Alzheimer's treatment varies significantly at different stages of the disease. The following offers an overview, not only for your education, but to describe some worthwhile resources for caregiving families, especially during early stages of the disease.
Contents
Treatments can alleviate some symptoms, empowering you as a caregiver and helping suspend the disease's progress. As you deal with the disorder's progress, medicines are prescribed and there are some natural treatments respected by the health care industry. During middle to later stages of the disease, you will require more professional help, and we also outline treatments available during this stage, with some helpful advice where that is available. As time goes on, families will have to rely on professional help such as that offered by home care services, health care facilities or memory care facilities of local seniors' care homes.
Note: Professional treatment of Alzheimer's focuses on alleviating symptoms caused by the buildup of amyloid plaque on the brain. Apropos of a definition of 'treatment,' none of these is a cure. However, families should rightfully find encouragement in treatments that delay the progress of some symptoms. We present this mainly for your information, assuming of course that you will consult with professional health care every step of the way.
Caregivers dealing with the effects of Alzheimer's have a number of different resources they can use. Some of these are available for a cost, but these will offer you reprieve from the progress of symptoms.
The Ashby Memory Method (AMM) is one example of a drug-free Alzheimer's treatment during early stages of the disease. This is a cognitive therapy for dementia, sometimes called Cognitive Retention Therapy (CRT); it was developed by a Canadian, Dr. Mira Ashby. This program has a component specifically tailored to families.
AMM has been shown to be effective as an early intervention and an effective treatment option, and a professional version of the course is in use in many care facilities around the world. Read more about the Ashby Memory Method.
The Montessori Memory Method is another caregiver-focused treatment shown to have benefits. This program adapts Montessori teaching methods focused on engaging the senses, to reawaken learning and reconnect the dementia sufferer to the world. The Method includes physical activities, art activities and music therapy to stimulate the brain and encourage positive emotions. Some caregivers have adapted similar simple methods, providing Alzheimer's sufferers with simple activities like colouring books, puzzles, board games, etc.
The disciplined nature of above programs allows families to manage and understand the progress of the disease. The more disciplined approach that is taken (e.g. AMM), the more likely that caregivers will see positive effects and relief from the symptoms, as the devastating mental deterioration continues. The interactivity of these approaches also facilitates connection to the person still there, underneath the symptoms.
These methods do not necessarily slow pathological progress of the disease but they can provide relief from symptoms. Caregivers during early stages of the disease should be sure to read about validation therapy below.
Donepezil is the most commonly prescribed medicine, sold under the trade name Aricept.
Rivastigmine (sold under the trade name Exelon) is also approved in Canada, to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's.
These are both cholinesterase inhibitors that slow down the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain. There are other drugs that work similarly, but have more side effects. In the United States and elsewhere, other drugs meet government approval.
Memantine (or memantine hydrochloride, sold as Namenda) is used later in the progress of the disease to regulate the absorption of glutamate into nerve cells.
Other drug treatments are slow to market, although some are always in trial. Pharmacological treatments like the above are only prescribed by healthcare professionals.
The bulk of research money spent on Alzheimer's goes toward pharmacological responses and cures (or attempted cures). Aromatherapy, for example, is used by some patients who feel this has benefits. Beware that some herbal treatments can adversely interact with medicines, though. Some examples of herbal supplements used in the treatment of Alzheimer's are Ginkgo Biloba, and vitamin E. Make sure your doctor is aware of alternative methods you are using. Coconut oil is one other product reported to have benefits in the prevention and/or treatment of Alzheimer's, but its efficacy is considered unclear by the medical establishment.
There is no set manner in which Alzheimer's patients progress through stages or treatments; every sufferer goes through the disease at a different rate, in fact. You will reach a point where you begin to augment personal caregiving with professional help. Some people may be able to avail themselves of home care services; each of these providers has their own training and specialization. Many provinces in Canada support short term respite care, often in a clinical environment like that of a retirement home (also available from home care providers). A growing number of adult day programs are offered publicly or privately, run by professional care workers and offering organized activities with a therapeutic value. In these settings, care workers will be trained in, or able to provide, different professional treatments of Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.
Here is an overview of non-invasive, drug-free treatments in these settings, and an understanding of the efficacy of each.
Validation Therapy is not so much a treatment as a way of treating Alzheimer's patients. Care workers receive special training in case studies of this approach. However, the basic idea is valuable to any caregiver: treat dementia-related thoughts and feelings as valid, even if you know they don't match reality. The dementia sufferer believes his or her irrational or false thoughts. Correcting them will only create irritation. Treat irrational thoughts as valid, then move on or try to change his or her focus. Read more in our glossary.
The Gentle Persuasive Approach is also more so a way of treating patients, and also worth understanding for any caregiver. This approach is learned through professional training, and focuses on strategies for patience with dementia clients. Course participants learn methods of anticipating negative behaviours and deflecting conflict with agitation-prone Alzheimer's sufferers, before it arises.
