Your mom just promised to cook rice for dinner, and she put in boiling water buckwheat? Father confusing road signs and is afraid to drive?
Sometimes these oddities can be explained by the expense of poor eyesight, but some people could ask the question: "Is this not a symptom of Alzheimer's disease?"
We dementia (dementia) can be recognized in the early stages. Although from the disease are no drugs or surgery, timely diagnosis is very important to improve the quality of life.
How to distinguish between normal forgetfulness from dementia?
If you forget someone's name or where to put the keys - this is not a sign of illness. Concerns should arise when such episodes occur frequently and focus on more important things.
Symptom of dementia, cognitive impairment are different: in addition to problems with memory, there may be a depletion of speech, lack of critical thinking, as well as:
* Recurrence of the same issue.
* The loss of orientation in familiar places.
* Failure to follow a given direction.
* Disorientation in time, space and people.
* Neglect of personal safety, hygiene and nutrition.
Changes in behavior and personality are sometimes accompanied by loss of memory. If you have any problems with remembering, do not expect deterioration. Talk to your doctor.
What causes dementia?
The most common cause of dementia - Alzheimer's disease, accompanied by accumulation of toxic substances amyloid in the brain. But can lead to dementia and other diseases, like Alzheimer's, but otherwise the proceeding or to a specific set of features.
In vascular dementia high blood pressure causes few mikroinsultov affecting the area of the brain responsible for memory and behavior. This form of dementia begins more suddenly, as compared with Alzheimer's disease. The patient's condition stabilized a bit, and then worsened after the next stroke. Alzheimer's disease, by contrast, is progressing slowly (sometimes for 8-10 years).
Dementia with Lewy bodies is due to the fact that brain cells accumulate protein, which under a microscope looks like a round red inclusions (Lewy bodies). In Alzheimer's disease Lewy bodies also accumulate in the brain, but in its other divisions. Alzheimer's disease, which runs with an average weight, may cause a one-time hallucinations. In dementia with Lewy bodies recurring hallucination, marked impairment of consciousness, distracted attention. These signs are very important for correct diagnosis.
The importance of early diagnosis
Early diagnosis often helps to significantly affect the outcome of treatment. According to statistics, in 5-10% of cases of memory impairment are treatable (eg, when their cause is thyroid dysfunction, depression, malnutrition).
Alzheimer's disease - an irreversible degenerative process, which can only slightly slow. Some patients require treatment helps cholinesterase inhibitors, but these drugs are effective only for a short time and always at an early stage of disease (which is why early diagnosis is so important).
Another drug used to treat moderate to severe forms of Alzheimer's disease - memantine. It blocks the action of glutamate - a substance that negatively impact on the processes of remembering and thinking. Possible side effects from the use of the drug - dizziness and confusion. Take it must be under the supervision of a physician.
Diagnosis of vascular dementia in the early stages of the disease allows time to take control of arterial blood pressure, prevent mikroinsulty and further cognitive decline. Hallucinations in dementia with Lewy bodies are treatable, but in this case is very important early diagnosis of the disease.
If diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease "is placed at an early stage, the patient has time to finish the case, make important orders, and sometimes to realize some long-standing dream.
What to tell the doctor?
* About all mental disorders: It is important to mention not only about the failures in the memory, but also about changes in behavior, fatigue, distractions, problems in communication.
* About all taken drugs. You should tell your doctor about all your medications, vitamins and food supplements. Bring the instructions for the drugs.
* On all the symptoms of the disease. Spirit and body are interrelated. Tell your doctor about what's bothering you, from top to toe. All may be relevant: increase (even slight) temperature, weight loss, decreased appetite, etc. Name previously deferred disease, bring with them a medical card.
Rx Maryland
Friday, September 18, 2009
How to improve the sense of balance
To maintain balance and not fall, go to measurably. An inactive lifestyle, at first glance, it seems the surest way to once again not to fall, but in fact the lack of training only exacerbates the problem. Meanwhile, there are many ways to improve the sense of balance. Correct posture, strong muscles, good coordination of movements, as well as vision and hearing will help you improve your sense of balance and move freely without assistance.
