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How Does Cognitive Rehabilitation Work For Alzheimer's Disease?

"A combination of medications and supportive therapy is usually beneficial in reducing the speed of progression of Alzheimer's disease", explains Dr Natasha Tipnis, Consultant, Neurology- Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai.

Written by Tavishi Dogra | Updated : September 21, 2023 3:38 PM IST

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease affects domains of language and memory. In most individuals, the onset is with mild memory loss. Not remembering daily conversations is an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, and eventually, the patient will have problems recognising relatives or friends or carrying out daily activities.

Eat More Fruits And Vegetables

Especially berries- Berries are rich in anthocyanosides, which act as free radical scavengers.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Inhibitors

Donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine can be prescribed to those with early to mid-stage Alzheimer's disease. The most recent guidelines indicate that these medications be continued in the disease's later, more severe stages.

Cognitive Rehabilitation

This involved rewiring your brain circuits by recruiting different areas of the brain. It is task-specific, for example, learning to make tea, folding clothes, etc. A family member or a trained professional can help be a cognitive rehabilitation partner. Also Read - Workout Variations To Help You Tone Your Body

Reminiscence And Life Story Work

This technique uses old, long-term memories that are usually preserved in patients with Alzheimer’s disease as an anchor to help the patient. References such as pictures, music, and videos may be used. The idea is to link newer events to these older, well-preserved memories.