Corinthian Health Services Archives - Corinthian Health Services Blog

Improving Alzheimer’s Disease Using a Ketogenic Diet

Jul 25

The first study to test the efficacy of a ketogenic (low carbohydrate) diet in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, conducted by the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, showed an improvement for those patients. Unfortunately, the vast majority of neurologists only see the ketogenic diet as useful when dealing with treatment-resistant epilepsy.

About the Alzheimer’s Disease Study

The overall study lasted for four months. 15 participants suffering from Alzheimer’s disease entered the trial initially; seven with a clinical dementia rating (CDR) of 0.5, four with a CDR of 1 and four with a CDR of 2. Patients were put on a ketogenic diet for three months, followed by a one-month “washout” period where they returned to their normal diet. During the ketogenic diet, a nutritionist recommended an eating plan designed to give patients 70% of energy as fat, 20% of energy as protein, and 10% of energy as carbohydrates.

Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale examinations were administered before starting with the ketogenic diet, during the three-month ketogenic diet period, and again after the washout period. Among those who completed the study, there was a mean improvement of 4.1 points on the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale during the diet, with a return to baseline scores after the washout period.

Food Is Medicine

The foods we eat can have a profound effect on our health. A ketogenic diet, in particular, has been shown to have positive effects on many different types of illnesses and diseases.

As carbohydrates in the diet are reduced, and fat is increased, the body is forced to convert fat into ketones, rather than burning carbohydrates, to provide energy for the body and brain. This metabolic state is called ketosis. All sorts of things start to happen in the body when this state is achieved.

When eating fewer carbohydrates, blood sugar and insulin fluctuations, which can lead to poor cell function and damage, are reduced.
The natural decrease in insulin resistance helps to fight inflammation, high triglyceride levels, and fat gain.
The boost in healthy fat intake that comes with a ketogenic diet will, in turn, help to raise good HDL cholesterol levels in the body.
In addition to promoting fat loss, a ketogenic diet helps reduce unhealthy belly fat, in particular, which has been linked to increased risk for many serious health conditions.

The benefits to the human body produced by following a ketogenic diet have been shown to help with the symptoms of diseases and disorders like epilepsy, dementia, autism, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and even some types of cancer.

More Education Is Needed

The study mentioned above, and the work of doctors familiar with ketogenic diets are proving again and again that variations on this type ofdiet can have overwhelmingly positive effects on countless patients, but still, more education is needed throughout the medical community.

If you have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, share this new study with them and their neurologist.

A ketogenic diet could prove to be a great addition to their treatment plan. Always seek the advice of a medical provider before making changes to your diet.

Alzheimer’s Disease

CIDP IVIG – Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

Jun 20

Are you experiencing tingling in your toes and fingers? How about weakness in the arms and legs? Do you find yourself complaining about extreme fatigue or loss of sensation? These are some of the most common symptoms of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and CIDP IVIG treatment can help.

CIDP is a rare autoimmune and neurological disorder that attacks the nerves. In the United States, about 40,000 people are believed to have the condition, but it is hard to pin down an exact number.

What is CIDP?

Also called chronic relapsing polyneuropathy, the disorder is often caused by damage to the peripheral nerves (the nerves surrounding the outside of the brain) and the spinal cord. CIDP causes the immune system to attack the nerve covering, which is called myelin, causing nerve damage.

Some of the symptoms of the disease include a tingling sensation or numbness that typically starts in the toes and fingers. CIDP patients also experience progressive weakness, fatigue, and loss of sensation.

In the early stages of the disorder, patients usually complain of difficulties in accomplishing minor tasks such as climbing stairs or using a blow dryer. It typically takes about eight weeks for symptoms to develop fully.

Experts consider CIDP to be the chronic form of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). GBS is also an autoimmune disorder that attacks the nerves. The main difference between the two is the speed of progression of symptoms. CIDP develops slowly, while GBS is considered a neurological emergency.

At this point, there is no definitive diagnostic test for CIDP. Medical experts use a combination of patient history, neurological examinations, and other tests such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and complete blood count (CBC). Sometimes, a nerve biopsy is also required.