Other programs that help professional caregivers in Ontario deal with dementia sufferers are U-First! and a secondary program called Behavioral Support Training Program. Professional care staff may be trained in a variety of other, similar approaches that facilitate the best treatment of seniors with dementia.
Therapies you will find used by caregivers in the above professional environments include:
You can read more about these in our look at Alzheimer care therapies.
Specialized treatments used in clinical settings and memory care facilities are also very helpful. Professionally developed programs described below require a formal setting or a dedicated environment that sometimes also facilitates (or requires) group interaction with fellow Alzheimer's sufferers.
Specialized provisions for symptom management are also available in professional care environments. One example is Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) that help monitor wandering, using wireless technology embedded in pendants or other items worn by dementia clients. Software tracks the location of care patients, with their families' consent, of course. This technology is just one more way that treatment of Alzheimer's Disease is improving through technological development and new research.
Alzheimer's treatments are changing all the time, as our understanding of the disease is growing and deepening. We all look forward to a day when there will be a cure for the disease and no longer any need for treatment. While there is hope that day of resolution is still in the future.
Consult with memory care communities to find out what treatments they offer, and how they create environments that are ideally suited to alleviate symptoms of dementia, while also giving people fulfilling lives.
The Dunfield Retirement Residence has established a new standard in senior retirement living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with 177 spacious apartments. Where people come to LIVE!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
A resort-like retirement residence in Toronto featuring a fitness centre, beauty salon and a variety of other luxuries, including a private dining room and more.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Family-owned and operated, the Briton House is dedicated to the highest standards of service. Offering a full continuum of care, a variety of amenities and suites, home-cooked meals, and a 15,000 sq. ft. indoor garden.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
We are Toronto's Finest Kosher Retirement Residence located on the Baycrest campus. We offer Independent & Assisted Living and Memory Care. Baycrest Terraces, "Where Life Thrives". Call us today for more information.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
At Queens Estate, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Enlightened dementia care touches more than memory. 147 Elder St. is a place that provides opportunities for the joy and meaning still ahead when wellbeing can no longer be realized at home.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care
A true retirement hub featuring independent Living Apartments with full kitchens, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement suites with walk out patios, Assisted Care, Memory Care and LTC.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Mississauga's unique continuum of care featuring a vibrant Main Street with Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
At Garrison Green by UAL, we offer memory care, independent and assisted living. Enjoy spacious suites, in-suite laundry, fitness studio, art studio, a la carte dining, underground parking and so much more!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
At Greenview Residence, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
McCowan Retirement Residence is a vibrant and family oriented retirement home located in Scarborough. With team members who have been here since we opened in 2004, you can expect a warm welcome and a feeling of home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
A former monastery and friary, Governors Walk is designed to pay respect to the past while featuring a modern touch. Governors Walk is steps away from the picturesque Rideau River and Stanley park.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Staywell Manor Village offers elegant retirement living in the heart of Calgary. Whether you are looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care, we have lifestyle options to meet your needs.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Guelph retirement home offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Includes 24 hour onsite nursing team and medication support within a Village-like setting. It takes a Village to care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Humber Heights in Etobicoke offers different levels of service from independent apartments with meals to assisted living to long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Located in Orleans, Promenade is surrounded by walking paths. From Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care, we offer a vibrant community focused on exceeding your expectations. Contact us today 613-229-7973.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Village of Wentworth Heights is a full-service retirement living community offering retirement apartments, full-service suites, assisted living and memory care.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
An upscale retirement community with art studio, pool, yoga room and more. Located in Ambleside (Windermere) in south Edmonton with convenient access to coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants and shopping.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care
This elegant Guelph retirement home offers a range of care including assisted living and long term care, serviced by a friendly, caring staff.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
This elegant retirement residence in Kitchener-Waterloo offers a continuum of care from independent living apartments to assisted living, memory care and long-term care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
At The Village of Tansley Woods, we offer the full continuum of care - Independent Living Suites, Retirement Apartments, Full Service Retirement Suites, Assisted Care, Memory Care and Long Term Care all in one village.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Now welcoming our Retirement Home Residents to the Village. We offer Waterloo a range of services for today's Senior including Retirement Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Long Term Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Located in the heart of the Garneau district of Edmonton, Garneau Hall offers seniors a caring environment with the added comforts of home and the opportunity for an enriched new life.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
One visit to Carp Commons Retirement Village and you’ll see the difference in terms of amenities, food, services, programs, and the little touches that make it feel like home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland on Eglinton West offers Lifestyle Apartments, All-Inclusive Lifestyle and Supportive Lifestyle options for seniors. Parkland makes it easy for you to do more of what you love!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Located in Citiplace, Ravines is surrounded by walking paths. From Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care, we offer a vibrant community focused on exceeding your expectations. Contact us today 613-223-8506.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Riverwalk Retirement Residence is centrally located in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission community of Calgary. We offer a continuum of care including Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
