How to Cope With Alzheimer’s disease

If you know someone or is living with someone with Alzheimer’s disease, maybe you would be interested in reading this article. Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people worldwide. It is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly but is also attributed to the normal process of aging.

A person with Alzheimer’s disease is said to have some sort of degeneration in the brain. This degeneration causes deterioration in a person’s functioning in terms of memory, language, calculation, visual-spatial perception, judgment, abstraction, and behavior. The brains of the people affected by Alzheimer’s disease are said to have structural changes in the form of neurofibrillary tangles, plaques and deformities in the blood vessels. There are also structural changes in the nerve cells and there is the presence of fat deposits in the brain tissues. These changes all lead to deterioration of the functioning of the individual.

So, what causes Alzheimer’s disease? There are some theories which say that the cause is actually unknown but is hereditary. People with Alzheimer’s disease have a characteristic type of protein called AZ-50 in the brain during the early stage of the disease. It is said that AZ-50 may actually cause degeneration in the brain later on causing a reduction in the life expectancy rate of patients to 30-60%.

People may manifest signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease on or after age 65. It is said that the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease doubles for every 5 years when a person ages beyond 65 years old.

There are several stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Stage 1 is characterized by recent memory loss, increased irritability, impaired judgment, loss of interest in life, decline of problem-solving ability, and reduction in abstract thinking.

During Stage 2, a phase which lasts for about 2 to 4 years, there is a decline in the patient’s ability to manage personal and business affairs, an inability to remember shapes of objects, continued repetition of a meaningless word or phrase (perseveration), wandering or circular speech, wandering at night, restlessness, depression, anxiety, and intensification of cognitive and emotional changes of Stage 1.

Stage 3 is characterized by impaired ability to speak, inability to recognize familiar objects, inability to use objects properly, inattention, distractibility, involuntary emotional outbursts, urinary or fecal incontinence, lint-picking motion, and chewing movements. Progression through stages 2 and 3 varies from 2 to 12 years.

Stage 4, which lasts approximately 1 year, reveals a patient with a masklike facial expression, no communication, apathy, withdrawal, eventual immobility, assumed fetal position, no appetite, and emaciation or dramatic loss of weight. This is the final stage of Alzheimer’s disease.

If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, the best thing that you can do is to bring the patient to your physician, who will take a thorough medical history and physical exam. He or she may prescribe medicines for your loved one or may refer him or her for rehabilitation or other forms of treatment.

If you are living with a person with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, here are some tips for you. First, you should keep requests for the patient simple. Next, avoid confrontation and requests that might lead to frustration. Remain calm and supportive if the patient becomes upset. Also, you should be able to maintain a consistent environment and provide frequent cues and reminders to reorient the patient. You should be able to adjust expectations for the patient as he or she declines in capacity.

You should be able to promote activities of daily living to the fullest, considering the person’s functional ability. You should be able to give the person variable assistance or simple directions to perform those activities. Anticipate and assess the person’s needs mainly through nonverbal communication because of the inability to communicate meaningfully through speech. Many times emotional outbursts or changes in behavior are a signal of the person’s toileting needs, discomfort, hunger, or infection.

To maximize orientation and memory, provide a calendar and clock for the person. Encourage the person to reminisce, since loss of short-term memory triggers anxiety in the patient.

Emotional outbursts usually occur when the person is fatigued, so it is best to plan for frequent rest periods throughout the day.

Maintain physical safety of the person by securing loose rugs, supervising electrical devices, and locking doors and windows. Lock up toxic substances and medications. Supervise cooking, bathing, and outdoor recreation. Be sure that the person wears appropriate identification in case he or she gets lost.

Terminate driving by removing the car keys or the car. Provide a safe area for wandering. Encourage and anticipate toileting at 2- to 3-hour intervals. Change incontinence pads as needed, but use them only as a last resort. Bowel and bladder programs can be beneficial in the early stage of the disease.

