Alzheimer's disease can be described as a progressive and irreversible condition that causes a slow destruction or degeneration of the brain cells, resulting in a gradual loss of memory. This symptom of accelerated memory loss is what we are most familiar with. A diagnosis of Alzheimer's for you or a family member can be quite devastating and hard to deal with. The idea of having our memories slowly disappearing is equated with a slow loss of self. Our memories are the fabric that binds our social relationships, and the prospect of this loss of connection is unimaginable. This is why Alzheimer's is such a dreaded disease. While the condition may not reversible, there are measures that you can take to put the brakes on this degenerative process. New and ongoing studies into the condition offer us more hope of restricting the damage, with the help of both conventional and alternative treatments.Alzheimer's is one of the most common causes of dementia around the world. Dementia refers to the loss of cognitive functioning, where a person can lose the ability to think, recall, remember or even reason. While anyone can experience memory loss as a part of the ageing process, the effect of dementia is such that it affects a person's daily life and activities. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that people suffering from this disease do not even have the ability to carry out the easiest and simplest of tasks. This condition usually affects seniors and makes its first appearance once an individual is past the age of 60. Right from the time a person is affected by Alzheimer's disease, the brain cells begin to degenerate and die, because of which there is a steady decline in brain function and memory.

Alzheimer's Disease

Remedies for Alzheimer
Even though there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, patients are advised to undergo treatment to help them with memory symptoms and other changes, for a while. There are two types are medicines that are prescribed for this purpose. However, in addition to medication, it is important for family members and close associates to create a supportive environment for the patient. This may include:

-- Getting rid of excess furniture, rugs or other items that can cause them to trip
-- Installing sturdy handrails in bathrooms and stairways
-- Reducing the number of mirrors in the house

It is also important for Alzheimer's patients to follow a regular exercise routine. A 30-minute walk each day can help improve physical and mental health. However, a patient should be made to carry some kind of identification and address at all times. Alternately, chair exercises or a stationary bike may also be a good idea. Being socially active is also a good form of exercise for the brain.

Alternate healers usually recommend a combination of herbal mixtures, vitamins or other supplements to prevent or delay the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease to some extent. Some of the vitamins and herbs recommended include Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, Gingko and Huperzine A. However, there are no clinical studies to support the benefits of taking any additional supplements, vitamins and herbs. Therefore, it is important to ensure that any of these additional supplements do not interfere with regular Alzheimer's medication, by checking with a doctor and getting an approval.