Alzheimer s disease is one of the most severe forms of dementia that is, memory loss which also comes with other disorders such as reduced muscle movement. A patient with the Alzheimer s disease practically forgets even the most basic day-to-day activities and hence, the disease interrupts the lives of people suffering from it and the ones who are related to them. A commonly observed pattern in the patients suffering from the Alzheimer s disease is that most of them are aged 60 years and beyond. In simple words, it is the death of the brain cells, that is, the nerve cells which causes the memory loss at first and then the cognitive decline of other bodily functions.

Symptoms:

A patient of the Alzheimer s disease might show one or more of the following mentioned symptoms. Read the symptoms carefully and help identify the symptoms if you see them in anyone in your surroundings. Most people mistake this symptom to be something else which causes a delay in the diagnosis. But if the disorder is diagnosed at an early stage it might help people survive, or at least have a little longer until their memory stays intact. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to know about the symptoms that are given below:

The inability to remembering the information 
Repeating questions or actions
Unable to find the way on a rather regularly visited road
The decrease in decision-making ability
Poor judgment
Unable to solve complex puzzles or do tough activities
Unable to recognize familiar people such as colleagues and relatives
Unable to dress up properly
Inability in speaking mother tongue or word formation
Uncontrollable mood swings
Rude and un-empathetic social behavior such as being outspoken
They will be unable to maintain their own finances unlike before.
Stages of Alzheimer s disease
It is not unknown a fact when someone says that detecting a disease at an early stage is beneficial than at a later stage. The reason being that if a disease is detected earlier, there are more chances of treating it successfully, or in case of the Alzheimer s disease there are more chances of a medication to work on slowing down the adverse effects of the disease since there is no permanent cure available for it. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that one is aware of the early onset of the disease and also, the symptoms to make a quick diagnosis. The disease affects people between the age of 30 and 60, generally, the symptoms begin at the very early age of 30 but they do not become persistent before reaching a later-on stage. The three stages are:

Preclinical when the individual hasn t recorded any symptoms
The beginning with mild symptoms
Complete dementia

Alzheimer's Disease - Know Its Symptoms!

Aging comes with many health problems including mild hearing loss. Usually, this mild hearing loss does not come alone. According to medical studies, adults, particularly males with hearing loss, mild or severe, are at a higher risk of developing Dementia and Alzheimer s disease. The risk increases as the hearing loss worsen. People with mild hearing loss are at twice the risk of developing dementia compared to people with normal hearing.

Dementia is a group of symptoms and diseases that affects the thinking, memory and social abilities that interfere with the daily functioning of an individual. However, memory loss alone does not mean that one has Dementia. Out of the many causes, Alzheimer s disease is usually the cause of Dementia. Alzheimer s disease is a progressive disease that affects the brain cells to degenerate and dies, destroying memory and other mental functions. 

How Hearing Loss Causes Alzheimer s?

According to medical studies, hearing loss causes several brain changes which increase the risk of developing Dementia. Hearing loss can lead to brain shrinkage, the process in which the section of the brain responsible for hearing becomes inactive. This condition leads to loss of tissues and alterations in the brain structure, developing as the first connection between hearing loss and Alzheimer s. Studies show that the brain of people shrinks more quickly who have hearing loss as compared to the brain of an individual with normal hearing. 

The second link created with an overwhelmed or overloaded brain. In hearing loss, the brain works overtime in understanding what others are saying. When the brain strains too much only for hearing every time and every day, it exhausts an individual s mental energy and snatches the brainpower required for other important mental functions, such as thinking, remembering and acting. This can further lead to Dementia, Alzheimer s and other mental disorders. 

Hearing Aids to prevent Dementia and Alzheimer s

According to various studies, hearing aids are not only helpful in improving one s hearing but they can also preserve an individual s mental and emotional health. Early diagnosis and treatment of a possible hearing loss help reduce risks later in life.

At times, the symptoms of undiagnosed hearing loss are mistaken with the symptoms of Alzheimer s. Hearing impairment makes it challenging for an individual to listen and respond to verbal signs. It increases the feeling of confusion, paranoia, and isolation. 

Hearing aids can relieve the symptoms of Alzheimer s. According to a study hearing aids slow down the rate of memory loss and improve an individual s quality of life.

Takeaway

Adults, especially males with hearing loss have a greater tendency of developing Dementia and Alzheimer s. Hearing loss causes brain to overwork leading to the loss of important mental functions. Hearing impairment can worsen the symptoms of Dementia and Alzheimer s. 

Hearing aids do help in improving the condition and symptoms of Alzheimer s and improve one s quality of life. A timely diagnosis can make a big difference.

Dementia And Alzheimer's Disease In Elderly - Could Hearing Loss A Reason?

Staying up late at night intentionally is not insomnia. If you find it difficult to fall asleep, or cannot sleep soundly for long, then it is indeed a case of insomnia. The inability to sleep can have terrible repercussions on your physical and psychological health.

