Is there a Connection Between Opiates and Alzheimer’s Disease?

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Is there a Connection Between Opiates and Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is a condition that affects a vast majority of people who are 65 years of age or older. The number of individuals who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is increasing on a daily basis. Researchers feel that there is a connection between opiates and Alzheimer’s disease.

In 2010, more than 4.7 million people had Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly 44 million have the disorder at this time. Experts expect the number of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease to increase over the years. The causes of Alzheimer’s disease vary, but certain items and lifestyles can exacerbate the condition.  One of the things that might aggravate the situation is the use of prescription opiates for long periods of time.

About Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a severe condition in which a person’s brain deteriorates over time. The disease attacks various parts of the brain such as the neurotransmitters and the nerve cells. The condition causes lesions to develop on the brain, as well.

Some of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are:

  • Memory loss
  • Odd behavior
  • Mood swings and fits of rage
  • Confusion
  • Fatigue
  • Disinterest in former activities
  • Coordination problems
  • Driving issues

Alzheimer’s disease does not have a cure, but patients can try to manage the symptoms as much as possible. Doctors can assist them in controlling such symptoms with medications and therapies.

Opiates and Alzheimer's Disease

Drug addiction and abuse are two offensive problems to have on top of Alzheimer’s disease. Drugs promote chemical changes in the brain that cause mood swings and peculiar behaviors. When the drugs wear off, they cause other problems to occur in the brain. Long-term use of a person who has Alzheimer’s disease could cause the condition to progress more rapidly than it would progress under normal circumstances. Symptoms such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, and forgetfulness may be two to three times stronger than they would be for a person who has no drugs in his or her system. Therefore, there is a definite connection between opiates and Alzheimer’s disease.

Do Opiates Contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease?

Opiates are narcotic pills that doctors sometimes prescribe to people who have back pain, surgical pain, endometriosis and the like. They eliminate pain for some hours, and they can cause a person to experience euphoria or a sense of happiness and well-being. The overuse of opiates can certainly contribute to a person’s development of Alzheimer’s disease. It will most likely not cause the disease, but it can worsen the symptoms and cause overlapping symptoms of opiates and Alzheimer’s disease. A person should seek assistance at an inpatient facility if he or she is experiencing the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Benefits of an Inpatient Treatment Facility

A patient or resident can receive many benefits by going to an inpatient drug treatment facility for help with opiate abuse. The first benefit of using inpatient care is tranquility. A pleasant, tranquil environment can give a person a chance to detox with a low level of stress. The environment of an inpatient facility keeps an addicted person away from further drug usage, as well. Additionally, it keeps the person away from friends and family members who may be contributing to the drug addiction.

Inpatient facilities offer friendly and compassionate support for their residents. Furthermore, they provide their residents counseling, therapies, and aftercare services. Alternative therapies such as exercise, swimming and nutrition may be available, as well.

Getting Help for Drug Abuse

An addicted person can prevent opiate abuse from enhancing the effects of Alzheimer’s by contacting a reputable facility in the area. The person should conduct research and read recent rankings and reviews. Someone will arrange a first meeting during which the prospective resident can look at the facility and meet the staff members. Some facilities have trained staff that can assist with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, as well. This type of center would be an excellent choice for someone struggling with opiates and Alzheimer’s disease.

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