Provide structured activity during the day to prevent night wandering. If confusion and agitated wandering occur at night, provide toileting, fluids, orientation, nightlights, and familiar objects within a person’s view. Some persons with Alzheimer’s disease respond calmly when given the security of a stuffed animal or a familiar blanket.

Encourage other family members or friends to verbalize their emotional concerns, coping strategies, and other aspects of caregiver role strain. You should refer to local support groups, clergy, social workers, respite care, day care, and attorneys.

Natural Dandruff Treatments

If you are regularly experiencing dandruff which may persist despite your use of numerous dandruff shampoos, maybe you need to turn to natural dandruff treatment methods.

Dandruff is so annoying. This condition is characterized by dry, flaky and itchy scalp, which may be caused by a medical condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff may also attack your eyebrows, chest, beard, back and groin areas. These areas may itch, flake and look inflamed.

It is said that dandruff occurs due to allergy to yeast called pityrosporium. All of us have this yeast in our scalp but it could cause dandruff in people with scaly scalp problems. 

So, why does our skin become dry and scaly? It is said that the skin is a reflection of your diet and nutrition habits. Dry, scaly skin is sometimes linked with lack of certain vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, B2, B3, C, biotin and the minerals iodine, manganese, selenium and zinc. Thus, if you want to avoid dry, flaky skin, you need to take a multivitamin or food supplement which contains around 100 per cent of the recommended daily amount of as many vitamins and minerals as possible. Evening primrose oil  and fish oil may be helpful, because they may contain essential fatty acids which are important for healthy skin.

Your may also rub your scalp with a solution of seven drops of rosemary or tea tree essential oils diluted with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil, before washing your hair. 

Doctors often prescribe a shampoo containing the anti-fungal drug, ketoconazole. This shampoo is available over the counter and highly effective. Shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and salicylic acid, or tar shampoo are also effective. For severe dandruff, hydrocortisone cream or ketoconazole cream is used.

So what should you eat? You should avoid fried food and reduce your intake of fats, dairy products, sugars, chocolate, seafood, and peanuts. You should eat a lot of green leafy vegetables and raw foods. Eat a whole foods diet.

You might also consider taking biotin. Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. A typical dosage for dandruff is 3,000 mcg two times per day. Food sources of biotin include brewer's yeast, nutritional yeast, whole grains, nuts, egg yolks, sardines, liver, cauliflower, bananas, and mushrooms.

Other vitamins that you may have to take include Vitamin B complex, especially vitamin B1 and B2, Vitamin A, Omega fatty acids, especially omega-6 and Zinc.

You can actually add a few drops of grapefruit seed extract to your shampoo. Or you can look for a tea tree oil shampoo or add a few drops of tea tree oil to shampoo.

Another idea is to use apple cider vinegar on your hair. Pour apple cider vinegar onto your hair and scalp and wrap your head in a towel. Remove after one hour and wash hair.

You can also use flaxseed oil or vitamin E oil. Apply these oils to the scalp nightly and wash off in the morning. They can soothe and nourish the scalp. Use an old sheet or towel to protect your pillow.

The Truth About Pimples

Pimples is acne in medical terms. If this is one of your problems, then read on if you want to know more about this.

Pimples or acne is one of the most common skin problems today. It is usually caused the clogging of the pores of the hair follicles. They appear as congested pores or as comedones, which can turn into blackheads or whiteheads. They may also assume the appearance of tender red bumps known as zits or pimples; or they may have pus, as in the case of pustules and boils. 

It is said that acne will occur at some point in our lives. It may be inherited. It is said that about 4 of every 5 people between the ages of 11 and 30 have outbreaks at some point. It is most common in adolescents and young adults. Severe acne can lead to permanent scarring. However in most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their 30s.

There are many myths concerning acne. The truth is, acne has no known cause. It just happens when these sebaceous or oil glands attach to the hair follicles. These sebaceous glands produce sebum which lubricate our skin. Associated with increased oil production is the clogging of the follicular openings or pores. The clogged hair follicle enlarges, producing a bump. As the follicle enlarges, the wall may rupture, allowing irritating substances and normal skin bacteria entry into the deeper layers of the skin, ultimately producing swelling. The resulting cells, oil and hair form a plug in the pore and will block it. Whiteheads are created when the plugged follicle stays in the skin. Blackheads are produced when the plugged follicle opens up. If the wall of the plugged follicle breaks down, you develop zits. 

