Alzheimer Check-Ups, Tests, and Investigation - Essay Example

'Alzheimer Check-Ups, Tests, and Investigation' is a great example of a paper on the disorder. 
The Alzheimer's condition is quite difficult to detect at early stages as it is usually mistaken as an aging signal. It is characterized by speech difficulty, memory loss, and behavioral changes. The tests conducted with the aim of identifying the condition are depression, anxiety, deficiency in vitamin, brain tumor, and thyroid condition. The patient’s history is vital to the identification and diagnosis of this particular malady. In addition, it entails scanning of the brain (CT and MRI scans) in the attempt to examine the changes in the brain and it requires the services of a specialist (Lu & Bludau, 2011).

An individual diagnosed with Alzheimer's condition should regularly have a dental check-up to ensure that they are orally healthy. Their diet should be well balanced and they are encouraged to take a lot of water as it helps in maintaining both their mental and physical being. In addition, regular exercises such as walking are ideal for not only physical health but also mental health. They also need to be socially and physically active in societal activities as loneliness and depression can be detrimental to their health. In some instances, they may be provided with gadgets that aid them in maintaining their conditions hence they have to properly use these gadgets. Besides, they need to actually plan ahead since the progress in this condition usually proves difficult (Lu & Bludau, 2011).

Strategies individuals can employ to cope up with lifestyle changes caused by Alzheimer

Taking care of individuals with Alzheimer's tends to be quite challenging as it requires more energy and time.  Individuals taking care of patients need to devised ways and strategies for managing stress. Some of the realistic ways of doing this are by understanding that individuals with the condition are never difficult on purpose and their emotions and behavior are heavily influenced by the condition. The other strategies are that the caregivers need to be out and about by continuing with the activities they love doing most; they can ask for assistance when overwhelmed; there is also the need for the caregiver to communicate with relative or friends concerning the situation of the patients as it helps in minimizing stress can come alongside looking after the patient (Lu & Bludau, 2011).

Alzheimer's is caused by the death of brain cells and it happens in the course of time. The progress of the condition is characterized by preclinical where there are no symptoms, impairment of the cognitive aspects and finally dementia. There is no cure for this condition as the death of the cells in the brain cannot be reversed. Increase the risk of Alzheimer's is associated with the long term use of benzodiazepines. The long term outcomes of this malady are usually detrimental since there is a lack of a cure for memory loss as well as the dead brain cells cannot be reversed (Lu & Bludau, 2011).