.
There are many chelating agents available, each with different affinities for different metals. Some of the common chelating agents comprise of:
- Alpha lipoic acid
- Aminophenoxyethane-tetraacetic acid
- Deferiprone
- Deferasirox
- Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid
- Deferoxamine
- Dimercaprol
- Dimercaptosuccinic acid
- Dimercapto-propane sulfonate
- D-penicillamine
- Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (calcium disodium versante)
- Ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid
How It Works
SUPPLEMENTS
Folate (vitamin B9) is vital for a healthy nervous system. Along with some other B vitamins, it is also responsible for clearing homocysteine (a chemical in the body that contributes to chronic illnesses) from the blood. A high level of homocysteine and low level of vitamin B12 and folate have been found in patients with AD. Even though the benefits of taking B vitamins for Alzheimer’s disease is not completely clear, it might be worth considering, particularly if the homocysteine levels are high.
Vitamin E is known to dissolve in fat, enter the brain, and help inhibit cell damage. In a well-designed study of people with Alzheimer’s, who were studied for two years, people who used vitamin E supplements showed improvement in symptoms as compared to those who took a placebo pill. People who take blood-thinning medicines like Warfarin (Coumadin) must consult their physician prior to taking vitamin E.
Antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin E and ginkgo biloba, scavenge free radicals. These products are highly reactive and can damage cells all through the body.
Ginkgo biloba is a widely used herb in Europe for the treatment of dementia. It helps improves blood circulation in the brain and contains flavonoids that act like antioxidants. Even though a lot of the studies till date have been rather flawed, the idea that ginkgo biloba could improve memory, thinking and learning in people with Alzheimer’s disease has been very promising. Never use ginkgo if you are taking blood-thinning medicines like Warfarin (Coumadin) or a category of antidepressants known as MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
In case you are considering using any medication or supplements, it is very important to consult your medical practitioner first. Keep in mind that herbs and supplements that are available over the counter are not regulated by the FDA.
Treatment Details
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: More than 30 years.
- Sex: Any
- Ethnicity: Any
- Race: Any
- Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease as documented through physical, biochemical, symptomatic and radiographical findings.
- The normal memory function is documented by scoring at specific cutoff on the Logical Memory II subscale at a maximum score of 25. a) More or equal to 10 for 16 or more years of education. b) More or equal to 6 for 8 to 15 years of education. c) More or equal to 4 for 0 to 7 years of education
- Memory Box score should be 0. (preferable)
- Clinical Dementia Rating should be 0. (preferable)
- Permitted medication stable for at least four weeks before the screening. a) Patients can take stable doses of antidepressants that lack significant anticholinergic side effects (if they are not presently depressed and don’t have a history of major depression in the past two years). b) Gingko biloba is allowed, but discouraged. c) Estrogen replacement therapy is discouraged. d) Washout from psychoactive medicines (e.g., neuroleptics, excluded anti-depressants, chronic anxiolytics, sedative hypnotics, etc.) at least 4 weeks before the screening.
- Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to permit neuropsychological testing.
- Able and willing to complete all baseline assessments and participate in a three year protocol.
- Willing to undergo all necessary tests to prove the effectiveness of Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) infusion from after regular intervals.
Exclusion Criteria
- Patients not co-operative for close follow-up with necessary medical tests and exams at regular intervals.
- Any significant neurologic disease like Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, multi-infarct dementia, brain tumor, normal pressure hydrocephalus, progressive supranuclear palsy, subdural hematoma, seizure disorder, or a history of significant head trauma followed by chronic neurologic defects or known structural brain abnormalities.
- History of substance or alcohol abuse, or dependence within the last 2 years.
- History of schizophrenia.
- Unstable medical condition or significant systemic illness that could cause difficulties in complying with the protocol.
- Tests that may interfere with the study.
- Significant abnormalities in Thyroid Function or Vitamin B12.
- Current use of specific psychoactive medicines (e.g., antidepressants, neuroleptics, sedative hypnotics, chronic anxiolytics, etc.).
- Present use of Warfarin.
Allogenic Umbilical Cord Derived
Every dose of umbilical Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) must be preceded by GM-CSF a day before the Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) infusion. In adults, the dose should be 5 microgram / kg body weight, and in children the dose is 2.5 microgram / kg body weight.
Mode of Administering GM-CSF:
- An injection under the skin (subcutaneous)
- Infusion into the vein (intravenous)
GM-CSF Side Effects
Some points to keep in mind with regards to GM-CSF.
- Most patients don’t experience all of the mentioned side effects.
- The side effects are most often reversible and subside after the treatment is complete.