It is said that hormones may play a role in acne. During puberty, there is an increase in hormones which further causes the oil glands to enlarge and produce more oil. Pregnancy and stopping birth control pills may also lead to acne.

Yes, stress can make acne worse and yes, maybe genetics play a role. If you take in certain drugs and use greasy cosmetics, chances are, you will form a plug for the hair follicle. Thus you should use, oil free, non-comedogenic cosmetics. 

You should also avoid touching your pimples or rubbing them. Nor should you squeeze, pinch or pick at them, because they will develop scars or dark blotches. You should wash your face with a mild cleanser twice a day and after heavy exercise.  Never use strong soaps or rough scrub pads. If have oily hair, wash and shampoo it regularly. 

If your pimples get worse despite over the counter remedy use after 8 weeks, maybe it is time that you consult your doctor or dermatologist.

Quick Tips on How to Relieve Joint Pains

Joint pains are disturbing symptoms which may stem from multiple causes. Most of us turn to pain relievers which are not free from side effects. Most of us are not aware that stiff and swollen joints can be relieved by a drug-free, easy method: massage. You can actually combine massage with mechanical movements to get free from joint pains!

So how does massage work? 

It is said that one half of our body is composed of muscles, which contain many blood vessels. Massage increases blood flow to the muscles and provides additional nourishment to feed the muscular tissues, helping them to grow strong. Tapping, striking, and vibration help muscles develop its contractile power. Massage also benefits the nerves. 

Muscle massage is brought by first effleurage, kneading, followed by tapotement. Later, active and passive movements are given.

However, massage is not for everybody. If you have serious inflammatory cases of the joints and in tubercular joints and if you have infectious diseases like diphtheria and gonorrhea, massage is not for you. Infections may cause formation of pus as massage may spread the pus to the entire system.

Massage benefits people with atrophy of the muscles which usually follows if the muscles are not used for any length of time. It is effective for people who have atrophy resulting from injuries, diseases of the joints, inflammation of the muscles and nerves, and by prolonged use of casts, bandages and splints. 

Massage can also cure sprains and pain from bruises. In these cases, affected parts should first be bathed with hot water for 15 to 30 minutes. Next the massage should be done for a few minutes. Gentle stroking and kneading is recommended on and around the injured tissues. Fractures can also be treated through massage.

In case of acute inflammation of the nerves, massage should be done carefully. Light and gentle stroking is recommended. Deep pressure should not be used on swollen nerves for it will increase the inflammation. Gentle tapotement or beating of the nerve is needed. 

Nerve compression is recommended for soothing emotional tension. Grasp the limb with both hands, and create firm pressure around and down the arm. Start with the shoulder and proceed down to the wrist. As you leave the grip, bring the hands down a little and make another pressure. As a result, blood circulation will increase. 

Spinal nerve compression is extremely beneficial. It is done by the palm of the hand. Vibration of the fingers will stimulate it. Sleeplessness can be cured by long slow and gentle stroking down the spine and entire back.

Cure Headaches Naturally

We used to think that headaches are best treated using analgesic and other pain relievers. The problem with these drugs is that they can cause some side effects such as allergic reactions and abdominal pain. What we do not know is that there are various natural cures which can also relieve us of this discomfort.

The location and characteristic of the headache can give you some ideas about its causes. Headaches due to high blood pressure are usually pounding in character, and starts at the back of the head on getting up in the morning. Tight neck muscles along with pain across the forehead may be due to stress. 

A lot of headaches are due to eyestrain. Eyestrains are caused by long periods of reading or staring at the computer. You can actually do simple exercises to prevent eye strain. One simple exercise is this: First, move the eyes up and down and from side to side. Next, rotate the head with neck outstretched, forwards and backwards three times. Then proceed with rotating the head clockwise three times and rotate counterclockwise for three times also. This exercise can relieve eyestrain.