Move more
Movement - is life. If your muscles and joints do not get a regular load, with age they are becoming weaker, and this increases the risk of problems with a sense of balance. The more you strengthen your body, the more chances you have to walk without assistance. Physical activity strengthens muscles, improves posture, coordination and balance. However, before increasing the load, be sure to consult a doctor.
* Posture. Age affects the way you sit and stand, and changes in posture affect the sense of balance. Improve posture will help you a simple exercise: Try again in a few minutes to stand on one leg, holding onto a stable chair, then switch legs and repeat.
* Muscle strength. Exercises to develop muscle strength will help you get back on track, if you started having problems with balance. Your doctor will tell you how to draw up individual training programs. Lack of physical activity weakens the muscles. Exercise can help maintain muscle tone and strength, as well as develop flexibility, which is also an important component of a sense of balance.
* Coordination of movements. With age, you are less in control of his posture, movement and body position in space. This can lead to fractures, dislocations and stretching. Correct posture and regular exercise, including yoga and gymnastics, tai chi can help you maintain the coordination of movements.
Check vision and hearing
With age, eyesight and hearing are weakening, and this may also adversely affect the sense of balance.
Vision. If you clearly see the surroundings, it will move uncertainly. You should visit an ophthalmologist to check the sight and pick up points. Older people spread diseases such as cataract and glaucoma, which significantly reduces the visual acuity.
Hearing. Even a slight hearing loss can affect balance. Therefore, regularly visit the otolaryngologist, who if necessary will you care.
Additional tips
* Check your medications. Some drugs can be side effects that cause the deterioration of a sense of balance. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
* Get up carefully, if you were sitting or lying down. The dramatic change in position could lead to a drop in blood pressure and imbalance.
* Maintain order in the house:
o Install good lighting
o Do not leave a mess on the floor.
o Make sure that the edges of carpets and rugs tight to the floor.
* Wear shoes without heels and rubber soles. Not walk barefoot or in stocking feet.
* To maintain a balance, use a cane.
There are many things which we have no control, but a sense of balance not one of them. Do not let problems with the balance to make you a prisoner in his own house. Try to improve your sense of balance and your life.
Rx Colorado
Move more
Movement - is life. If your muscles and joints do not get a regular load, with age they are becoming weaker, and this increases the risk of problems with a sense of balance. The more you strengthen your body, the more chances you have to walk without assistance. Physical activity strengthens muscles, improves posture, coordination and balance. However, before increasing the load, be sure to consult a doctor.
* Posture. Age affects the way you sit and stand, and changes in posture affect the sense of balance. Improve posture will help you a simple exercise: Try again in a few minutes to stand on one leg, holding onto a stable chair, then switch legs and repeat.
* Muscle strength. Exercises to develop muscle strength will help you get back on track, if you started having problems with balance. Your doctor will tell you how to draw up individual training programs. Lack of physical activity weakens the muscles. Exercise can help maintain muscle tone and strength, as well as develop flexibility, which is also an important component of a sense of balance.
* Coordination of movements. With age, you are less in control of his posture, movement and body position in space. This can lead to fractures, dislocations and stretching. Correct posture and regular exercise, including yoga and gymnastics, tai chi can help you maintain the coordination of movements.
Check vision and hearing
With age, eyesight and hearing are weakening, and this may also adversely affect the sense of balance.
Vision. If you clearly see the surroundings, it will move uncertainly. You should visit an ophthalmologist to check the sight and pick up points. Older people spread diseases such as cataract and glaucoma, which significantly reduces the visual acuity.
Hearing. Even a slight hearing loss can affect balance. Therefore, regularly visit the otolaryngologist, who if necessary will you care.
Additional tips
* Check your medications. Some drugs can be side effects that cause the deterioration of a sense of balance. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
* Get up carefully, if you were sitting or lying down. The dramatic change in position could lead to a drop in blood pressure and imbalance.
* Maintain order in the house:
o Install good lighting
o Do not leave a mess on the floor.
o Make sure that the edges of carpets and rugs tight to the floor.
* Wear shoes without heels and rubber soles. Not walk barefoot or in stocking feet.
* To maintain a balance, use a cane.
There are many things which we have no control, but a sense of balance not one of them. Do not let problems with the balance to make you a prisoner in his own house. Try to improve your sense of balance and your life.
Rx Colorado
How to avoid falls and fractures?