- The side effects are often predictable in terms of the onset as well as duration.
- There are several treatment alternatives to help minimize or prevent the side effects.
- There is no relationship in the presence or severity of the side effects and effectiveness of medicines.
Common Side Effects of GM-CSF:
- After the first dose, a patient may experience low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, or flushing. This is known as “first-dose effect,” and often does not occur with future doses.
- Weakness and fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Local reaction on the injection site. This includes redness, swelling and tenderness.
Less Common Side Effects:
- Mild flu-like symptoms, which include fever, headaches, generalized aches and pains, fatigue and weakness.
- Swelling on the hands and feet.
Points to Note if the Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) are Derived from the Umbilical Cord Lining and Cord Blood
The CD 34+ cells mentioned in the present discussion are cells that are similar to hematopoetic cells that carry CD 34+ markers derived from the cord blood after isolation, by using cell sorting techniques or magnetic beads.
The Mesenchymal Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) mentioned in the present discussion are cells that are similar to total nucleated cells obtained from the cord lining, subsequent to exhaustive processing.
Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) Dosage
- 32 – 80 million Mesenchymal Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) plus 10 to 40 million CD 34 + cells over a 1 year period.
- Duration: 8 to 20 million MSCs plus 2.5 to 10 million CD 34+ cells over a 3 month period (simultaneously with GCSF 1 day prior to the Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells)).
- Approximate dose of 100 to 200 million Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) is required to generate satisfactorily results.
Mode of administration of Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells): Intravenous.
Possible Side Effects of Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells):
- Headache
- Mild Fever
- Rash
Quality Check:
The Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) shall be checked for quality for the following under the GLP and GMP standards:
- HCV by ELIZA and PCR
- HIV I AND II by ELIZA and PCR
- Bacterial contamination
- CMV
- Endotoxin content
- HbsAG by ELIZA and PCR
Autologous Bone Marrow Derived Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells):
- 150 to 200 ml bone marrow is collected in a blood bag using aseptic precautions. This is done in an operation theatre, under general anesthesia.
- The Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) are then processed and isolated using the GLP and GMP standards.
- Within 6 to 8 hours from collection, the final volume of 5 to 10 ml is administered intravenously.
- Since the Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) cannot be tested for bacterial contamination, an antibiotic cover is necessary prior to infusion.
Mode of Administration: Intravenous.
Autologous Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) Obtained from Adipose Tissues:
- A volume of 150 to 200 ml adipose tissue is derived in a blood bag through liposuction. The procedure is performed by a surgeon in an operation theatre, under general anesthesia.
- The derived Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) are then processed and isolated using the GLP and GMP standards.
- The final volume of 5 to 10 ml is then administered intravenously within 6 – 8 hours from collection.
- It is not possible to test the Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) for bacterial contamination. Hence, an antibiotic cover is required prior to infusion.
Mode of Administration: Intravenous.
Autologous Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) Obtained from Peripheral Blood:
- Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) are collected using a procedure known as “Apheresis”.
- This procedure is performed in an ambient environment with the help of a well-programmed cell separator that provides the desired Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) (around 200 to 250 ml Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells)) from the blood stream in a specifically designed blood bag.
- Prior infusion of GM-CSF (in a dose of 5 microgram / kg body weight in adults and 2.5 microgram / kg body weight in children) will ensure maximum mobilization of Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) from bone marrow.
Mode of Administration: Intravenous.
Autologous Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) Derived from Skin, Teeth, Cornea, Liver, Small Intestine, etc.
- Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) from any of these organs are derived using sophisticated techniques in an operation theatre, under general anesthesia.
- The Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) are then processed and isolated under the GLP and GMP standards.
- Final volume of 5 to 10 ml is administered intravenously within 6 to 8 hours from collection.
Autologous / Allogenic Therapy by using Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) from the Placenta, Amniotic Sac and / or Amniotic Fluid
Different progenitor cell populations, including hematopoietic, trophoblastic, mesenchymal and probably more primitive Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) can be isolated from the placenta as well as amniotic fluid. At least some of the placental and amniotic cells share a common origin, i.e. the inner cell mass of the morula. In fact, most types of progenitor cells, which can be isolated from these 2 sources, share several characteristics. The amniotic fluid and placenta contain multiple types of progenitor cells from the developing embryo, which includes bone, muscle as well as fat.
Amniotic Sac (amniotic membranes) and Placenta:
After simultaneous harvesting of blood cells from the umbilical cord (UCB), placenta tissue (UPT) and placenta blood (UPB) for their content of nucleated cells, the results illustrated that the nuclear cells (NC) from placenta blood and placenta tissue has 3 to 4 times more cells as compared to cells only from umbilical cord blood. In the long-term cell culture condition, the cells from UPT (Placental tissue) and UPB (Placental Blood) have more survival capacity as compared to cells from the UCB (Cord Blood).
