How can I cope with daily tasks?
In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, there are several
things you can do to help you carry on life in the best way
possible. You may feel that remembering simple things becomes more
difficult, so the NHS suggests that the following tips could
help:
- Keep a diary and write down things that you want to
remember
- Pin a weekly timetable to the wall
- Put your keys in an obvious place, such as in a large bowl in
your living room
- Have a daily newspaper delivered to remind you of the day and
date
- Put labels on cupboards and drawers
- Keep useful telephone numbers by the phone
- Write yourself reminders: for example, put a note on the front
door to remind you to take your keys with you if you go out
- Set the alarm on your watch to act as a reminder
Make sure people's names and numbers are programmed into your
telephone (or ask someone to do it for you)
Should I consider alternative therapies?
Nowadays there are many types of nutrition supplements, herbal remedies spices and herbs on the market advertised to drawn you in, with promise of protecting the brain, improving concentration and mood and indeed even reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. As yet there is little evidence of any real benefit.
Indeed, some may actually do you more harm than good by interacting with other medications you may be taking. It's important that you speak with your doctor before trying an alternative approach. They will be in a better position to advise you and may save you quite a few pennies along the way.
Which alternative therapies do some people try?
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an over the counter herbal remedy prepared from
the leaf of the Ginkgo biloba plant and has been the subject of
much hype regarding its supposed benefits on improving memory and
concentration and in particular helping those with Alzheimer's
disease. Unfortunately, one of the longest and most rigorous
studies yet on Ginkgo biloba found that it does not prevent
Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia, nor does it delay
the age at which dementias occur (JAMA 2008).
Turmeric
Native to India, turmeric has long been used as a mild spice and
food dye in cooking to help aid indigestion and is a key ingredient
in many of Gordon Ramsay's recipes! Although more research is
needed, curcumin, its active ingredient which gives the
characteristic yellow colour to curries has been shown to reduce
the build up of layers of substances called amyloid plaques in the
brain, which are more common in Alzheimer's disease patients.
However, more research is needed to prove its benefits.
Garlic, Sage, Ginseng and Lemon Balm.
There have been suggestions that these herbs might have a
protective effect on the brain. However, the results to date are
mixed, research is continuing and there is no conclusive evidence
as yet.
Can vitamins and minerals help?
Vitamin C and E
Researchers are continually questioning whether supplementation of the diet with key antioxidants such as vitamins C and E could help combat free radical attack on the brain and consequent risk of developing Alzheimer's disease?
The findings are promising, but there is still insufficient evidence to recommend that you should take supplements to boost your levels unless you're told to do so by your GP. What we do know is that supplements should never be considered a substitute for a healthy and balanced diet. Supplements, as their name suggests, should only be used to supplement a healthy diet.
If you are taking vitamin E supplements, it should be approved by your doctor because not only can high doses of the vitamin can be harmful, vitamin E interacts with other medications, especially anticoagulant medications (blood thinners).
B Vitamins
B vitamins have a range of important functions in the body. A diet lacking in the three B vitamins - B6 and B12 and folic acid can cause mood problems including fatigue or feeling depressed and can also increase levels of homocysteine, a protein in the blood which at high levels has been linked with heart disease, memory loss and Alzheimer's disease.
Although evidence is encouraging, large-scale trials are needed to conclusively prove the association and whether supplementation of these vitamins could help reduce heart disease or Alzheimer's risk. In the meantime, ensuring your diet does contain the recommended daily amounts of these vitamins is important for health, especially since many older people often do not consume enough folate.
Sources of B vitamins in the diet:
- Folate/Folic acid: green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and Brussels sprouts, peas and chickpeas, fortified breakfast cereals.
- Vitamin B6: fortified cereals, beans, poultry, fish, and some fruits and vegetables.
- Vitamin B12: Fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and milk products, fortified breakfast cereals.
Vitamin D
A good vitamin D status is essential to help you absorb calcium which is needed to help maintain bone and teeth strength and muscle function. Vitamin D also helps in the production of the happy hormone serotonin and is essential for maintaining an even mood. Depression is considered a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's.
Most of us get all the vitamin D that we need from the sun. However, if you are over the age of 65 years, especially if you are housebound it is advised that you take a vitamin D supplement containing 10 µg daily.