In old age, the likelihood of falling and getting injured is much higher. Especially in women during menopause. Typically, at this age, deteriorating eyesight, weakened muscles, and sometimes have to take drugs that violate the coordination of movements. In addition, women often develop osteoporosis - a disease in which bones gradually become more fragile.
During menopause, estrogen content decreases, which leads to a rapid decrease in bone density. Many older women are unaware that they have osteoporosis. To diagnose the disease and to identify the risk of fractures using densitometry - a method study allows to determine bone density. Based on these results are accepted therapeutic and preventive measures.
How can I prevent osteoporosis?
Previously it was thought that osteoporosis can be prevented by increasing calcium intake. Deficiency of this trace element accelerates bone loss, but its large consumption does not always contribute to the strengthening of bones. Upgrading of bone tissue requires the presence of vitamin D, calcium absorption улучшающего. Osteoporosis develops when bone destruction is faster to update.
Vitamin D is needed to prevent hip fracture in postmenopausal women. According to studies, intake of this vitamin reduces the chance of serious injury. Only in the U.S. each year 250 000 cases of hip fracture in elderly people.
Treatment of osteoporosis - the best prevention of fractures
There are drugs to treat osteoporosis, help, in particular, to prevent vertebral fractures. For example, raloxifene increases bone density not only in the hip joint, but also in the spine. This drug significantly reduces the frequency of vertebral fractures in women with osteoporosis, but has side effects, including hot flashes and cramps of the lower extremities.
Clinical studies have shown that raloxifene reduces the degeneration of bone tissue and the likelihood of vertebral fractures by 35-50%.
In addition, for the treatment of osteoporosis treatment, containing bisphosphonates, calcitonin, estrogens and teriparatid.
How to reduce falls at home
For many older people, even their own house conceals many dangers. By the fall could spread out all over the mats, runners, rugs, dog-eared carpets, electrical cords, slippery floors and steps. According to statistics, most accidents involving elderly people is due to improper flooring in the living room, bedroom, bathroom and hallway.
The most dangerous room - bathroom with conventional surfaces (slippery tub or shower without roughness and slip mats) and a toilet with a loose, or too low a seat, from which the elderly person is difficult to get up.
The next high-risk spots - stairs, especially poorly lit, with no railing and with uneven steps.
In third place in this sad list - kitchen with poor lighting, shaky stools and cabinets, which have to stretch or bend low.
Prevention of falls
Prevention of falls - the main measure to avoid severe consequences of osteoporosis. Brittle bone grows together a long time, so even a minor injury takes a long time an elderly person down. Here are some tips to prevent falls:
· Follow the security of the surrounding space.
· Be careful when walking on the carpet, looking at his feet, so as not to stumble and not catch the cord. Install handrails on stairways and in the bathroom.
· Bed on the ladder slip coating. Do not cover floor wax and immediately wipe off spills. Not tyanites to high the regiment. Use the ladder with handrails.
· Do physical exercises that strengthen muscles and develop a sense of balance (yoga, Chinese gymnastics tai chi).
Within a few weeks after classes begin tai chi in the elderly by almost 50% improved coordination of movements and reduces the risk of falls. Before class, consult with your doctor.
How to protect yourself when falling?
The best way - to learn how to fall: at the right time to include their reflexes and effectively grouped. The risk of fracture of the spine or femoral neck will be lower if you manage to land on the hands or at the time of the fall for something to grab. The damage from a broken wrist or hand is considerably less. If still you broke the neck of the femur, for the full return of mobility is necessary to pass a timely rehabilitation.
Effect of drugs
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of your medications. Some medications cause dizziness, blurred vision and poor coordination of movements.
Properly dress
To ensure good adhesion, wear low-heeled shoes with rubber soles. Shoes with leather soles and high heels for you now banned. It is better to choose clothing that protects the hand and thigh in a fall.
Limit alcohol
Alcohol not only impairs the coordination of movements, but also to prevent recovery of bone tissue. His method also increases the risk of falls and fractures.
Movement - life: learning to keep my balance while walking
To maintain balance while walking, you can not hurry. It would seem that a sedentary lifestyle solves the problem, but in fact it only exacerbates it. Equilibrium provide many factors: correct posture, strong muscles, good coordination of movements, vision and hearing. Below are simple ways to develop these abilities. Adhering to these rules, you will learn how to maintain balance and can lead an active lifestyle.