Risk Factors for CIDP

So far, medical experts haven’t been able to pin down exactly why the disorder strikes some people and not others. Anyone can develop CIDP regardless of age or gender, but it is more common in older adults and tends to affect men more than women. The typical age of onset is 30-60 years old. Having a previous infection also seems to be a risk factor that increases the chances of acquiring the condition.

CIDP IVIG Treatment Plan

If left untreated, CIDP can lead to the progressive loss of strength and sensation. Fortunately, even though the disorder is chronic, it is treatable. In fact, most patients respond very well to treatment. The most important thing is to diagnose the disease as early as possible, which increases the chances of better patient function and overall quality of life.

During treatment, the immediate goal is to control and suppress the symptoms of the disease such as pain, weakness, and sensory loss.

There are several standard treatments known to work for CIDP patients. For the last two decades, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy has been considered the primary treatment option.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is the general term used to refer to replacement therapy. According to a recent study, as much as 50-70% of patients have a positive response to this treatment. In a nutshell, with IVIG, the patient receives injections of antibodies from carefully screened human blood donors. Patients who receive IVIG often show signs of improvement in strength, functional ability and quality of life.

IVIG is proven by medical experts to be safe. It is often given as an outpatient procedure. For most patients, the standard dosage is 2g/kg given intravenously over 2–5 days. The dosage is then usually reduced to by 1g/kg for one day about every three weeks.

With IVIG, improvement can be seen just days after treatment. Some patients may experience side effects such as chills, muscle ache, fever, or rapid heartbeat. In most cases, however, these side effects can be avoided by slowing down the infusion rate.

Other Common CIDP Treatments

Other treatments known to work are plasma exchange therapy and the corticosteroids such as Prednisone.

In plasma exchange therapy, plasma is filtered from the blood and replaced with new fluid. It is often done with a tube or catheter inserted into a vein in the neck. At the start of the treatment, it is typically done five times during a ten-day period. Beneficial effects can last from four to twelve weeks.

Prednisone is a steroid often used to suppress the immune system. It is typically used for diseases such as asthma, Crohn’s disease, allergies, systemic lupus and more. CIDP patients can take Prednisone to help improve muscle strength and coordination, as well as to help strengthen nerve signals. Patients who opt to use Prednisone can expect to see results in five to eight weeks, but intake should continue for at least a year to achieve long-term effects.

If you have questions about CIDP or IVIG treatment for CIDP, you should speak with your doctor.

How Does IVIG Treat Kawasaki Disease

Jun 6

Kawasaki Disease is a rare childhood illness and one of the leading causes of acquired heart disease in infants. The disease is typically IVIG Treat Kawasaki Disease characterized by red rashes on the hands, feet, and body in children under the age of five. If left untreated, it can lead to dangerous heart conditions and, in the worst case scenario, myocardial infarction.

What is Kawasaki Disease?

The immune system attacks blood vessels in children, primarily of Asian descent. Antibodies attack medium-sized blood vessels (including arteries, veins, and capillaries), which leads to acute inflammation and a reduced flow of blood to the heart and valve muscles.

When this happens, the heart may not pump as efficiently, which, in turn, increases the risk of myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Infants are at risk of aneurysms developing in enlarged blood vessels and clots in narrow ones.

The cause of Kawasaki Disease is unknown, though it’s believed to have a strong genetic component. Untreated symptoms pass through a series of three stages and last around two weeks before the child returns to normal.

Typical symptoms present themselves as a red rash on the hands, feet, and body along with a high fever (above 102.2 F) that lasts for more than five days. Conjunctivitis or red eye, red lips, and a swollen strawberry-colored tongue are typical in the early stages. You may also find swollen lymph nodes in the neck and swelling around the rashes in the hands and feet.

The second phase starts after a few days to a week. Parents often notice the skin peeling in large sheets around the fingers and toes. Vomiting and diarrhea along with abdominal and joint pain are common.

The final phase sees a reduction in the rash, peeling, and swelling and the symptoms slowly dissipate as the child returns to normal. Kawasaki Disease doesn’t usually present itself again and responds well to treatment. However, heart complications may persist if the disease is untreated.

Parents should consult a doctor if they notice a high fever for more than a few days along with the typical rash and strawberry tongue.

Risk Factors

The exact cause of Kawasaki Disease is unknown. Common risk factors appear to be children between the age of one and five of Asian descent, and boys have a slightly higher risk than girls. However, 25% of cases involve infants younger than one and over the age of five. These cases are more likely to present an incomplete set of symptoms which is harder to identify and diagnose correctly.

