Better Equipping Caretakers and Family Members Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer's Disease

The goal of March’s educational piece is to better equip caretakers and family members caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Readers can learn more about this month’s initiative on our Think aBout It webpage.

In 1906 a German physician, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, pioneered the connection of microscopic brain changes with patients experiencing serious memory loss and other neurological changes. In a brain autopsy, Dr Alzheimer observed brain lobe atrophy and abnormal deposits in nerve cells in patients with the cognitive disorder. In 1910 the disease was named after Dr. Alzheimer.

Alzheimer’s Disease remains one of the most recognized brain diseases. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6.5 million Americans are affected with Alzheimer’s. One in nine persons over the age of 65 have this pathology.

Awareness of the disease was raised substantially in 1994 when Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan shared with Americans his diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. In an open letter to Americans about his decision to share his diagnosis, President Reagan wrote: "In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it.”

See our full educational piece on our webpage to learn about tools and tips for caregivers of those experiencing Alzheimer’s Disease.

Educational Team

Plus One Foundation

World Encephalitis Day

What is Encephalitis?

February 22nd is World Encephalitis Day, a day to spread global awareness about the rare yet serious condition that affects 10 to 15 per 100,000 people globally each year. Encephalitis, a neurological condition characterized by brain inflammation, can occur due to either a viral infection or an autoimmune response. It can be seen in many populations regardless of age, sex, or ethnicity, but those with weak immune systems are generally at a higher risk. 

Types of encephalitis:

Infectious encephalitis:

Cases of infectious encephalitis arise from viral infections that attack the brain. The more common form of the condition, infectious encephalitis can be linked to a variety of viruses ranging from herpes simplex virus (HSV) to enteroviruses to mosquito or tick-borne viruses. Rarely, infectious encephalitis can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites.

Autoimmune or post-infectious encephalitis:

A less-understood form of encephalitis, autoimmune encephalitis occurs when one’s own immune cells mistakenly attack the brain as a foreign body. This can be triggered by a tumor or infection, but many cases are due to unidentifiable causes.

Symptoms: 

Encephalitis is inflammation of the active tissues of the brain caused by an infection or an autoimmune response. The inflammation causes the brain to swell, which can lead to varied symptoms such as headaches, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, mental confusion, and seizures.

Diagnosis:

Medical professionals may conduct a series of tests to determine whether a patient has encephalitis, such as:

• Blood tests, particularly complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

• Imaging tests, including computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and magnetoencephalography (MEG).

• Lumbar puncture

• Neurological examination

Treatment and Outcomes:

Encephalitis can become life-threatening if left untreated. Most cases are mild, easily treated, and do not cause lasting damage. However, encephalitis is still fatal in approximately 5 to 10% of patients. For those recovering from severe cases, symptoms can persist and cause permanent problems such as seizures, memory loss, or blindness. Treatment options vary on a case-by-case basis and rely heavily on early detection. Patients must be monitored for adverse outcomes such as respiratory failure or heart problems. Treatment plans can encompass a variety of strategies such as:

• Antiviral medications

• Antibiotics

• Corticosteroids

• Dietary changes, such as a ketogenic diet

• Immunotherapy

• Seizure medications

Those recovering from encephalitis may have needs that require extra care and patience. Encephalitis can cause long-term physical, memory, speech, personality, and epilepsy-related issues. Physiotherapy and speech therapy can help with physical and speech problems, respectively. For memory and personality issues, clinical psychologists can provide assistance; these services are essential for long-term recovery. Loved ones can support the road to recovery by ensuring that the individual remains well-rested, consumes a healthy diet, engages in light to moderate exercise, and does not exhibit any signs of concern. Plus One Foundation provides programming, education, and services for such recovery and health in the Seattle area. 

Prevention:

Preventative measures can be taken to avoid the contraction of viruses that may lead to encephalitis. Many individuals may already engage in:

• Avoiding mosquito or tick exposure

• Proper hygiene measures such as hand-washing

• Vaccinations

Want to participate in World Encephalitis Day? Show your support by wearing red and finding ways to inform and educate those who may be unfamiliar with the condition. Find out more at: https://www.encephalitis.info/

Think aBout It: The Ketogenic Diet

Our Blog today features our February topic for our Think aBout It educational campaign. Education is at the heart of what we do, and our Think aBout It campaign aims to dig deeper into all aspects of TBIs and neurological conditions. This February, we will cover research that suggests the ketogenic diet positively impacts neurological health.

What is the Ketogenic Diet? 

Commonly known as “keto”, this diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet designed to induce a state of ketosis in the body.  In ketosis, the body shifts from using glucose as its primary energy source to burning fats, leading to various metabolic benefits.   

• Improved Cognitive Function: Ketones, the byproducts of fat metabolism during ketosis, are a positive and potent energy source for the brain. This may result in improved mental focus, clarity, and cognitive function.    

• Neuroprotection: The ketogenic diet has shown promise in providing neuroprotective effects. It may help mitigate the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers tell us that more research is needed to validate.    

• Seizure Control: Historically, the ketogenic diet was developed in part as a diet-based treatment for epilepsy. It has been particularly effective in reducing seizures in some individuals, especially children with drug-resistant epilepsy.

• Inflammation Reduction: Chronic inflammation is linked to various neurological disorders. The ketogenic diet's anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to better brain health and a lower risk of neurological issues.

Getting Started with the Ketogenic Diet

If you're interested in the potential benefits of the ketogenic diet for neurological function, here are some practical tips to get started:

• Consult your doctor or a Healthcare Professional: Before embarking on any dietary changes, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.   

• Gradual Transition: Transitioning to a ketogenic diet should be done gradually to allow your body to adapt. Start by reducing carbohydrate intake while increasing healthy fats.  

• Diverse and Nutrient-Rich Foods: Ensure your ketogenic diet includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including vegetables, nuts, seeds, and high-quality fats. And account for dietary fiber needs.

• Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration is essential, especially during the initial stages of ketosis. Drink plenty of water to support your overall health.    

And see all our Think About It material by going to our Think about It tab in programs on our webpage.