Move more
Movement is necessary. Without regular load the muscles and joints weaken, which causes difficulty in retaining the balance. The stronger the human body, the greater his chances of a healthy normal life in old age. Exercise strengthens muscles, improves posture, coordination and stability. As always, before increasing the load, should consult a doctor.
* Posture. Over the years, people began to sit and stand differently than in his youth. Changes in posture leads to a deterioration in the ability to keep balance. Improve posture will help elementary exercises. Based on the stable chair, turn stand first on one leg, then on the other.
* Development of muscles. Strong muscles of the torso and the legs will help you quickly regain the ability to keep balance. Strength training selected individually (preferably with the participation of the doctor). Lack of physical activity weakens the muscles. Exercises return of the lost tone and flexibility - yet another important condition for the development of a sense of balance.
* Coordination of movements. With age, a man ceases to control posture, movement and body position in space. This can lead to dislocation and tension in the fall. Correct posture and regular exercise prevent this. Develop coordination of movements also help to yoga and tai-chi.
Check vision and hearing
With age, eyesight and hearing are weakening. It can also lead to loss of equilibrium.
* Vision. Impaired vision sometimes becomes the cause of falls. Selection of the correct glasses and timely diagnosis of eye diseases (glaucoma, cataracts) significantly improve the ability to see. Therefore, regularly visit the ophthalmologist.
* Hearing. Even small changes can lead to hearing loss downfall. Regularly visit otolaryngologist and if necessary, use a hearing aid.
Additional tips
To maintain balance while walking can do the following:
* Get up from his chair and out of bed slowly. This will help prevent drops in blood pressure, which cause an imbalance.
* Properly organize the space around them:
o All rooms should be well lit.
o Timely forget to remove foreign objects from the floor.
o Nail or glue the edge of rugs and carpets to the floor.
* Wear flat shoes with a wide nose and a rubber sole. Not walk barefoot or in stocking feet.
* To improve balance, use a cane.
With many age-related changes little can be done, but the ability to keep a balance - not one of them. Becoming a recluse is not necessary. It is better to take care of security while walking, that is, their health and, ultimately, life.
About ED Blog
During menopause, estrogen content decreases, which leads to a rapid decrease in bone density. Many older women are unaware that they have osteoporosis. To diagnose the disease and to identify the risk of fractures using densitometry - a method study allows to determine bone density. Based on these results are accepted therapeutic and preventive measures.
How can I prevent osteoporosis?
Previously it was thought that osteoporosis can be prevented by increasing calcium intake. Deficiency of this trace element accelerates bone loss, but its large consumption does not always contribute to the strengthening of bones. Upgrading of bone tissue requires the presence of vitamin D, calcium absorption улучшающего. Osteoporosis develops when bone destruction is faster to update.
Vitamin D is needed to prevent hip fracture in postmenopausal women. According to studies, intake of this vitamin reduces the chance of serious injury. Only in the U.S. each year 250 000 cases of hip fracture in elderly people.
Treatment of osteoporosis - the best prevention of fractures
There are drugs to treat osteoporosis, help, in particular, to prevent vertebral fractures. For example, raloxifene increases bone density not only in the hip joint, but also in the spine. This drug significantly reduces the frequency of vertebral fractures in women with osteoporosis, but has side effects, including hot flashes and cramps of the lower extremities.
Clinical studies have shown that raloxifene reduces the degeneration of bone tissue and the likelihood of vertebral fractures by 35-50%.
In addition, for the treatment of osteoporosis treatment, containing bisphosphonates, calcitonin, estrogens and teriparatid.
How to reduce falls at home
For many older people, even their own house conceals many dangers. By the fall could spread out all over the mats, runners, rugs, dog-eared carpets, electrical cords, slippery floors and steps. According to statistics, most accidents involving elderly people is due to improper flooring in the living room, bedroom, bathroom and hallway.
The most dangerous room - bathroom with conventional surfaces (slippery tub or shower without roughness and slip mats) and a toilet with a loose, or too low a seat, from which the elderly person is difficult to get up.
The next high-risk spots - stairs, especially poorly lit, with no railing and with uneven steps.