Another thing you can do is to give a gentle massage to the neck. During the massage, bring the shoulders together and release. After this, take a few minutes to place a moist cool compress over the eyes to give them rest and recuperation.

Another Ayurvedic cure for headache you can try is immersing your legs to calf-level in a tub of hot water for 15 to 20 minutes. This draws the blood away from the head and down to the feet, relieving the headache.

Yoga can also relieve headaches due to stress. Pranayama is an ancient yogic practice that can cure headaches. Here is how to do it: Stand erect with the feet aligned straight and touching each other. Lock the fingers together with the hands beneath the chin and keep them there through the entire exercise.

Slowly raise the arms as you inhale, filling your lungs with air. Feel the action of the breathing through your throat. Then raise your arms above your head as you lean back and exhale, all the while keeping the hands at your chin. When you completely exhale, feeling the movement of the air through your throat, lower your arms and repeat the exercise 20 times.

In stress headaches, you may do the following: tighten the muscles at the back of the neck as you count 10, and then release. If you repeat this exercise several times, your headache will be relieved.

If these simple methods will not relieve you of your pain, then it is time that you see a medical doctor for a possible underlying condition. Also, before you try on these natural methods, it is best that you consult your doctor first about whether the method is suitable for you or not.

How to Cope Up With Losing Someone

At one point in our lives we lose someone. We mourn and we feel grief and sorrow at this loss. Initially you may feel numb, shocked, and fearful. You may feel guilty for being the one who is still alive. If your spouse or loved one died in a nursing home, you may wish that you had been able to care for him or her at home. At some point, you may even feel angry at him or her for leaving you. All these feelings are normal. 

The process of grieving affects our health greatly. When we grieve, we feel both physical and emotional pain. People who grieve have trouble sleeping, have little interest in food, have problems with concentration and have a hard time making decisions. If all these things go on for a long time, you may be susceptible to a lot of illnesses. In this case, you should talk to your doctor regarding this.

So, what should you do? Here are some tips which can help you cope up with the death of a loved one:

1. Spend time with friends and loved ones

It is during this time that you need the support of family and friends the most. You should also talk to them about your loved one. It really helps to let them know how you are really feeling. You can take long walks with them, have lunch with them or visit your old friends. You may also watch your children and grandchildren. 

2. Keep a journal

It helps to keep a journal. You may write what you feel in your journal everyday. Also, you can the things that you plan to do on your journal. Plan what you want to do on the next day to keep yourself busy. 

3. Get busy

Yes, you should get busy. You can go to the library and read new books, volunteer in teaching, tutoring or in rendering services for the community. You might also want to join a fitness club, a choir group, or sign up for bingo or bridge on your community. You may also adopt a pet or get a part-time job. Maybe you also want to try cooking and sewing. 

4. Join a support group

It sometimes helps to talk to people who are also grieving. These groups are often found within your church, hospitals, groups or local agencies. 

5. Go easy on yourself.

Wait for your self to heal. You should give yourself time before you make huge decisions like moving or changing jobs. It is also a must that you take care of yourself. Eat healthy food, exercise and get enough rest. Do not ever resort to alcohol or smoking. Remember that there are still other people who need you. You are still a very important person in this world. You should also regularly see your doctor for health visits. 

Losing someone is not the end of everything. Life must go on, and all of us go after a while. Remember that if you lose something, you gain something. The real beauty of life comes from this battle of losing and winning.

Is Drinking Coffee Good or Bad?

Coffee is an indispensable drink in the household. It is a widely used consumer product because it has mood-lifting effects. Because of these effects, many people have studied whether coffee indeed has health benefits. The results of these studies are conflicting; some say coffee is entirely good and some say it is bad for our health. This article will focus on the pros and cons of coffee drinking so that you will know if coffee is indeed for you.

