| REFLEXOLOGY And so much more… |
Oran Aviv
Between two neurons (nerve cells) is a synapse. Information is passed between nerve
cells by electrical pulses that cross the synapse. The electric pulse will travel from nerve
to nerve crossing synapses between nerve cells until it reaches it's destination – ie: from
brain cells down nerve cells in the spinal cord to a nerve cells in the arm to a muscle that
will react and move your hand away from something that is hot.
Now the way the electric pulses cross the synapse is amazing, but a bit complicated The
important thing to know is that this process is done by a chemical (neurotransmitter) in the
synapse that makes this crossing of electric pulses possible. One of these important
chemicals in the nerve cell synapse is called Acetylcholine. The Acetylcholine basically
opens the door to the next nerve cell so that the pulse will pass through. But – the
Acetylcholine has an "expiration date" and another chemical (hormone) will destroy the
old acetylcholine. (If there was too much Acetylcholine in the synapse the "door" to the
next nerve cell would stay constantly open.) This destroyer is called Acetylcholine
Esterase.
Those suffering from Alzheimer's [and everyone to a lesser extent as they age] have less
Acetylcholine in the synapses between their nerve cells and thus passing information
between cells is more difficult. So it would be better if the Acetylcholine was not
destroyed in the synapses of those suffering from Alzheimer's.
Today there are no medications available to cure Alzheimer's disease, but there are some
medications that delay cognitive decline. Medications that are Acetylcholine Esterase
Inhibitors prevent the Acetylcholine Esterase from destroying the "expired" Acetylcholine,
thus leaving more Acetylcholine in the synapses and thus allowing more electric impulses
to pass meaning more information is passed between the nerve cells. [btw – this is what
nerve gas does ;-0 ]
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy http://www.cstdementia.com/
Research has shown that a technique called "Cognitive Stimulation", where a group of
people with dementia are given activities that use various stimuli including singing,
quizzes and games, when done twice a week will improve thinking ability.
Research shows that improvements in thinking ability were similar or better than those
achieved with the use of drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
The best improvement, however, was when those taking medication also had Cognitive
Stimulation. Cognitive Stimulation improved the effects of the medication.
When there is cognitive stimulation, more acetylcholine is created in the synapses. This
is why cognitive stimulation is important because it creates acetylcholine – thus creating
the same result as the medications do. Also when there is more acetylcholine created the
medications for Alzheimer's patients also work better.
Oran Aviv
http://www.reflexandmore.com/index.html
Oran@reflexandmore.com
Oran Aviv has been practicing Reflexology since 1995 and is a graduate of the Israel
Alzheimer’s Association's “Health Activities” Project course. Oran gives Reflexology
treatments and organizes activities to improve memory and cognitive ability in the
Alzheimer’s/Dementia unit of the Kfar Saba Senior Day Center in Israel and in private
homes.. She also teaches Hand Reflexology Courses to caregivers of patients with
Alzheimer's/Dementia.
To have Oran teach your group or to arrange a Reflexology and consultation session
email her at oran@reflexandmore.com or click here.
Other Articles
Return to Home
cells by electrical pulses that cross the synapse. The electric pulse will travel from nerve
to nerve crossing synapses between nerve cells until it reaches it's destination – ie: from
brain cells down nerve cells in the spinal cord to a nerve cells in the arm to a muscle that
will react and move your hand away from something that is hot.
Now the way the electric pulses cross the synapse is amazing, but a bit complicated The
important thing to know is that this process is done by a chemical (neurotransmitter) in the
synapse that makes this crossing of electric pulses possible. One of these important
chemicals in the nerve cell synapse is called Acetylcholine. The Acetylcholine basically
opens the door to the next nerve cell so that the pulse will pass through. But – the
Acetylcholine has an "expiration date" and another chemical (hormone) will destroy the
old acetylcholine. (If there was too much Acetylcholine in the synapse the "door" to the
next nerve cell would stay constantly open.) This destroyer is called Acetylcholine
Esterase.
Those suffering from Alzheimer's [and everyone to a lesser extent as they age] have less
Acetylcholine in the synapses between their nerve cells and thus passing information
between cells is more difficult. So it would be better if the Acetylcholine was not
destroyed in the synapses of those suffering from Alzheimer's.
Today there are no medications available to cure Alzheimer's disease, but there are some
medications that delay cognitive decline. Medications that are Acetylcholine Esterase
Inhibitors prevent the Acetylcholine Esterase from destroying the "expired" Acetylcholine,
thus leaving more Acetylcholine in the synapses and thus allowing more electric impulses
to pass meaning more information is passed between the nerve cells. [btw – this is what
nerve gas does ;-0 ]
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy http://www.cstdementia.com/
Research has shown that a technique called "Cognitive Stimulation", where a group of
people with dementia are given activities that use various stimuli including singing,
quizzes and games, when done twice a week will improve thinking ability.
Research shows that improvements in thinking ability were similar or better than those
achieved with the use of drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
The best improvement, however, was when those taking medication also had Cognitive
Stimulation. Cognitive Stimulation improved the effects of the medication.
When there is cognitive stimulation, more acetylcholine is created in the synapses. This
is why cognitive stimulation is important because it creates acetylcholine – thus creating
the same result as the medications do. Also when there is more acetylcholine created the
medications for Alzheimer's patients also work better.
Oran Aviv
http://www.reflexandmore.com/index.html
Oran@reflexandmore.com
Oran Aviv has been practicing Reflexology since 1995 and is a graduate of the Israel
Alzheimer’s Association's “Health Activities” Project course. Oran gives Reflexology
treatments and organizes activities to improve memory and cognitive ability in the
Alzheimer’s/Dementia unit of the Kfar Saba Senior Day Center in Israel and in private
homes.. She also teaches Hand Reflexology Courses to caregivers of patients with
Alzheimer's/Dementia.
To have Oran teach your group or to arrange a Reflexology and consultation session
email her at oran@reflexandmore.com or click here.
Other Articles
Return to Home
| How do some of the Medications for Alzheimer's Work and What Else can Help Prevent Decline? By Oran Aviv |