“Alzheimer’s disease destroys the connections in the brain that are responsible for memory and other mental functions. This causes a decline in self-care skills.”

“There is no way to reverse Alzheimer’s disease. New treatments may slow down its progression.”

“There are new studies showing that there is a chance of reversing Alzheimer’s disease in the future.”

There’s no way to reverse or cure Alzheimer’s disease. However, scientists have made incredible progress in recent years.

“Alzheimer’s treatments may slow the disease progression. They can help people stay independent and keep their skills up for longer than they would be able to without treatment.”

While many treatment options are still in development, current medical treatments include:

  • Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (or cholinesterase inhibitors) can help improve cognition and reduce behavioral symptoms. They prevent the breakdown of important brain chemicals used in memory and thinking. Donepezil is an enzyme-blocking acetylcholinesterase inhibitor known to reduce confusion in people with Alzheimer’s.
  • Aducanumab. Aducanumab is a newly approved medication that targets the brain lesions associated with Alzheimer’s. These lesions are called amyloid plaques. Aducanumab was approved through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Accelerated Approval Program in 2021 for early stage Alzheimer’s, and several similar medications are currently being tested.
  • Memantine. This is a class of medication known as NMDA Antagonists. Memantine can delay increasing cognitive and behavioral symptoms caused by moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.

Medications with the potential to reverse Alzheimer’s are also being studied. For instance, a 2021 research study conducted in Barcelona, Spain was able to reverse Alzheimer’s disease in mice using medications commonly used to treat inflammation and high blood pressure in humans.

A similar American study had success reversing Alzheimer’s using a medication that is currently approved as a diuretic.

“These results are good examples of how far Alzheimer’s research has come.”

“Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease might look different a decade from now.”

“There is no diet or supplement that can reverse Alzheimer’s, but there is some evidence that diet can play a role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.”

Specifically, there seems to be a link between the Mediterranean diet and memory. Since high blood pressure is known to be an additional risk for Alzheimer’s, the MIND diet is sometimes recommended. The MIND diet is a variation of the Mediterranean diet that blends it with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.

Following the MIND diet involves cooking with olive oil and eating more:

  • leafy green vegetables.
  • All vegetables.
  • whole grains
  • The berries are large.
  • fish
  • poultry
  • There are nuts.
  • There are beans.
  • wine (one glass a day and only if recommended by your doctor and appropriate for your health)

People who are following the MIND diet are advised to limit their intake.

  • butter
  • It is margarine.
  • There are sugars and sweets.
  • Red meat.
  • cheese
  • convenience items
  • Fried food.

“There is no definitive evidence to support a Mediterranean diet to improve memory and cognitive function. Studies are not conclusive. It is not clear whether these diet will reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s.”

“The foods suggested in these diet have high nutrition value. This could offer benefits for your health and possibly also lower your risk for Alzheimer’s.”

Supplements for Alzheimer’s disease

There are many supplements and products that claim to be able to slow down, reverse, cure, prevent, or treat Alzheimer’s disease. of these claims are backed by research or supported by the FDA.

There are only two supplements that have been studied.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Studies have shown that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the omega-3 fatty acid found in certain kinds of fish, might reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s.

“There isn’t enough evidence to support the claim that the FDA doesn’t recommend a preventive supplement against Alzheimer’s.”

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a lipid or fat found in the membranes around nerve cells. Like DHA, a few small studies have shown promising results, but they don’t offer enough evidence to support it as a treatment or preventive option for Alzheimer’s.

Currently, the FDA allows products with phosphatidylserine to carry the following disclaimer: “Very limited and preliminary scientific research suggests that PS may reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly. FDA concludes that there’s little scientific evidence supporting this claim.”

“Genetics, age, lifestyle, and environment are some of the factors that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s are being identified.”