Coffee is GOOD because:

1. Coffee contains antioxidants

Scientists who have analyzed coffee found out that coffee contains substances such as chlorogenic acid, polyphenols and and melanoids. These are antioxidants which help slow down aging and its consequences. It is said that a cup of coffee contains more antioxidants than a typical serving of oranges and raspberries. Coffee contains up to four times more polyphenols than a cup of green tea.

2. Coffee protects against Type 2 Diabetes

This is one of the many benefits of coffee according to the US Nurses Health Study, which have found out that moderate drinking of coffee may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in younger and middle aged women. It is said that chlorogenic acid is responsible for this effect. The time of the day when you drink coffee is also important. According to a recent research, coffee at lunchtime has the most protecting effects than in any other time of the day.

3. Coffee protects against neurodegenerative diseases.

Parkinson’s disease affects many older people each year and these people often have difficulty in performing daily tasks. It is said that coffee can protect against Parkinson’s disease. It is also said that coffee may also protect us from Alzheimer’s disease. Those who drank more coffee in their 40s or 50s are at a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. 

4. Coffee can reduce gout

Gouty arthritis can bring about much discomfort. It is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. It is said that if you drink one to three cups of coffee a day, your risk for gout lowers by 8% while drinking four to five cups a day lowers the uric acid level by 40%.

5. Coffee protects the liver and gallbladder

Coffee is said to protect people from liver cirrhosis, which is often brought about by too much alcohol intake. One cup of coffee a day reduces the rick for acquiring alcoholic liver cirrhosis by 22%. Coffee also lessens the progression of chronic hepatitis C and protects against gallstone formation by 25% (four or more cups per day). 

6. Coffee has anti-asthma effects

The fact that coffee can stimulate the heart rate and can relax the air passages have lead people to think that asthma may manage and even control attacks when medication is unavailable. Caffeine in coffee is related to theophylline, an old asthma medication. It can improve airways function modestly, for up to four hours, and improve asthma symptoms.

However, Coffee is BAD because:

1. Coffee increases risk for heart disease

It is said that some components of coffee such as diterpenes cafestol and kahweol present in unfiltered coffee and caffeine each appear to increase risk of coronary heart disease. Dipertenes in coffee can raise cholesterol levels in the blood, which may contribute to the risk of heart disease. On the other hand, a lower risk of heart disease among moderate coffee drinkers might be due to antioxidants found in coffee.

Besides that, coffee consumption is also associated with an increase of plasma homocysteine, a risk factor for coronary heart disease. 

2. Coffee increases blood pressure. 

Because coffee has a stimulant effect, it also increases blood pressure. 

People prone to hypertension may be more susceptible to coffee blood pressure elevating effects. But even in people who don't have high blood pressure, caffeine can cause a short, but significant increase in blood pressure.

3. Coffee can place you at risk for bone loss.

Bone loss is a generic term for osteoporosis and this condition increases the risk for fractures. It is said that coffee can impair absorption of calcium from the digestive tract and may induce an extra urinary excretion of calcium. Moderate coffee intake may increase the risk for osteoporosis. 

4. Coffee makes you lose sleep.

If you take in excess coffee, you may overstimulate yourself and this may cause insomnia. However, this idea is not yet proven, because there are large individual differences in the effects of caffeine on sleep. Many people consume coffee during the evening and have no problems falling asleep. Some people find that the mild stimulation of caffeine consumed shortly before a bed time delays the time to fall asleep.

5. Coffee can cause heartburn

There are some people who suffer from heartburn after they drink coffee. This is because coffee promotes gastroesophageal reflux. However, coffee does not let you develop peptic ulcer disease. 

So what is the advisable coffee intake?

According to Health Canada's website, the daily maximum safe intake of caffeine varies widely. However, they recommend the following guidelines:

General Population, healthy adults: <400 mg per day

Women of child-bearing age: <300 mg per day

Children: no more than 2.5 mg per kilogram of weight, on average:

10-12 years of age: <85 mg

7-9 years of age: <62.5

4-6 years of age: <45 mg.

Here is a diagram highlighting the amount of caffeine in each type of drink.