Today is Alzheimer’s. Day. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder named for German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. Scientists have learned a great deal about Alzheimer’s disease in the century since Dr. Alzheimer first drew attention to it.

As many as 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and it is fatal.

Today it is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.a general term for the loss of memory and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Vascular dementia, another common type of dementia, is caused by reduced blood flow to parts of the brain.combined with the right services and support, can make life better for the millions of peoples living with Alzheimer’s.

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. But drug and non-drug treatments may help with both cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Researchers are looking for new treatments to alter the course of the disease and improve the quality of life for people with dementia.Health professionals often divide the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease into “cognitive” and “behavioral and psychiatric” categories.Cognitive symptoms affect memory, language, judgment, planning, ability to pay attention and other thought processes.

Behavioral and psychiatric symptoms affect the way we feel and act.2) Scientists think vitamin E may help because it is an antioxidant, a substance that may protect nerve cells from certain kinds of chemical wear and tear.Many people with Alzheimer’s experience changes in their sleep patterns. Scientists do not completely understand why this happens. As with changes in memory and behavior, sleep changes somehow result from the impact of Alzheimer’s on the brain.A growing number of herbal remedies, vitamins and other dietary supplements are promoted as memory enhancers or treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related diseases

Especially if the caregiver is very close to the diagnosed patient. Often times, it is a daughter or son taking care of their parents. When the patient is in the advanced stages of Alzhimers, it is extremely difficult for patient, caregiver, and also the whole family. If you suspect Alzhimers disease in a oved one, the following steps will give you some helpful tips in dealing with this disease.

Follow these simple rules to make day-to-day life easier:

1. Label drawers and cabinets to help them find things easier.
2. Don’t change things. Keep the decor, furniture location, etc. constant.
3. If something’s bothering the person… fixes it! My Mom asks me if the clock was right 5 times in about 60 minutes. Finally I said “You know what it isn’t right. What does your watch say?” She told me and I adjusted the clock by 2 minutes and said, “There you go. I fixed it for you. You were right it was off. Now it’s right.” She never asked me again.
4. Keep meals nutritious yet simple.
5. Don’t have people over in large groups. Instead have smaller groups more often.
6. Reduce stress and anxiety. These things increase symptoms and repeatability.
7. Even though the roles may be reversed, NEVER forget they’re still your parent. Always treat them with respect and love.
8. Plan activities like planting flowers, making necklaces, scrap booking, looking through photo albums, reading together, going to the zoo, etc.