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Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment For Neurodegenerative Disease

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Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases

The McGovern Institute claims, “Brain disorders are among the most serious health problems facing modern society” (“Neurodegenerative Diseases and Brain Injury”). The term neurodegenerative refers to the progressive breakdown of nerve cells (Mandal). Due to the aging population, the demand for a definitive cure is on the rise. To date, a cure for this condition has not been discovered. However, research has revealed preventative measures that decrease a person’s susceptibility to the disease. Various treatments are available such as medications; unfortunately, prolonged therapies are far less successful (“Alzheimer's: Drugs Help Manage Symptoms”). Effective treatments are required to induce functional
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Dementia is described as the loss of cognitive functioning which results primarily in memory and behavioral problems (“Frontotemporal Dementia Treatment”). A patient’s social abilities may be compromised, resulting in a generalized feeling of loneliness (“Dementia”). Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. One in ten people over the age of 65 have Alzheimer's, and after 85 years of age a person’s risk is doubled (“Background: Neurodegenerative Diseases”). Parkinson’s is another common neurodegenerative disease, the common symptoms are tremor and muscle stiffness (“Parkinson’s Background”). Sporadic muscle movements are another significant symptom affecting patients (“Frontotemporal Dementia Treatment”). The impact neurodegenerative diseases have on humans interferes with daily …show more content…

One treatment route suggests, “Long term use of anti-inflammatory drugs (AIDs) may prevent or slow down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases” (“Laboratory of Neuroscience”). Cholinesterase inhibitors and Memantine are medications approved for treating Alzheimer’s. Different dosages are available based on the stage of the disease, and the type of medication. The stages include mild, moderate, and severe (“Alzheimer’s: Drugs May Help Manage Symptoms”). Along with medications, the addition of vitamins and other natural remedies are believed to slow down degeneration

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