A number of reasons could cause insomnia. Understanding the causes could help you identify your sleeplessness as insomnia and seek treatment right away.

What Health Issues cause Insomnia?

Here are some health problems of both the mind and body that can keep you awake  

  Stress Chronic stress and worry born out of our tense lives is a direct cause of insomnia. Long-term anxiety, panic disorders, as well as PTSD can induce sleeplessness.

  Irregular Sleep Patterns Your body would hate it if you deviate from the Circadian Rhythm   the body clock. It regulates the functions of your body, including your sleep patterns. But if you defy your body clock by sleeping at irregular hours   suppose you are staying up late to get some extra work done, or you may have opted for a night shift, or if you are experiencing a jet lag   then you will notice that when it is finally time for you to hit the bed, sleep will be elusive.

  Depression Depression is a horrific psychological disorder that makes a person lose interest in life itself. And one of the indicators of depression is loss of sleep. It is not just depression, but also other illnesses that cause psychological turbulence such as bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorders, triggering insomnia.

  Breathing Issues Sleep apnoea is a dangerous disorder that stops your breathing multiple times every night and will wake you up every time. Yet you will possibly not even remember waking up. However, this does disturb the quality of your sleep and affects your health adversely.

  Dementia Dementia is accompanied by a gradual loss of memory. But sometimes people who are suffering from dementia display anxiety, restlessness or even aggressive behaviour when it is time for them to go to bed. This is called the sundown syndrome and it might even keep them up all night.

  Pain Pain is one of the commonest reasons for losing sleep. Pain can originate due to any number of reasons   arthritis, a sprained joint, an injury, or if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, then it may keep you awake at night. This is actually a vicious circle because the inability to sleep will aggravate your pain. Talk to your doctor who will prescribe the appropriate pain medication.

  Parkinson s disease This disease is another reason behind insomnia. Parkinson s disease interferes with your nerve signals and this might cause disruption in your sleep.

  Menopause When a woman inches closer to her menopause, her body reduces the production of oestrogen and progesterone. This imbalance of hormones can trigger sleep loss.

How long can you go without sleeping?

There is no data on how long a human can function without sleep. The longest someone stayed awake is 11 days. Usually, the body cannot last that long without some sound shut-eye. Your brain flushes out the waste matter its cells produce during sleep. That is why even 24 hours without sleep can make your brain sluggish and disoriented. If you stay awake for more than 48 hours at a stretch, your cognitive abilities will start failing you. Sleep is instrumental to a healthy mind and body. If you are experiencing insomnia, talk to a doctor immediately or look up some remedies.

Health Problems That Keep You Awake!

Cerebral ischaemia or brain ischemia is a medical condition that restricts the flow of blood to the brain, resulting in an unmet metabolic demand. This leads to limited oxygen supply in the brain, which could result in the death of brain tissues, cerebral infarction or an ischemic stroke. Thus, a cardiorespiratory arrest, a stroke, and irreversible brain damage are few possible consequences of cerebral ischaemia.

People with compressed blood vessels, low blood pressure, congenital heart defects or sickle cell anaemia have a high risk of developing cerebral ischaemia since compressed blood vessels or very low pressure can lead to restricted blood flow. Also, sickle-shaped cells have a greater tendency to clot, causing obstructed blood flow.

Patients with cerebral ischaemia experience a host of symptoms, such as weakness in the body, problems with coordination and movement, vision and speech impairment and unconsciousness.

Cerebral congestion, on the other hand, refers to the excessive quantity of blood in the brain vessels, causing pressure on the cerebral substance. Cerebral congestion is of two types. It is termed as active when there is too much arterial blood flow and passive when there is undue quantity of venous blood in the veins of the brain. Both conditions cause symptoms, such as a severe headache, insomnia, irritability and unconsciousness. The patient gets little sleep and is disturbed often followed by dreams. When awake, the patient s mental activity in the brain is very high.

Homeopathy is now a well-established school of medicine backed with years of research and practice. Gone are the days when homeopathy was considered no more than an extension of herbal home remedies.

Homeopathic laboratories around the world produce a large number of medicines covering almost all ailments. The benefits of homeopathic treatment are now well established due to its holistic approach and minimal side effects. Homeopathy is undoubtedly a ray of hope for patients with cerebral ischaemia and cerebral congestion, as it delivers a comprehensive treatment plan designed to target the signs and symptoms of the disease and address its non-occurrence.

The medications deal with mild to severe symptoms, including inflammation of the brain, headache, vomiting, insomnia, stroke/convulsions and seizures. The stramonium drug, for example, deals with seizures. Belladonna is an effective remedy for sharp shooting headaches, a common symptom of cerebral congestion. Ferrum is believed to be a valuable remedy for brain ischaemia. Few drugs deal with the symptoms of both ischaemia and congestion nux is a suitable drug for the treatment of ischaemia as well as for passive cerebral congestion. Similarly, phosphorus can be used to treat brain ischaemia and congestion. Zincum metallicum is a highly recommended drug for chronic cases of ischaemia.