The cells stored in liquid nitrogen did not show any major loss of total nucleated cell count as well as CD34 (+) cells. It was noticed that the placenta tissue and placenta blood contained more suppressor lymphocytes, which can prove important in the prevention of graft-versus-host disease. Such implications propose the importance of placental tissue and blood collection, and simultaneous processing of umbilical cord blood for transplanting Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells).
Amniotic Fluid:
The Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) derived from amniotic fluid have been utilized to differentiate into adipose tissue, muscle, bone, cartilage, nerve, blood vessel, etc. These cells offer a valuable resource for the repair of cells, organs or tissues.
These Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) that have been sourced from the amniotic fluid are known as Amniotic Fluid Derived Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) (AFS). They may be an intermediate stage between the embryonic Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) and adult cells. The cells are capable of extensive self-renewal, which is a significant property of Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells). They can also be utilized to produce a wide range of cells, which could prove valuable for therapy.
Amniotic fluid derived Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) can be obtained from abundant supplies of amniotic fluid from the many procedures that examine cells for prenatal diagnosis of certain genetic disorders. This procedure is known as amniocentesis. Even childbirth is a source of amniotic fluid. The possibility of a perfect match is also possible due to its primitive nature.
Amniotic Fluid Derived Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) have Several Advantages:
- They can be easily obtained through amniocentesis.
- Since they double every 36 hours, they can be grown in larger quantities in order to produce larger amounts of Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells).
- No ‘Feeders’ or ‘Factors’ are required to guide them to migrate to the desired cell line.
- They don’t produce tumors and are therefore preferred over embryonic Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells).
- Specialized cells generated from Amniotic Fluid Derived Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) comprise all 3 types of cells, which exist in the developing embryo – ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. Therefore, these Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) are able to potentially differentiate into any tissue, cell or organ of the body.
- Like the embryonic Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells), even amniotic fluid derived Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) have the potential to produce all types of adult cells.
The project director also recommends Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) derived from the placenta, amniotic sac and amniotic fluid. These cells are cautiously processed, isolated and then cultured in a clean room, under the GLP and GMP standards. They can be used for allogenic or autologous use, similar to Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) that are isolated from cord tissue and/or cord blood, at times, simultaneously with hyperbaric oxygen and / or chelation therapy, after a prior administration of GM- CSF. The selection of Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells), its dosage, mode of administration, as well as accompanying concurrent or adjuvant therapy varies on a case-to-case basis.
Mode of Administration: Intravenous
Possible Side Effects of Amniotic Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells):
- Headache
- Mild Fever
- Rash
- Quality Check:
The cells are quality checked for the following under the GLP and GMP standards:
- HbsAG by ELIZA and PCR
- HCV by ELIZA and PCR
- HIV I AND II by ELIZA and PCR
- Bacterial contamination
- Endotoxin content
- CMV
As the Regenerative Tissue Therapy (cells) cannot be tested for bacterial contamination, an antibiotic cover is essential prior to infusion.
Mode of Administration: Intravenous.
Possible Complications Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease
- Failure of body systems
- Loss of ability to function
- Loss of ability to move joints due to loss of muscle function
- Bedsores, muscle contractures, infections (particularly pneumonia and urinary tract infections)
- Complications related to immobility during the end-stages of the disease
- Loss of ability to interact
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Violent behavior towards self and others
- Abuse by over-stressed caregivers
- Side effects caused by certain medications
- Reduced life span
When to Contact a Healthcare Professional
- Contact the healthcare professional if someone close to you is experiencing symptoms of senile dementia/Alzheimer’s type.
- Contact a healthcare provider if a patient with this disorder experiences sudden changes in mental status. (A rapid change can indicate other illness.)
- Discuss the situation with the healthcare professional in case you are caring for a patient with this disorder and the condition starts deteriorating to a point where you are no longer able to care for the patient in your house.
Prevention:
Even though there is no proven method to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, there are certain practices that can be worth incorporating into your daily routine, especially if you have a history of dementia in your family. Speak with your medical practitioner about any of these approaches, particularly those that involve taking any medication or supplement. Some preventive measures include:
- Consume cold-water fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel at least 2 to 3 times a week as they are rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids.
- Consume a low-fat diet.
- Increase the intake of antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C and carotenoids by consuming plenty of dark colored fruits and vegetables.
- Reduce the intake of linoleic acid, which is found in butter, margarine, butter and other dairy products.
