Alzheimer's Disease and Cardiovascular Disease: What Are the Connections?

People with Alzheimer's disease have problems thinking, remembering, and communicating. Meanwhile, cardiovascular diseases in the elderly have been linked to increased cognitive decline. Are these conditions related? 

The Connection Between Alzheimer's and Cardiovascular Disease

According to a study published by Physicians Weekly, these two diseases are interlinked basing on the material retrieved on the databases from MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and Clinical Trials databases on which dates start from January 1980 until May 2019.

Both illnesses are quite damaging to a person's health, but it has been a challenge clinically to link both diseases. 

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However, a study of patients displaying high risk for establishing cardiovascular disease demonstrated an uptick in cognitive impairment. Both have the same risk factors, such as high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, family history, and lifestyle habits. These are mentioned in the Pathophysiologic relationship between Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cardiovascular risk. A review and synthesis are published in Science Direct. 

To stay healthy, neurons in our brain must communicate with each other by carrying out metabolic processes and repair. What changes might occur to one's cognitive skills as we age, whether our genetic risk for developing Alzheimer's Disease influences that? 

Alzheimer's Disease Patient Care During the Pandemic

The current pandemic is a serious worldwide public health menace. People who have Alzheimer's Disease are especially at a greater risk of severely getting ill from the virus. To help them realize this threat, be prepared to give an extra written reminder on how important is the practice of hygienic procedures and social distancing. There should be a concept of continuity in caring for people with Alzheimer's Disease. 

This should start with a focus on safe hygiene, as mentioned in Healthline. 

Vice President of care and support at Alzheimer's Association Beth Kallmyer had this to say: 

"In some situations, caregivers [can] help them do that either by setting up a schedule to do hand washing regularly or having signs in the bathroom or by the kitchen sink to remind them to wash their hands for 20 seconds. Physical demonstration of the behavior can be helpful where you guide the person by modeling good hygiene yourself."

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Cardiovascular Disease Patient Care During the Pandemic

The facilitating hospital should contact patients to avoid canceling appointments. They can also ask for them to reschedule via telehealth encounters, if possible. For older patients, assistance is a must as they may have difficulty navigating the user-interface of technology. Lastly, patients and families should make themselves come to know there video platform of choice. This will result in better accessibility and being comfortable in using the platform.

What is the treatment for Alzheimer's Disease and Cardiovascular Disease Patients If They Acquire the Coronavirus?

As of the moment, there is no available treatment for SARS-CoV-2. However, there are already vaccines that are under investigation and undergoing clinical testings. 

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