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How Alzheimer’s disease is treated and managed

How Alzheimer’s disease is treated and managed

A person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease would experience memory problems, and even face issues with their thinking process and behaviour patterns. This disease does not set in instantly, as its progression is slow; the symptoms start showing gradually over the years. With time, they get worse to the point where they affect the person’s ability to perform day to day tasks. Let us take a look at how Alzheimer’s disease is treated: Alzheimer’s is diagnosed with a series of tests. These include a physical check-up and certain medical tests. The medical tests involve neurological evaluation of basic movements like balancing and standing, as well as blood tests, CT scans, and MRI scans. The patient’s mental health is also evaluated. Following diagnosis, the treatment of Alzheimer’s involves the use of certain medicines. The main one used are: Memantine Memantine is a medication that works towards slowing down the advancement of Alzheimer’s from a mid-level to a more serious phase. It is typically not given alone, but with other medication as well. Cholinesterase inhibitors Cholinesterase inhibitors work by raising cellular communication to improve the balance of certain chemicals in the body. It is due to an imbalance in these chemicals that Alzheimer’s develops.
Dental veneers’ cost, procedure, and results

Dental veneers’ cost, procedure, and results

Dental veneers are thin shells placed in front of the teeth to improve their overall appearance. They are customizable and can hide or cover stains, chipped teeth, and even unevenness. This article shall cover the procedure to get dental veneers, the overall results obtained, and the typical costs involved. Procedure to get dental veneers The procedure to get dental veneers can vary depending on the type that you will choose. The most commonly used dental veneers are porcelain veneers and resin-based veneers. Porcelain veneers The first step to making porcelain veneers is taking an impression of the teeth. The mold is sent to a laboratory to create a custom porcelain veneer. In the meanwhile, doctors will give the patients a temporary veneer. Once the permanent ones return from the lab, doctors will have a fitting session to check if they are a good fit or no and make adjustments accordingly. Lastly, the porcelain veneers will be bonded to the teeth. Resin-based composite veneers The dentist will start the process by cleaning and reshaping the teeth. Once this is done, they will bond the resin-based composite onto the teeth and sculpt it accordingly. They will also adjust the color to make the fitting look as natural as possible.
Lactose-free milk – Top 3 products

Lactose-free milk – Top 3 products

Is your body having a hard time digesting lactose? Well, you’re not alone! It’s said that around 75 percent of people in the world are lactose intolerant. But, instead of going dairy-free and missing out on essential nutrients, it makes sense to switch to lactose-free milk products. If you’re wondering what lactose-free milk is and what are the best lactose-free milk products in the market, read this article till the very end. What is lactose-free milk? To put it simply, lactose-free milk contains nearly all the same ingredients as regular milk, except the problem-causing ingredient, lactose. Milk free from lactose is produced by adding an enzyme called lactase to regular cow’s milk. This enzyme breaks down lactose in the body, aiding digestion in lactose-intolerant people. It’s crucial to not confuse lactose-free milk with dairy-free milk. The former is made from real dairy, while the latter is made from plant-based alternatives such as soy, almond, coconut, and others. This also means that lactose-free milk has the same nutrient profile as regular milk — protein-rich, and high in micronutrients like calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and riboflavin. Top lactose-free milk products Here are some of the best lactose-free milk products: Organic Valley 2% Lactose-Free Milk This is most people’s go-to lactose-free milk choice.
3 insulin pumps you can buy in 2021