- Ensure to maintain normal blood pressure levels.
- Stay socially and mentally active throughout your life.
- Consider using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin) or sulindac (Clinoril). Statin drugs, a category of medications usually used for high cholesterol can also help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, first speak with your physician about the pros and cons of using these medicines as prevention.
In addition to this, early testing of a vaccine against Alzheimer’s disease is underway.
Alternative Names:
Senile dementia/Alzheimer’s type (SDAT)
FAQS
What are the Benefits of Regenerative Tissue Therapy Therapy?
Regenerative tissue therapy, also known as Stem Cell Therapy,helps in the repair,healing and regeneration of damaged or injured tissues. It regeneratestissues that are injured due to meniscal tears, rotator cuff tears, ligament tears, tennis elbow and degenerative diseases such as arthritis and osteoarthritis. It reduces pain caused due to injury and improves performance. The treatment is performed in theoffice, under local anesthesia. This eliminates any risks associated with anesthesiaor surgery.
How do I know Whether this Therapy is Good for Me?
For this, you should consult your doctor if you suffer from any degenerative diseaseor have any type of joint pain. Regenerative Tissue Therapyallows the patient’s body to use it’s own cells for healingand repairing damaged tissue.
Are there any Ethical Issues involved with Adult Cells?
Not at all. Adult Regenerative tissue cells are not embryosand donot have the potential to develop into a human being. They reside within the bone marrow as well as the fatlayers,and exist in large quantities.
Does the Therapy Involve any Side Effects?
Regenerative Tissue therapy is an extremely safe procedure. Following a complete medical evaluation, our specialists determine whether you are theright candidate for this treatmentor not. A few patients might experience some pain and soreness during the post-operative period. Since fat and autologous blood is used, there are minimal chances of an allergic reaction.
What’s the Difference between Cells from Bone Marrowand Fat?
Both bone marrow and adipose cells belong to a type of adult cell calledMesenchymal Cells. Bone marrow derived cells are collected from the hipboneand adipose cells are collected through a mini liposuction procedure. The bone marrow cells possess a superior ability to repair as well as differentiate into ligaments, bone and cartilage.Adipose cellson the other hand have regenerative properties to produce new blood vessels, a process which is important for the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues.
How do I know Whether the Cells are injected in the Right Place?
We know that the success of any treatment depends upon a reliable delivery system. We put to use a simple injection in and out method, in order to deliver the cells. Also, our injections are all done under X-Ray (fluoroscopy) to visualize the site of injury as well as provide effective and accurate treatment.
What is PRP and why is it used along with Regenerative Tissue Therapy?
PRP is blood plasma which containsa high autologous concentration of cells known as platelets. These cells release growth factors as well as other proteins which promote healing of wounds in bone and soft tissues. When PRPis injected, the high concentration of platelets delivers a powerful dose of growth factors that helps to accelerate and enhance the repair and healingof tissues. In addition, these growth factors attract regenerative cells to the injury site. While injecting PRP, more than 1injection is recommended in order to maximize results.
How is PRP Derived?
PRP is obtained using a safe and simple blood draw. For collection, special collection tubes are used and approximately 16 cc of blood is obtained. The collected blood is centrifuged using special equipment until the PRP is obtained. Following this process,PRP is ready to be injected or mixed along with fat for aesthetic enhancement.
Is there any Special Procedure to prepare for when undergoing PRP or Regenerative Tissue Therapy?
Prior to treatment, patients are encouragedto undergo a simple detox in order to prepare the body to be better conditioned for receiving the regenerative cells. Patients mustcease smoking and alcohol consumption at least 1 week before the procedure. An IV Vitamin Therapyis recommendedto clean the system oftoxinsand simultaneously infuse vitamins as well as minerals in the bloodstream. The vitamins are required by some cells to perform important functions. Possessing a good balance of such vitamins will improve the effectsof the treatment.
When can I Resume Work and Routine Activities?
The treatment is ambulatory. Generally, patients are sore during the first couple of days after the injection. They can resume work after 2 to 3 days, depending upon the site of treatment as well as the levelof physical activity required from patientsat their respective jobs.
Is the treatment approved by the FDA?
There is no clear protocol to treat any disease using adult cells in the U.S. With advancements in science and more research, the laws and regulations in the field of regenerative medicine have been changing quite rapidly. Even though the therapyis not regulated by the FDA, we ensue that we follow the standard regulations for patients’safety as well as safe laboratory practices.
PRECAUTION
Consulting
- Before doing any treatment please consult your doctor to confirm if the treatment is the right one for you
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