It’s very likely that Kawasaki Disease has a strong genetic and environmental component. Experts also claim the prevalence varies between different seasons.

Treating Kawasaki Disease with IVIG

Diagnosing and treating Kawasaki Disease as early as possible is imperative to the health of the child. The longer the inflammation continues, the higher the risk of severe damage to blood vessels, heart muscles, and further complications. It is therefore of vital importance to get a correct diagnosis and begin treatment as early as possible. The purpose of treatment is to reduce the inflammation that can cause long-lasting damage to the circulatory system.

Typical treatment is a dose of aspirin and injections of IVIG. Aspirin reduces the risk of blood clots, and IVIG lowers inflammation. The latter are antibodies that are injected into the bloodstream to counter the inflammation, and has a high success rate.

Infants who undergo IVIG treatment typically experience coronary aneurysms in 1-5% of cases compared to 25% or greater in untreated patients.

Children may need to stay in the hospital under close observation by a team of cardiologists to ensure the treatment is reducing the inflammation. Maximum benefits from IVIG happen in the first ten days of manifestation. This is why it is so important for parents to identify symptoms and contact a medical professional as soon as possible.

Severe cases of Kawasaki Disease are extremely rare and are typically associated with no measurable response to the IVIG treatment. In cases like this, doctors will administer a course of corticosteroid therapy. Unfortunately, those who fail to respond to the IVIG are at a much higher risk of heart complications.

The vast majority of children fully recover and have no long-lasting effects after receiving early treatment. Parents should bring their child to be monitored after IVIG to ensure the cardiovascular system hasn’t suffered any irreversible damage.

Things to Remember

Kawasaki Disease usually presents itself in children of Asian descent between the ages of one and five.
The cardinal symptoms are a high fever with rashes on the hands, feet, and body with a swollen
Early diagnosis allows early treatment, which reduces the risk of complications and heart disease.
Proper treatment to reduce the inflammation, if administered in the first ten days, can mitigate the damage caused by Kawasaki Disease in most patients.

World MS Day – Why Research is Critical to Bringing Us Closer to a Cure

May 23

World MS Day is coming. First instituted on May 30, 2009, by the MS International Federation (MSIF), World MS Day touches hundreds of thousands of people all around the world with awareness campaigns focused on a different theme each year. This year the campaign will focus on MS research and will be called #bringinguscloser.

Even though World MS Day is on May 30, events and campaigns are held all over the world throughout the entire month of May. It’s a time when the entire MS community comes together to raise awareness, tell their stories, and campaign for everyone directly or indirectly affected by multiple sclerosis. Every little bit helps the more than two million people around the globe living with MS.

Be Defined by YOUR Possibility, Not by a Diagnosis

If you’d like to show your support for World MS Day, there are plenty of things you can do, big and small. You can even get free tools like logos, posters, guides, and more to help you bring it all together from WorldMSDay.org.

Take it to the streets: Setting up a stall where people can pick up flyers and information is a great way to get the word out. You can also walk around your neighborhood and hand out information packets with a smile.
Organize a seminar: Medical professionals like neurologists, physiotherapists and MS nurses can offer lots of insights into how patients, caregivers, and family members can deal with MS. It shouldn’t be too hard to find someone who’d give up an hour or two of their time to speak and answer questions to help mark World MS Day.
Get together online: It’s easy to get people connected through social media, chat, or a webinar service. You can set up a Twitter chat, a live stream on Facebook, or host a webinar to help get people involved and raise awareness. There are even social media assets available.
Ask local businesses for support: Local businesses that deal with the public often don’t mind putting a sign in the window or up in front of the check-out. Printing some of the flyers from WorldMSDay.org and putting them on display around town can draw a lot of attention.
Put your event on the map: The World MS Day site hosts a global event map. If you’re going to organize an event in your area, add it to the map for some extra exposure.

Getting involved in World MS Day is important. More support and research is needed to finally bring the world a cure for MS. Each person who participates in the events and campaigns that go on around World MS Day helps us reach that goal.

CHS is committed to giving the best care possible

CHS Patient Quotes

While researchers continue to learn about what causes MS and its’ possible cures, Corinthian Health Services is committed to giving the best possible care right NOW.