3 insulin pumps you can buy in 2021

Insulin pumps facilitate the delivery of insulin. Individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes often require periodical insulin to control their blood sugar levels. Some type 2 diabetic patients whose pancreas don’t make sufficient insulin also require such doses. Insulin pumps provide a basal dose of insulin every 3-5 minutes, which in turn mimics the function of naturally functioning pancreas. Listed below are the three best insulin pumps of 2021. Tandem insulin pumps Tandem Diabetes Care offers the t:slim X2 insulin pump. It has a full-color touchscreen and is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity with many devices like smartphones and CGM. The pump has an in-built algorithm that automatically monitors basal doses based on glucose readings. When integrated with Dexcom G6, no fingerstick calibration is required. The t:slim X2 is the first device that can be updated remotely. This allows patients to be up to date without waiting for insurance to cover a new device. What’s more is that this insulin pump is waterproof within three feet depth for about 30 minutes, so individuals can keep it on while showering. The t:slim X2 is also battery-operated; it sends alerts for high temperatures and counting carbs. The device can also calculate boluses up to 50 units.
5 health conditions that may cause osteoporosis bone loss

5 health conditions that may cause osteoporosis bone loss

There are certain common medical conditions that are specifically linked with osteoporosis bone loss. Here’s what you need to watch out for. The bone is a living tissue, and as such it is constantly being broken down to create new bone. However, when the rebuilding process is slower than the breaking down process, the bones become fragile and brittle. This is what happens when you develop osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is more common in women than men, and affects about 200 million women all over the world. Even though this disorder affects women of all age and races, it is more common in older white and Asian women. When you are suffering from osteoporosis and it reaches an advanced stage, fractures become a part of daily life. The fractures that are associated with osteoporosis usually occur in your spine, hip, and wrist. The bones become so brittle that even everyday activities like bending over or stepping on to the pavement can result in fractures. Early stages of osteoporosis do not show any symptoms, but when it reaches an advanced stage, symptoms like loss of height, back pain, neck pain, fractures, and stooping posture can be seen. A simple bone density test that shows the extent of osteoporosis bone loss is used when you want to diagnose this disorder.
Here’s what to eat for hemophilia

Here’s what to eat for hemophilia

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that is mostly diagnosed at a young age. The blood doesn’t clot as it should in people with this disease, causing excessive bleeding, which can turn life-threatening. The condition largely occurs due to the absence of certain blood-clotting proteins (called clotting factors), although it can also be acquired due to an immune system issue. Physical therapy, clot-preserving medications, and vaccinations are viable treatment options. Alternatively, dietary choices can also help manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the beneficial foods to eat for people with hemophilia: Whole grains Oatmeal, brown rice, and barley are a few of the healthiest whole grains to eat for hemophilia patients. These foods contain fiber and nutrients that help stabilize blood glucose levels. By lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke, these foods prevent serious complications associated with hemophilia. Whole grains also reduce chronic inflammation, which can be touted as a major contributor to internal bleeding. Calcium-rich foods Important for the growth and maintenance of the bones, calcium is paramount for hemophilia patients. The nutrient helps keep tooth and bone health in check, preventing damage and subsequent blood loss.
Non-small cell lung cancer: Symptoms and treatments

Non-small cell lung cancer: Symptoms and treatments

Lung cancer begins when the lung cells grow to be abnormal and multiply uncontrollably. As there is a rapid growth of the cancerous cells in the body, tumors form and start spreading to other areas of the body. There are different types of lung cancer such as Adenocarcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and other subtypes such as sarcomatoid carcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma. This non-small cell lung cancer is less common as compared to the other types. Adenocarcinoma Majority of lung cancer cases are of adenocarcinomas. They can occur in many parts of the body. These cancers occur in current or former smokers mainly, however, they are found in non-smokers as well. This cancer affects women more than men, and among other cancers, this cancer affects younger people more. Squamous cell carcinoma Of all the lung cancers, the occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma is 20% to 30% in people. This cancerous cells start affecting the flat cells and lie inside the lung airways. This cancer is linked to the history of smoking and is mostly found in central part of the lungs. Large cell carcinoma This cancer covers 10% to 15% of all lung cancers. This cancer can occur in any part of the lung.
Foods to eat and avoid with schizophrenia

