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Alzheimer's Disease Research Paper

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Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia marked by a gradual loss of memory and cognitive function. Alzheimer’s is a slow progressing irreversible degenerative brain disorder with no clear cause or cure. However, There is a lot known about what happens in the brain after Alzheimer’s is diagnosed. As this disease progresses, degeneration of brains cerebral cortex never increase and the presence of neurofibrillary tangles, twisted fibers (which build the inside of nerves) and plaques containing beta- amyloid cause clumps of protein to form around each brain cell. Once nerve cells deteriorate, reduction of responses to other nerve cells occur making it very difficult for brain signals to communicate properly with other organ systems of the body. …show more content…
When moderate cognitive decline occurs difficulties are more diagnosable. Damage occurs in the cerebrum that controls language, conscious thought and sensory processing. In this stage familiar reformation is dramatically effected, mood swings, social withdraw, forgetfulness of recent events and past events are very common, and assistance with daily activities are more present. By the final stages, protein plaques and tangles have spread through the brain causing the bran tissue to determinate. Loss of full awareness and communication is not present. Involuntary emotional outbursts occur more frequently, aphasia, incontinence, and loss in appetite increases until all dependence is lost and all body functions are …show more content…
The questionnaire asks question about overall health, past and present medical conditions for all family members, changes in behavior, personality, and diet. Determining patters will help distinguish other causes of Alzheimer’s symptoms. A Physical and neurological exam can give light to the patients attention span and speed of information that the brain is receiving and processing. Blood and urine test will also eliminate other medical conditions with similar symptoms. Performing a CT or MRI brain scan will show the level of deterioration of the brain or if symptom is being caused by a tumor or stroke.
Donepezil and Galantamine are just a few medications used to stabilize and slow this diseases progression and symptoms. These pharmaceuticals prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, the chemical the brain needs for learning and memory. Like all drugs on the market, these drugs come with side effects. Many are minor like: Nausea, vomiting, fatigue or insomnia. Some serious side effects of both these drugs include: seizure, black-outs, convulsions, loss of bladder control, loss of bowel control, trouble breathing and a slowed heart beat to name a

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