Brain Shrinkage: Avoiding Alzheimer’s With Chiropractic Care
By: Dr. Brice Neff DC
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological illness that causes a gradual decline in behavioral and cognitive capabilities such as memory, understanding, speech, concentration, thinking, and perception. It is the most prevalent cause and form of dementia, responsible for more than two-thirds of dementia cases in persons aged 65 or older.
Although there is no established cure for Alzheimer’s disease, various therapies can delay the illness’s course. Neurologically-based chiropractic therapy is one therapeutic option that has had enormously positive results for people living with Alzheimer’s. Dr. Brice Neff DC of Arizona’s Family Chiropractic would be delighted to assist you and your loved ones in overcoming the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Significantly Affects The Elderly
Alzheimer’s disease is commonly associated with elderly age. According to NCBI study investigated the epidemiology of Alzheimer’s disease and provided statistics. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of mortality in the U.S. Early onset (before the age of 65) is rare and occurs in less than 10% of Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Around 2011, an estimated 4.5 million persons aged 65 and older in the United States had clinical Alzheimer’s disease. After the age of 65, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease doubles every 5 years. The age-specific occurrence rises considerably from less than 1% per year before the age of 65 to 6% per year beyond the age of 85. The incidence rate rises from 10% at the age of 65 to 40% after the age of 85. Women have a somewhat greater incidence rate of Alzheimer’s disease, especially beyond the age of 85.
Symptoms Of Alzheimer’s Disease
We all have bouts of forgetfulness occasionally. However, patients with Alzheimer’s disease have persistent habits and symptoms that deteriorate with time. These are some examples:
- Declined personal hygiene
- Getting bewildered in terms of time or location
- Having difficulty with routine chores
- Loss of memory has an impact on daily activities
- Mood and personality shifts
- Problem-solving challenges
- Reduced judgment
- Severed relationships with friends, family, and the community
- Speech or writing difficulties
These symptoms may vary depending on the stage of the illness.
Stages Of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is a progressive illness that is symptoms develop with time and is classified into seven stages:
- There aren’t any noticeable symptoms at this stage, but based on family history, an early diagnosis may be made.
- The first symptoms, such as forgetfulness and mild memory loss, develop in this stage.
- Minor physical and mental problems, such as impaired memory and focus, emerge. These may only be seen by the relatives or close friends of the patient.
- Alzheimer’s disease is frequently detected at this stage, but it is still regarded as mild. Memory loss and the incapacity to execute daily duties are obvious.
- Mild to chronic symptoms necessitate the assistance of loved ones or caregivers.
- At this point, an individual with Alzheimer’s may require assistance with basic actions such as feeding and dressing.
- This is the most advanced and last stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Speech and facial gestures may be affected.
Causes Of Alzheimer’s Disease
The precise causes of Alzheimer’s disease are unknown. However, on a fundamental level, brain proteins fail to function appropriately, which disturbs the operation of neurons and sets off a chain of harmful events. Neurons get injured, lose their synapses, and finally die. Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers, may be triggered by a mix of hereditary, behavioral, and external factors that damage the brain over time.
Alzheimer’s disease may also be triggered by specific genetic abnormalities that ensure a person will acquire the condition. These uncommon circumstances often result in the early onset of the illness. The deterioration usually begins in the part of the brain that regulates recollection, although the process begins years before the first symptoms appear. The destruction of neurons spreads to other areas of the brain rather consistently. The brain has shrunk greatly by the final stage of the illness.
Benefits Of Chiropractic For Alzheimer’s
Chiropractic therapy is primarily concerned with the nervous system, including the brain and spine. Since Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain illness, chiropractic’s effect on the nervous system has been found to immensely help Alzheimer’s patients.
As physiological processes become inefficient when the spine is out of alignment, subluxations may starve the brain of critical nutrients such as glucose. Dr. Brice Neff DC, a chiropractor, specializes in treating spinal misalignments to promote healthy nerve transmission. With the obstruction eliminated, the brain may get the nutrition required to operate correctly.
Conclusion
It’s heartbreaking to see a loved one have Alzheimer’s. It is extremely challenging to be the caregiver for someone afflicted with this condition. One of the finest chiropractors can assist you. To learn more details on how neurologically-based chiropractic therapy may significantly reduce Alzheimer’s and dementia symptoms, contact Dr. Brice Neff DC of Arizona’s Family Chiropractic.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease And Dementia?
Many people use the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” interchangeably. These two illnesses, however, are not the same. Alzheimer’s disease is a kind of dementia. Dementia is a broad description of diseases characterized by symptoms of memory impairment such as amnesia and disorientation. Dementia encompasses many specific illnesses that might produce similar symptoms, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, brain trauma, and many others. These disorders can have a variety of origins, indications, and remedies.
Does Alzheimer’s Only Affect The Elderly?
No. Alzheimer’s disease generally affects adults aged 65 and over. It can, nevertheless, arise in persons as young as 40 or 50. This is referred to as early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Slight loss of memory and difficulty focusing or performing daily chores might be symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s. It might be difficult to find the correct words, and you may become disoriented. Mild visual issues, such as difficulty determining distances, can also develop.
Is There A Way To Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease?
No. There is no recognized cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and there are no infallible prevention methods. On the other hand, scientists are focusing on general healthy living behaviors as a means of minimizing cognitive deterioration. The following measures may be beneficial:
- Consume a plant-based diet
- Increase your intake of antioxidants
- Regular exercise may help
- Try out some cognitive training activities
- Try to quit smoking
Before making any major changes to your lifestyle, consult with your doctor or chiropractor in advance.