In third place in this sad list - kitchen with poor lighting, shaky stools and cabinets, which have to stretch or bend low.
Prevention of falls
Prevention of falls - the main measure to avoid severe consequences of osteoporosis. Brittle bone grows together a long time, so even a minor injury takes a long time an elderly person down. Here are some tips to prevent falls:
· Follow the security of the surrounding space.
· Be careful when walking on the carpet, looking at his feet, so as not to stumble and not catch the cord. Install handrails on stairways and in the bathroom.
· Bed on the ladder slip coating. Do not cover floor wax and immediately wipe off spills. Not tyanites to high the regiment. Use the ladder with handrails.
· Do physical exercises that strengthen muscles and develop a sense of balance (yoga, Chinese gymnastics tai chi).
Within a few weeks after classes begin tai chi in the elderly by almost 50% improved coordination of movements and reduces the risk of falls. Before class, consult with your doctor.
How to protect yourself when falling?
The best way - to learn how to fall: at the right time to include their reflexes and effectively grouped. The risk of fracture of the spine or femoral neck will be lower if you manage to land on the hands or at the time of the fall for something to grab. The damage from a broken wrist or hand is considerably less. If still you broke the neck of the femur, for the full return of mobility is necessary to pass a timely rehabilitation.
Effect of drugs
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of your medications. Some medications cause dizziness, blurred vision and poor coordination of movements.
Properly dress
To ensure good adhesion, wear low-heeled shoes with rubber soles. Shoes with leather soles and high heels for you now banned. It is better to choose clothing that protects the hand and thigh in a fall.
Limit alcohol
Alcohol not only impairs the coordination of movements, but also to prevent recovery of bone tissue. His method also increases the risk of falls and fractures.
Movement - life: learning to keep my balance while walking
To maintain balance while walking, you can not hurry. It would seem that a sedentary lifestyle solves the problem, but in fact it only exacerbates it. Equilibrium provide many factors: correct posture, strong muscles, good coordination of movements, vision and hearing. Below are simple ways to develop these abilities. Adhering to these rules, you will learn how to maintain balance and can lead an active lifestyle.
Move more
Movement is necessary. Without regular load the muscles and joints weaken, which causes difficulty in retaining the balance. The stronger the human body, the greater his chances of a healthy normal life in old age. Exercise strengthens muscles, improves posture, coordination and stability. As always, before increasing the load, should consult a doctor.
* Posture. Over the years, people began to sit and stand differently than in his youth. Changes in posture leads to a deterioration in the ability to keep balance. Improve posture will help elementary exercises. Based on the stable chair, turn stand first on one leg, then on the other.
* Development of muscles. Strong muscles of the torso and the legs will help you quickly regain the ability to keep balance. Strength training selected individually (preferably with the participation of the doctor). Lack of physical activity weakens the muscles. Exercises return of the lost tone and flexibility - yet another important condition for the development of a sense of balance.
* Coordination of movements. With age, a man ceases to control posture, movement and body position in space. This can lead to dislocation and tension in the fall. Correct posture and regular exercise prevent this. Develop coordination of movements also help to yoga and tai-chi.
Check vision and hearing
With age, eyesight and hearing are weakening. It can also lead to loss of equilibrium.
* Vision. Impaired vision sometimes becomes the cause of falls. Selection of the correct glasses and timely diagnosis of eye diseases (glaucoma, cataracts) significantly improve the ability to see. Therefore, regularly visit the ophthalmologist.
* Hearing. Even small changes can lead to hearing loss downfall. Regularly visit otolaryngologist and if necessary, use a hearing aid.
Additional tips
To maintain balance while walking can do the following:
* Get up from his chair and out of bed slowly. This will help prevent drops in blood pressure, which cause an imbalance.
* Properly organize the space around them:
o All rooms should be well lit.
o Timely forget to remove foreign objects from the floor.
o Nail or glue the edge of rugs and carpets to the floor.
* Wear flat shoes with a wide nose and a rubber sole. Not walk barefoot or in stocking feet.
* To improve balance, use a cane.
With many age-related changes little can be done, but the ability to keep a balance - not one of them. Becoming a recluse is not necessary. It is better to take care of security while walking, that is, their health and, ultimately, life.
About ED Blog
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