In fact, a recent survey was given to all Corinthian patients across the country. These are the results;

Patients believed that every professional on their specific care team, from the Care Managers who assist with all insurance matters; the schedulers who work to get the best possible appointment times and the amazing IgNS certified infusion nurses are extremely knowledgeable, caring and concerned.
In fact, our patients are passionate that they are receiving the best care available anywhere.
Now, that’s peace of mind
When confidence is present, stress is reduced and patients thrive. Good care BRINGS US CLOSER!

Nurses Week: 7 Ways to Give Thanks to the Nurses Who Save Lives

May 9

National Nurses Week is from May 6 to May 12, 2018.

It’s a perfect opportunity to say thank you to the nurses who have made a difference in your life or the life of a loved one. Nurses are an essential part of the healthcare system. Without their endless compassion, tireless work and friendly companionship, the timewe all spend with doctors and hospitals for both regular care and critical emergencies would be infinitely more difficult, for doctors and patients alike.

Nurses turn mere treatment into real care. They let us know that we’re not alone when we’re feeling isolated. They encourage us when we feel like we can’t go any farther. They calm us when fear gets the better of us. They make bad situations better for us, often sacrificing more than they should.

Consider celebrating National Nurses Week. You’d be surprised how much it can mean to a nurse to receive something that confirms they’ve made a difference. You don’t have to have a large budget to participate. In fact, there are many things you can do that won’t break the bank. Here are a few to consider.

Buy Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner for Nurses Week

Saying thanks could be as simple as stopping at a local bakery and buying fresh donuts for the members of the nursing staff or department where you received your care. No time for breakfast?

Try dropping off a meal for lunch or dinner.

Coffee for the Staff

Nurses often work long hours, and as anyone who works a job that requires shifts upwards of 12 hours will tell you, coffee is often a big part of working life. There are several ways you can use coffee to say thanks to the nursing staff.

Taking the time to go to a specialty coffee shop and select something unique for your favorite nurses can be a great way to show your appreciation. The fresh ground thank you cup can be brewed at home or work for everyone to enjoy.

It might be a bit more expensive than just buying coffee, but if you’d like to say thank you in a big way, giving a good coffee machine to the staff where you received your care will very likely be appreciated. It’s something that will keep on giving for a long time to come.

Moisturizing Hand Lotions

Many nurses will tell you that they’re constantly fighting a losing battle with dry skin on their hands. Their job requires constant sterilizationand hand washing, which takes its toll on the skin. A great way to say thanks with a not-so-common gift is to give your favorite nurse a few bottles of quality moisturizing lotion or perhaps a home hand-care kit.

Nurses Week

Food or Fruit Baskets

A food or fruit basket might seem a little bit cliché, but things become cliché for a reason; people like them. A basket full of tasty treats will bring a smile to almost anyone’s face. Of course, you can always include a card to help express your gratitude.

Handwritten Card or Note

Saying thank you doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive or even cost you anything more than your time. Something as simple as a handwritten letter or a short note that expresses your feelings can go a long way.

Flowers or Gifts

Gifts, gift cards, and flowers make great tokens of appreciation. Perhaps a gift card for the book lover will come in handy off shift or during breaks.

A Hug and a Handshake

With most patients, once they’re done dealing with whatever brought them under a nurse’s care, the nurse doesn’t see them again. This is the life of a nurse. The people they care for drift in and out of their lives, often never returning once they leave. This part of their job can sometimes be difficult to deal with.

If nurses helped create a particularly good experience for you, returning to say thank you in person when you’re feeling better will dowonders for their spirit. It lets them know that their work was noticed and they’ve not been forgotten.

Nurses Week

Nurses don’t do what they do to be thanked. They do it because they’re the kind of people who want to help others. Their work is far from glamorous and often done anonymously. Even though they may sometimes feel forgotten or underappreciated, they show up day after day and give their all to make the lives of other people better. It’s not a job suited for everyone.

If you or a loved one have ever gone through a healthcare experience that was made easier because of a caring nurse, consider taking some time during National Nurses Week to let them know that you appreciate what they’ve done. A small gesture or a few words will mean a lot to someone who spends their days selflessly helping others.

Nurses Week

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