For now, everyone can take steps to control the known lifestyle risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. These include:

  • Staying active. Regular physical exercise has been shown to reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s disease as exercise increases blood flow to your brain and keeps your heart strong.
  • Eating a nutritious diet. A diet such as the Mediterranean diet or an overall heart-healthy diet can help reduce your risk. There’s a strong link between conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol and Alzheimer’s disease. Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a moderate weight can help you protect your heart and reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s.
  • Maintaining social connections. Staying in touch with friends and family can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s. It can also help to volunteer locally or join a social group to meet new people.
  • Avoiding head injuries. People who’ve experienced head trauma that involved a loss of consciousness appear to be at a greater risk for Alzheimer’s. Taking extra safety precautions to avoid injury can help you reduce this risk.
  • Treating hearing loss. Hearing loss is a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s. Treating and managing hearing deficits can help reduce this risk.
  • Quitting smoking. Smoking is linked to a higher risk for Alzheimer’s. Quitting can reduce your risk.
  • Learning a new skill. Taking a class, learning a new language, or picking up a new skill is a great way to help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s.
  • Challenging yourself. Taking on new projects around your home, playing strategy games, completing puzzles, and doing other tasks that require you to work through a plan can help you keep your mind active.
  • Getting a good night’s sleep. Your brain needs rest to function and maintain health. It’s important to get enough sleep and not ignore problems with sleep such as sleep apnea, insomnia, or night sweats.
  • Managing your mental health. Stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns are sometimes linked to cognitive decline. Reach out to a therapist and find the right treatment or medications for you, if needed.

“Alzheimer’s disease can change the signs and symptoms.”

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, it can be difficult to tell that anything has changed. Symptoms will be mild and the person with Alzheimer’s will seem healthy. Often, close friends and family members will notice signs that become a pattern.

“Early diagnosis is the best way to treat Alzheimer’s. Treatments may slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s.”

“If you notice any signs of Alzheimer’s, you should see a doctor.”

Signs of early Alzheimer’s disease may include:

  • Reduced judgement and decision-making skills.
  • Asking the same questions multiple times.
  • memory loss
  • Changes in routine can cause resistance.
  • Getting lost in familiar places can be a problem.
  • Having trouble with money and bill payments.
  • Losing or misplacing things frequently.
  • Reduced drive and ambition.
  • The time needed to complete everyday tasks is increasing.
  • Increasing anxiety or aggression.
  • Changes in personality or mood.

“People with Alzheimer’s need more supervision and care. People with Alzheimer’s might need full-time care and changes in behavior and personality might overwhelm family caregivers.”

Signs of moderate Alzheimer’s disease may include:

  • The attention span has been reduced.
  • Memory loss increased.
  • “It’s harder to recognize friends and family.”
  • Adaptability to changes in routine or environment has been made more difficult.
  • Increased confusion.
  • Making repetitive statements.
  • Difficulty reading, writing and using numbers.
  • Difficult with logical thinking and thought organization.
  • Learning difficulties or keeping new information.
  • Difficult tasks that involve multiple steps.
  • Increased anxiety, agitated and angry can include yelling or crying.
  • Undressing in public, aggression, and out-of-character language are some of the inappropriate behaviors.
  • Getting lost frequently.
  • There are delusions, paranoia and hallucinations.
  • The symptoms get worse in the afternoon.

“People with Alzheimer’s lose their ability to communicate. People with Alzheimer’s often spend most of their time in bed and need assistance with nearly all tasks.”

Additional symptoms of severe Alzheimer’s disease include:

  • The ability to communicate has been lost.
  • weight loss
  • Difficult swallowing
  • Seizures.
  • bladder or bowel incontinence
  • There are a lot of groaning or moaning sounds.
  • Increased sleep

“There is no cure for Alzheimer’s and no way to reverse it. New treatment options may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. Treatments that could reverse Alzheimer’s are being developed.”

“Taking care of your health can help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s. Keeping active, eating healthy, and quitting smoking can help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s, as there is a strong link between heart health and the disease.”

Staying in touch with friends and family is one way to keep your mind active.

“If you notice any signs of Alzheimer’s, it’s best to see a doctor. Alzheimer’s is not a cure, but it is most treatable when it is diagnosed early.”