Foods to eat and avoid with schizophrenia

It has been observed that those who have schizophrenia, a chronic psychological illness, usually have diets that are unhealthy, low in fiber and fruit, and high in saturated fats. Unhealthy eating habits typically lead to other health problems which can also put people with schizophrenia at high risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more. According to research, dietary changes do really help manage schizophrenia. Here are some best and worst foods for schizophrenia. Foods to eat Fruits Many studies show that people with schizophrenia usually do not get enough fiber, and thus, need to eat fruits. Some of the best sources of fiber are apples, pears, and raspberries. Fiber not only helps reduce bad cholesterol but also helps in digestion, thereby reducing the chances of certain health problems associated with schizophrenia such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Vegetables Vegetables don’t have heart-heavy cholesterol, are packed with essential vitamins and fiber, and are low in calories and fat. Veggies like sweet potatoes, kidney beans, and lima beans contain potassium that could help in keeping blood sugar in check. The best food for schizophrenia is spinach as it is high in folate, which could help in easing symptoms of schizophrenia. Apart from spinach, folate can also be found in asparagus and black-eyed peas.
Causes, symptoms, treatments, and preventive tips for macular degeneration

Causes, symptoms, treatments, and preventive tips for macular degeneration

Macular degeneration causes a loss of central vision in both eyes. It is a painless condition that normally affects people who are older than 50 years. It is commonly known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). There are also rare cases of Juvenile Macular Degeneration, which affects young people. Certain genetic disorders are the cause of the development of juvenile macular degeneration. When a person suffers from Macular Degeneration, the central vision is affected. So, there is difficulty in focusing on objects that lie straight ahead. The result is that everything appears blurred, it becomes difficult to read, the faces of people appear blurred and colors of objects around you look pale and dull. Causes The exact cause for macular degeneration isn’t known yet. Aging can cause a person to develop this condition. In older people, the macula, which is a central spot in the retina, develops a problem and causes age-related macular degeneration. AMD can develop as wet AMD or dry AMD. Dry AMD The macula has light-sensitive cells that gradually break down as you age. As the light-sensitive cells reduce in number, the central vision deteriorates. Waste products start to accumulate in the retina and cause small deposits called drusen.
Dietary tips for healthy body weight management

Dietary tips for healthy body weight management

Today, weight management has become essential for a healthy body and mind. Staying fit and maintaining a healthy body mass index reduces the likelihood of health complications like high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterols, and morbid obesity. While exercise and lifestyle changes are crucial, certain dietary changes must also be made to ensure effective weight loss or healthy weight gain. Check out the following simple tips that help you stay on track. Eat more vegetables Less than a tenth (just about 9%) of the adults in the country actually meet the minimum requirements of vegetable intake recommended by medical professionals. There is no doubt that green is the way to go, especially when you want to supplement your diet with nutrient-rich foods and maintain a healthy weight. You must include broccoli, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, onions, cauliflowers, and brussels sprouts in your daily food intake. These non-starchy veggies are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that counter inflammation and improve digestion. Whole grains Whole grains are your best bet when it comes to foods that help promote weight loss. Whole grains are rich in nutrients and loaded with fiber to aid digestion and increase metabolic activity. There are plenty of whole-grain options that you can include in your breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a more nutritious diet.
Here are some important things to keep in mind about multiple sclerosis

Here are some important things to keep in mind about multiple sclerosis

There are approximately one million people over the age of 18 who suffer from multiple sclerosis in the country. A disease that can be benign to some and incapacitating to others, multiple sclerosis is highly unpredictable. This is why it is important to be fully aware of this debilitating disease. What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, nerves, and the spinal cord. When a person suffers from multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. This disrupts the transmission of signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Types of MS There are four basic stages of the progression of multiple sclerosis. Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): CIS is the first episode of neurological symptoms caused by MS. The symptoms will show up due to the inflammation and demyelination (destruction of the protective coating of the nerves) in the central nervous system. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): RRMS is the most common route taken by the disease. In this stage, there will be new or a greater scale of existing neurological symptoms. It is at this stage where one can go into complete remission if the disease will advance further.