44 The QUEE NS COURIER • senior • august 20, 2015 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Help may ease Alzheimer’s symptoms Whether a patient faces a simple health problem, such as a head cold, or one as complex as Alzheimer’s disease, relieving the symptoms is often as important as resolving the issue itself. Yet for the more than 5 million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s, treating the symptoms is even more vital. Some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s include memory loss that disrupts daily life, mood and personality changes, and difficulty solving otherwise simple daily tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixthleading cause of death in the United States, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Of the top 10 causes of death, it is the only one for which there is no cure or preventive measure. However, research suggests that addressing one early facet of the disease - decreased blood sugar in brain cells, also known as diminished cerebral glucose metabolism (DCGM) - may help relieve symptoms for certain people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. In a healthy brain, glucose is the primary energy source. A brain affected by Alzheimer’s doesn’t process glucose into energy as efficiently as a healthy brain. “Unlike other cells in the body that can metabolize fats as fuel, brain cells rely on glucose (sugar) for their primary energy source,” says Dr. Richard S. Isaacson, associate professor of clinical neurology and vice chair of education at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. “One aspect of Alzheimer’s is that it hinders the brain’s ability to use glucose, and this significantly affects brain function.” “DCGM is an early feature of Alzheimer’s disease, represented by region-specific declines in brain glucose - or energy - metabolism,” Isaacson says. “DCGM correlates with both the cognitive decline and the pathology associated with Alzheimer’s. Research suggests that addressing DCGM may help mitigate symptoms for some patients. Providing brain cells with an alternative energy source may help ease the effects of DCGM, while enhancing memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients. “More research is necessary to determine the exact reasons why DCGM can have profound effects on cognition over the long term,” Isaacson says. “When blood glucose drops rapidly, significant decline in cognitive function occurs and may be accompanied by confusion, coma and even brain death.” To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, visit www.alz.org, the website of the Alzheimer’s Association. Courtesy BPT senior living s ALLERGY SEASON IS HERE Do you cry from itchy, tearing, red swollen eyes, stuffy nose, and sore throat? Do you have sinus problems, shortness of breath or asthma? Adult & Pediatric Allergy & Asthma Care Specialist BETTER MEDICAL CARE, PC Warren W. Hsu, M.D. Board Certifi ed Allergist 212-15 Union Tpke • Bayside 718-217-8600 Mon-Wed-Fri-Sat • 10am-7pm FREE Parking • Nasal Congestion and Infl ammation • Sneezing • Itchy Watery Eyes • Runny or Stuffed Up Nose • Sore Throat • Low Grade Fever Most Insurance Plans Accepted No Diagnostic Co-Pay On Your First Visit Only. With This Coupon Only WINNER 3 Years in a Row Hayfever Season Pollen Season Ragweed Season Quality Senior focused Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy We are pleased to welcome Milena Alicandro, OTR/L, an occupational therapist with 28 years of clinical experience. Occupational Therapists treat people with neurologic and musculoskeletal problems and those who suffer from cognitive, visual/visual perceptual dysfunction. OT’s render services to those suffering from a decreased level of independence in their daily activities. Our loyal physical therapy staff work competently and passionately every day to provide the very best PT to our clients. We have two certifi ed exercise experts for aging adults and one geriatric certifi ed specialist on staff. Call today to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions: 516-488-8808 MEDICARE APPROVED PROVIDER www.AgeWellPT.com
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