Alzheimer's Disease
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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.
Integrative Research Approaches & Systemic Stressors:
In environmental and integrative medicine, research is intensely exploring how additional systemic burdens might accelerate neurodegenerative processes. Discussions include severe oxidative stress, potential chronic burdens from environmental toxins (such as heavy metals), and imbalances in the gut microbiome (the gut-brain axis).
Furthermore, chronic silent inflammations, particularly in the oral cavity (such as periodontitis), are increasingly recognized in science as potential risk factors that can burden the brain. In holistic dentistry, it is also observed how tooth loss and resulting functional disorders of the masticatory system (TMJ) act as additional physical stressors for the entire organism, although the exact neurological mechanisms are still the subject of current research.”
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.
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.
From the perspective of integrative medicine, the focus is on supporting the body’s overall health to maintain quality of life for as long as possible and to reduce systemic inflammation. Complementary measures such as gut rehabilitation or the targeted balancing of micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., via infusion therapies) aim to support cellular energy production (mitochondrial therapy). The goal of these holistic approaches is not to cure Alzheimer’s, but to relieve the immune system and optimize the patient’s general metabolic well-being.
It is always important that treatment is initiated in good time and that you do not wait too long for the symptoms to worsen.
Further information
The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.