Once old age was merely called 'senility' and it was anticipated that acuteness of faculties would diminish gradually in those who lived beyond the age of seventy.
Most of us as we get older display some of the following irregularities in memory and behaviour as we become swamped with information and activities. We need quiet reflection and meditation to allow time to assimilate all the knowledge and experiences of daily life. Those who recognize this need and practise this, are less likely to develop serious problems.
However, western lifestyles result in increasing numbers of cases of what is now known as Alzheimer's disease evidencing many symptoms of brain dysfunction and unreliable function of faculties. The following states are generally considered as important in early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. It should be remembered that to this point there is no guarantee of modern medicine that any proposed treatment will provide relief, let alone a cure.
Considered as one of the most common signs of Alzheimer's, especially in the early stages, is forgetfulness which hardly needs description as most of us suffer mild memory lapses. However should minor signs such as forgetting names, dates or events, or mislaying articles begin to include major incidents, with potentially dangerous ramifications, these memory lapses become a more serious problem to the individual and to those around him.
When our sense of independence decreases or when our reliance upon other family members or friends increases markedly is not good, particularly if associated with our general state of reduced sense of personal responsibility or self esteem.
Tasks that involve planning or solving problems such as payment of bills can become challenges in those inclined towards Alzheimer's disease.
Together with increasing age is a natural reduction in physical abilities and skills with subsequent tendency to a reduced sense of self worth. There is then a need for psychological readjustment and realization that emotional and intellectual skills need not be affected, and may even increase with age and wisdom.
Reluctance to take on new projects or interests is sometimes an indication of lack of mental health and vitality and can be taken as a symptom of Alzheimer's in some cases.
Incompletion of tasks is regarded as a symptom. Difficulty in completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure - because of lack of concentration is easy to understand when other interests attract greater attention. Effort to maintain the faculty of concentration is imperative and becomes easier if one can "live here and now" - in the moment.
Inability to master settings and functions of microwave, TV, or electronic equipment is regarded as a symptom of inadequate or abnormal faculties. But of course this indication must be modified according to the degree of earlier education received. Many older people have not been tutored how to use the vastly increasing number of technological gadgets used today. Some people consciously choose to avoid their use.
Confusion with time or place. People with Alzheimer's are known to lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. In some advanced conditions they may forget where they are or how they got there. Many patients are 'wanderers'.
Many irregularities in physical and mental health states can naturally occur when we are not vital and active. But severe development of distorted perceptions including visual and spatial relationships, or judging distance colours or contrasts, to some researchers confirms Alzheimer's.
Difficulty in following conversations and an inclination to repeat themselves is obvious to others but a person developing Alzheimer's often is unaware. Struggling with vocabulary to find the right word or remember a name, sometimes offering inventive alternatives such as calling a watch a 'hand-clock', for instance. Friends in the older age groups will often laugh about this shared difficulty. When extreme it is seen as an important symptom.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. They may misplace things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control. But entirely inappropriate placement of articles is now observed as an indication of a serious development of a brain symptom.
Decreased or poor judgment and decision-making seems to focus a need for medical attention. A common example can be displayed with money, with gambling or when unreasonable amounts of money are given to modern telemarketers.
One of the most embarrassing symptoms of advanced cases of Alzheimer's we have all witnessed at some time with those who pay diminishing attention to personal hygiene and grooming. So we should all be keen to 'look after ourselves'!
A degree of withdrawal social activities or from work situations is normal but Alzheimer's may cause a person to even cease hobbies, social contacts, work projects or sports and if this is the case, a patient's welfare becomes a real concern.
Extreme changes in mood and personality are apt to display negative states and behaviour such as confusion, suspicion, depression, or unreasonable anxiety, often becoming irritable or anxious when a routine is disrupted.
When considering what increasing age can do to our bodies, the changes are obvious. Most of us would make some effort to stall the natural diminution of muscle strength and skin tone that occurs. Similar changes in our mental structure are to be anticipated and these we must also make some effort to deter.
Medical research into Alzheimer's is considerable. Many drugs are being researched to counter the symptoms of the condition. Many scientists are seeking for causes as well as cures. These activities have only recently been occurring over the last several decades. There are no satisfactory answers given out as yet. There are no guiding suggestions to help reduce the disease rate in the community.
Body and brain are inter-related so common sense tells us in the meantime that we must all apply the health rules that apply to the brain functions as to our physical health. We must also reduce the negatives. We must avoid all avenues, conditions or chemicals that are suspect causes of damage or that exacerbate any physical or mental symptom.
Take a look at the factors believed to be unnatural causes of the break down in faculties - poor quality foods, chemicals in food, aluminium cooking vessels, fluoride in the water, plastics invading our bloodstreams, pollution in the air, noise levels damaging brain and nerves, lack of mental exercise through addiction to TV, mobile phones and other subjection to radiation, drugs that alter brain chemistry, and a general breakdown in the finest principles, ethics, morals and practices of our culture.
So what can we do? we are very much on our own and responsible for the health of our own brain and body. We must rely upon our natural health disciplines and exercise routines for both brain and body if we wish not only for physical fitness but mental fitness also so we can enjoy all the days of our lives.
We must realize the limitations of human science and aim to return to Nature as the Intelligence that shows us the way not only to health in youth, but in our happy old age.
Aromatherapy or the science of Osmics is proving immensely popular when applied in self help or in professional healing. It is a delightful way to employ natural perfumes to assist mood and mind states and is particularly helpful as an adjunct to relaxation techniques and stress relief. Sally Wilson is an expert in aromatics and author of one of the earliest publications on the subject, directing its use in incense and in healing and has utilized the subtle benefits in her naturopathic practice over many years.
More details at associated sites....
http://www.essence-of-yoga.net
http://www.breathing-fragrance.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sally_Wilson
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