I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
Muscular Dystrophy: Complications And Treatment
Vickie Armstrong
Muscular dystrophy is not a single disease, but rather a group of diseases that lead to muscle degeneration or loss. Nearly all of these diseases are inherited, so it may not be up to you to prevent their development. Fortunately, there are treatment measures you should execute to prevent complications such as
- Difficulty in walking due to weakened leg muscles.
- Difficulty in swallowing due to weak pharynx, esophagus, and tongue muscles.
- Breathing problems due to weakened respiratory muscles (the diaphragm, external intercostals and part of the internal intercostals muscles).
- Reduced heart efficiency due to weak heart muscles.
- Scoliosis – the spine curves because the child's muscles cannot keep his or her back upright.
- Reduced range of mobility.
As you can see, these are all things that affect daily life's activities such as walking, breathing, and eating. Some of these are things that you need in order stay alive. Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with the condition, then you should follow your doctor's instructions to the letter. Some of the treatment options your doctor may suggest include the following.
Use of Braces
If your muscles have degenerated to the point where you find it difficult to walk, then you may improve your walking by wearing braces. They will stretch your muscles and tendons and provide the support that your legs need. Don't just go to a vendor and buy a leg brace; consult an orthotist to help you get the best fit.
Engage in Range of Motion Exercises
Range of motion exercises help to slow down the progress of the disease. These are especially necessary for the limbs that tend to draw inward when their muscles deteriorate. For example, you can try
- Neck exercises – tilting your head to the sides, back and forth, and turning it sideways.
- Ankle and foot exercises – rotating your ankles, curling your toes, spreading your toes.
- Hand and finger exercises – tightening your hands into fists, spreading your fingers, using each finger to touch your thumb one after the other.
Consult your doctor before starting a workout routine. Some forms of exercises, such as strengthening workouts, can be harmful if not properly handled.
Massage
Massages also help to minimize the complications of muscular dystrophy. According to Science Daily, massages not only helps to relieve muscle strain, but also triggers biochemical sensors that help to reduce inflammation. A major advantage of massage therapy is that it is non-drug therapy, so you don't have to worry about the risks of normal side effects that all conventional drugs carry. To maximize your benefits of a massage, get it from a trained therapist, such as Staten Island Physical Therapy PC.
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