In the popular film "Father Trapped in Time" released this year, Hopkins' acting skills are amazing, and it has also aroused many people's attention and discussion about Alzheimer's disease. The film tells the story of an elderly man with Alzheimer's disease who gradually doubts his loved one, his own thoughts, and the real world. So, how do we deal with these "old people trapped in time" in life?
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common degenerative disease of the central nervous system in the elderly, and patients usually experience symptoms such as memory decline, decreased learning ability, and accompanied by mood regulation disorders and loss of exercise ability. After the disease progresses to severe, the patient will completely lose the ability to take care of basic life.
About 10 million elderly people in China are plagued by Alzheimer's disease, but the rate of medical visits is very low. Studies have shown that nearly 70%-80% of dementia patients in China have not been treated. At present, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, and only drug treatment and home care can be used to delay the progression of the disease. However, if the patient is intervened early, the patient's life can be extended and the quality of life of the patient can be improved.
Early scientific drug treatment is crucial to delay the progression of the disease in Alzheimer's disease patients, and there are currently the following drugs commonly used in clinical practice:
The first group is acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil, carbalatin and galantamine;
The second category is N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, such as memantine.
The third category is M choline receptor agonists, such as chamelin.
The fourth category is metabolic activators and neuroprotective drugs, such as piracetam.
The use of these drugs in the early stages of the disease can effectively improve the cognitive function and behavioral disorders of patients, have the effect of activating, protecting and repairing brain nerve cells, promote learning ability, and improve brain function. At present, studies have shown that the butanphthalide independently developed by the Institute of Materia Medica of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences also has a certain effect in the treatment of certain symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, many scientific research institutions in China have also increased their funds and manpower investment in alzheimer's disease drug research and development, which also gives us the hope of overcoming Alzheimer's disease.
On the other hand, since Alzheimer's patients completely lose their ability to take care of themselves in the later stages of the disease, good home care is also very important for Alzheimer's patients. So, what should we do?
First, we should increase emotional communication with patients. Alzheimer's patients due to the lack of memory, there will often be changes in personality and emotions, we should accompany the patient more, give them understanding, tolerance and encouragement, do not blame and anger the patient because of the wrong thing.
In addition, we should help patients wake up memories and establish a familiar environment. For example, often take them to familiar places; look at old photos together; place objects that patients are familiar with and like in the room, which is conducive to helping patients recover their memories and has great benefits for delaying the disease.
In terms of diet, the nutritional combination of three meals a day can also play a role in supplementing nutrition for Alzheimer's disease patients, enhancing the patient's body resistance, and playing a role in auxiliary treatment. Regular consumption of some high-quality proteins, such as fish, chicken and plant proteins; lecithin and unsaturated fats: soy products, peanuts, etc., can help improve intelligence and supplement nutrition, thereby delaying the mental decline of Alzheimer's disease patients.
The elderly in the film end up in a nursing home, but not every family has this condition. Therefore, we need to pay great patience and effort to deal with these "elderly people trapped in time", so as to achieve early prevention, timely detection of symptoms and early intervention. Hopefully, one day we will have a complete cure for Alzheimer's disease.