A premier Park Place residence in the heart of Medicine Hat offering independent living, supportive living, and long term care options. With spectacular views and services, River Ridge is a warm place to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
An oasis in the heart of Langley City, Magnolia Gardens features bright, spacious suites and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Two choices in senior living: 115 independent living suites, and a 40-suite licensed Care Centre.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Vineyards approach to assisted living & memory care allows people to go about life as they always have, despite health changes. Beautiful suites & homemade meals. Discover for yourself why we say Life’s Better Here
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
A well-established not-for-profit, NHT is committed to enriching the lives of seniors. Gracious dining & café, a terrace garden, daily fitness, a vibrant Concert Series - there is plenty for residents to enjoy at NHT!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Aster Gardens, an Optima Living community, opened in March 2021, we are transforming Senior's living. You are going to love living here....Let Us Welcome You Home!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care
Enjoy the natural setting of the surrounding Kanata Lakes with access to shopping, parks and churches at Symphony Senior Living Kanata. This pet friendly community offers a variety of service packages and suites to fulfill your unique needs.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Located in Central Park, Independent Seniors will find a home in our Seniors' Suites. Those needing more care find comfort in our Retirement Residence. We're focused on exceeding expectations. Call today 613-266-1354.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Trico LivingWell is designed to empower older adults to live their best lives by facilitating inclusivity and togetherness through a holistic health, empathetic and personalized approach to aging.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
A luxury senior living community in the heart of North York. Be inspired by beautifully appointed amenities in our state-of-the-art building offering exceptional care, intelligent technology & exciting life enrichment.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Prince of Peace a variety of suites styles with kitchenettes and incredible mountain views. It's the perfect residence for seniors who are active, require some assistance, or have memory care needs.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Richmond Care Home is a unique 16-unit retirement home specifically designed for women living with dementia. We offer cutting-edge exceptional memory care, that's very reasonably priced in an intimate home-like setting.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care
Featuring bright suites surrounded by pedestrian pathways, and a two-acre water feature in Tsawwassen town-centre. Two choices in all-inclusive senior housing: independent living and a licensed Care Centre suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Forest Valley Terrace is proud to be the only community that is specifically designed & dedicated to the unique needs of seniors with all stages of Alzheimer’s, dementia or other forms of memory impairment in Ottawa.
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care
We offer a truly all inclusive plan. We welcome pets: offer residents accommodation options .Our array of activities & chef-prepared meals keep our residents healthy & active. Offering beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Amica Stoney Creek celebrates its rich heritage on the site of Stoney Creek Dairy, a local treasure from 1929 to 2012. Stroll to shops, pubs, or Olde Town Stoney Creek, or take a trip to nearby Hamilton or Niagara.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
At Wintergreene, you'll discover a combination of independence, privacy, activities, health and wellness programs & friendly companionship to savour throughout your retirement.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Award Winning Delmanor Elgin Mills, has proudly served the Richmond Hill community since 2002, offering Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care options, you can choose from a variety of well-appointed sized suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Located in the heart of a vibrant community, Holland Gardens is the perfect place to live, laugh and enjoy life. An exciting community offering a luxurious resort lifestyle, an ideal place for inspired senior living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
At Parkland Ancaster, we will offer a luxurious, vibrant, social lifestyle in a beautiful safe, premium home. Enjoy upscale amenities, creating a supportive space for you to thrive socially and lead fulfilling lives.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
We believe that the desire for fulfillment and living a life with purpose does not diminish with a diagnosis of dementia. We focus on the possibilities of each person, supporting each to live with laughter, love and joy.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care, Long-term care
Credit River is a 6-storey condo style residence, with an array of well-appointed suite styles to choose from and our highly-skilled health care professionals are available around the clock if you need them.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Parkland Ajax offers independent and supportive options! Beautifully designed spacious suites, exceptional on site amenities and professional staff on site 24/7, Parkland is where you can live your best life!
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in tailoring our services to meet their unique needs, recognizing that no two individuals are the same. Whether it's medical care, companionship, or assistance
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Home Care
Nurse for All offers medical and non-medical care support for people of all ages & needs in the GTA, Ontario, Alberta, BC, Nova Scotia at home, hospital, retirement home or long-term care facility.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
In-Home Assisted Living offers caregivers and nurses to help seniors and people with medical challenges to remain living in their own home with safety and comfort. Also ask about our hospital bedside support.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
Richmond Heights Health Clinic & Home Care, provides compassionate 24 hour personalized senior care services with bonded, registered & licensed Nurses / RPN's, in your home, hospital, rehab, LTC & retirement communities.
Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care
Read more about some subjects covered above:
wikipedia.org/wiki/Donepezil
alz.org/../alzheimers_disease_treatments.asp
alzheimer.ca/../Drugs-approved-for-Alzheimers-disease
alzheimer.ca/../Risk-factors/Coconut-oil
Final disclaimer: This page is intended to provide basic information and an overview of the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease, for the edification of Canadian consumers and caregivers. Consult with professional health care providers at all times.