In addition, a calm and well-structured environment may help the individual continue functioning. There is also medication that can be taken to lessen agitation, anxiety, and unpredictable behavior, to improve sleeping patterns, and treat depression. Scientists are still looking for the cause of Alzheimer's disease. Suspected causes include a genetic pre-disposition, a slow virus, or other infectious agents, environmental toxins or poisons, such as aluminum, and immunologic changes. For more medical information on Alzheimer's disease, consult a health care provider.
Drugs work by causing subtle changes in body chemistry.
When prescription drugs are present in the blood in the right amount, they produce the desired effect. Age doesn't usually have any effect on absorption, but the distribution of drugs in the bloodstream can change as the body alters with age. As a person ages, there's less blood flow to the liver, making it less efficient in metabolizing drugs. Many other organs and organ systems also become more sensitive to drug effects. It's important to discuss with your doctor any side effects you may experience from your medications.