The treatment is comprehensive and long term and shows substantive results. Regular follow-ups and consultation with a homeopath specialist is the key to an effective treatment.

Homeopathy Treatment Of Cerebral Ischaemia & Cerebral Congestion

Sleep is one such time when people usually are expected to lie down still and get rest. However, we have all heard of sleepwalking, a condition where a person walks during the sleep. Though it may sound strange, there is a deeper explanation for it both from a causative point of view and from managing it.

Things you should know?

Sleepwalking happens when a person moves back from a deep sleep to a light sleep or awakening state.
The person who is sleepwalking is usually not aware of it.
Activities may range from simply getting up and sitting up in bed to walking around the room. They could also open the door and walk out to the neighbourhood. Moving furniture, changing dresses or driving a car, may also be some of the actions Most of these activities happens completely without their knowledge.
Mostly happens in children up to the age of 12, but can be seen in adults also, where it assumes a more severe form.
The person who is sleepwalking has a fixed stare with glassy eyes. They may appear dazed and lost when they are awakened.
They may not respond when they are actually sleepwalking, or respond very slowly
They can be brought back to bed and put back to sleep without being disturbed. Most children would go back to sleeping when this is done
Though the parents can be very worried when they see children sleepwalking, reassurance is required, as it usually disappears as they cross teenage.
There could be chances of small injury like tripping or fall during the sleepwalking episode
Sleepwalkers may be more restless compared to other children during their waking hours
Bedwetting is also quite common in children who sleepwalk
Causes

Inappropriate sleep pattern with lack of sleep for prolonged periods is one of the main reasons for sleepwalking
Stress
Excessive drinking
Medical conditions like heart rhythm problems, acidity, gastric reflux, and seizures
Psychiatric conditions like panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder can also lead to sleepwalking
Management

For a parent to see their child walking around in their sleep can be quite disturbing.
Reassurance is required stating that it is just a temporary phase and will not stay beyond the teenage years
Most people do not require any intervention unless accompanied by severe symptoms like going out of the house or driving
Once established, it is advisable to avoid by not drinking too much alcohol, avoiding stress and anxiety and taking precautions like extra-secure locks to prevent sleepwalking and/or other side effects.

Sleepwalking - 11 Things You Must Know!

Getting a good night s sleep is essential for a healthy lifestyle. When a person is asleep, the body rejuvenates itself. Some people can fall asleep as soon as their head touches the pillow but others can find it hard to sleep. Conditions that affect a person s ability to sleep properly over a long period of time are known as sleep disorders. There are many different types of sleep disorders.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a very common sleep disorder. This is marked by frequent interruptions in the person s breathing. It may cause the person s breath to become shallow or even stop briefly. In many cases, the person may not be aware of this happening while they sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway. This makes the chest muscles and diaphragm work harder to pull air into the lungs.

Insomnia
Insomnia can be described as an inability to fall asleep. Waking up frequently in the middle of the night and finding it difficult to go back to sleep or waking up earlier than planned in the morning are also characteristic signs of insomnia. There are two types of insomnia; primary and secondary insomnia. Primary insomnia refers to the inability to sleep that is not connected to any other disease. If the person s inability to sleep stems from another disease, it is known as secondary insomnia. There are a number of factors that could cause insomnia. This includes life changes such as shifting to a new home, death of a loved one or change of jobs, emotional discomfort, environmental factors such as light or noise, jet lag, stress, etc.

Restless Leg Syndrome
This sleep disorder is also classified as a neurological disorder. It is characterized by an overwhelming urge to move one s legs while sleeping. This may be felt as a scratchy itchy, burning, pulling or throbbing sensation. Massaging the legs or moving it only provides temporary relief. The exact cause of this condition is not known but suffering from an iron deficiency, kidney failure, diabetes, Parkinson s disease or peripheral neuropathy can increase the risk of this sleep disorder.

Narcolepsy
This can be described as the brain s inability to control its sleep cycle. This can make a person fall asleep unexpectedly during the day while falling asleep at night becomes more difficult. In most cases, this sleep disorder is caused by reduced levels of a neurotransmitter known as hypocretin.

So, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or have difficulty sleeping, it is advised not to self-medicate and delay the treatment. Seek help from a professional right away and enjoy peaceful sleep.

Sleep Disorder - Know Its Types And Causes!

Don't wait any longer, manage your Neuro Rehablitation online with a Lybrate doctor today

Consult for Neuro Rehablitation - Online and Easy!

FilterClear All

COMMON SPECIALITIES

COMMON ISSUES