Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease, also known as Alzheimer’s dementia, is characterized by a progressive regression of the cerebral cortex and gradually leads to a decline in mental performance in those affected. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by symptoms such as memory loss, disorientation and confusion. As the disease progresses, personality changes and the inability to care for oneself also occur, which ultimately has a significant impact on quality of life.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be divided into early-stage and advanced-stage symptoms.
Symptoms in the early stages of the disease:
- Increasing forgetfulness
- Increased tendency to misplace things
- Difficulty finding words
- Spatial and temporal orientation decreases
- Personality changes and mood swings
- Lack of drive and little enjoyment of old hobbies
Symptoms in the advanced stage:
- Difficulty expressing oneself
- Increasing confusion
- Mixing of past and present
- Familiar people are no longer recognized
- Increasing difficulty in coping with everyday life
Causes of Alzheimer's Disease
The exact causes of Alzheimer’s are not yet fully understood. However, it appears that one of the main causes is the formation of abnormal proteins, which accumulate to form so-called “neurofibrillary tangles” or “Alzheimer’s fibrils” and lead to the death of nerve cells. Age and genetic predisposition are considered to be the greatest risk factors.
The accumulation of environmental toxins, in particular heavy metals and pesticides in food, drinking water and air, should also not be underestimated.
The function of the blood-brain barrier is also crucial. A permeable blood-brain barrier allows more neurotoxic substances to enter the central nervous system and can promote the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Intestinal problems, for example an altered intestinal flora, can also contribute to the development or rapid progression of Alzheimer’s disease. A laboratory diagnostic examination of the intestine should be carried out to detect imbalances.
Dental health and brain health also appear to be closely linked. For example, patients with increasing tooth loss are affected by Alzheimer’s far more frequently than patients with complete dentition. The probable reason for this: the neuronal impulses with each tooth contact stimulate the different areas of the brain and have a positive effect on brain health. In addition, the loss of teeth leads to a lowered bite (deep bite), which compresses the temporomandibular joints and leads to musculoskeletal imbalances or craniomandibular dysfunction. As a result, brain health appears to suffer and neurodegenerative processes develop more frequently. The physiological mechanisms and reasons behind this are still insufficiently researched.
Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
From a conventional perspective, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The treatment options focus mainly on alleviating the symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease. Drugs that promote communication between nerve cells can provide temporary relief.
Holistic medicine focuses on measures that tackle the cause and alleviate the symptoms at the same time. Treatments such as intestinal cleansing, balancing micronutrients after individual analysis of deficiencies, stabilization of the blood-brain barrier or the elimination of heavy metals have proven effective.
It is always important that treatment is initiated in good time and that you do not wait too long for the symptoms to worsen.
Dr. med. Karsten Ostermann M.A.
The neurological disease Alzheimer's is not only very stressful for those affected, but also for their relatives. Cause-oriented treatment, in close cooperation with therapists from different disciplines, can be effective for patients with Alzheimer's disease. We will be happy to help you.
Further information
The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.