...Alzheimer's HCA/250 October 21, 2012 Tiffany Hanshaw Alzheimer's Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia that can affect a variety of ages, groups or gender. In 1906, a psychiatrist named Alois Alzheimer from Germany performed an autopsy on a female patient that had passed away ("Living with Alzheimer's", 2012). According to the "Alzheimer's Association" (2012), the most common sign and characteristics of Alzheimer’s is memory loss but also as the illness progresses, the individuals behavior starts to change. The person can start to have changes in how they feel and can become depressed, withdrawn, or anxious with themselves or family and loved. When it comes to memory loss for those with the disease, he/she starts to depend more on family or friends to help remind them of what things are in the their lives. The individual will notices small changes that will be brushed aside as just a normal part of the aging process but as time goes by, the signs are more noticeable. Speaking words at one time was an easy task but as time passes, he/she struggles with just trying to form the words they are thinking and wanting to say. Some of the other characteristics of Alzheimer’s are such as solving problems. This becomes a challenge because it is difficult to process what is being read such as a puzzle book or reading a novel. It will take longer to solve the puzzle or finish a novel due to the inability to concentrate on the task they are trying to perform. Activities...
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...Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most frequent causes of dementia (weak-mindedness) at elderly and senile age. Dementia is characterized by the expressed decline of intellectual functions of the person with ability disorders of surrounding conditions and independent actions. The disease is called by the name of A. Alzheimer, who described this form of illness in 1906. In the absence of treatment the disease steadily progresses and leads to the destruction of all mental functions. The etiologies of Alzheimer’s disease are not finally found out. There is a lot of data, testifying to the hereditary nature of the disease. However, there are the cases not caused by the hereditary predisposition, especially at later onset of the disease. Alzheimer’s disease can begin after the age of 50, but more often arises after 70 and especially after 80. Alzheimer’s disease is the disease connected with the destruction of brain cells and leading to a heavy frustration of memory, intelligence, other cognitive functions, and also to serious problems in emotional and behavioral spheres. “Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It now afflicts nearly 4 million Americans. These numbers are expected to increase dramatically as the U.S. population ages. By the year 2050 approximately 14.5 million people will suffer from Alzheimer’s disease” (Handy: 1998) Alzheimer’s disease is insidious and develops gradually. It affects not old and full of strength people. The first signs of disease...
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...The Study Of Alzheimer’s What exactly is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder that occurs in the brain in which specific brain cells degenerate, causing memory loss, and impairs thinking and behavior. It usually develops in people in their 60’s or early 70”s, and approximately 4 million Americans suffer from this disease and 100 million die each year. The risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease: There are 3 genes when mutated that cause Alzheimer’s disease. * APP gene (amyloid precursor protein) (chromosome 21) is expressed in the synapse and is thought to be responsible for forming and repairing synapses. Mutations of the APP gene have been associated with Alzheimer ’s disease and with early onset in particular. A primary cause of Alzheimer’s disease is deposits of a protein called amyloid-beta as plaques in the brain. Beta amyloid is released following cleavage of APP at a number of points, and mutations can lead to an increase in production of protein. More than 20 mutations of the APP gene haven been and cause early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. * Presenilin 1 gene (chromosome 14) and Presenilin 2 gene ( chromosome 19) are proteins that span the cell membrane and are primarily expressed in neurons. They also determine secretase activity, which is responsible for cleaving the amyloid precursor protein (APP). In sum APP cleavage can produce amyloid-beta, which is the primary component of plaques in the brains of Alzheimer patients...
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...Alzheimer’s Disease Kathryn Hardcastle, PSY 340 February 5, 2012 Chris Garwick-Foley Alzheimer ’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes a gradual and irreversible decline of cognitive abilities (Feldman, 2010, p. 325). Informally known as “old timers” disease, it strikes more than half of the elderly community greater than age 85 (Feldman, 2010). In addition to the loss of memory there are also major neurological, functional, and behavioral changes as well. There are a few risk factors including age, family history, and head injuries. There is no definitive way of predicting that a person will get Alzheimer’s, but there are genetic markers and neurological tests that can signify a person’s chances at acquiring Alzheimer’s later in life (Association, 2012). Although there is no cure at this time there are methods to treating symptoms, and leading a healthy lifestyle, eating right, and staying fit both mentally and physically can help with prevention. Defining Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is neurological and affects short-term memory, behavior, the ability to match words with familiar objects, and attention span. The disease is degenerative with the gradual loss of neurological function. Alzheimer’s is distinguished from other dementias by the presence of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (Swaminathan, 2011). These create a disruption in the synapses responsible for critical thinking and changes in...
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...1521-0472 online DOI: 10.1080/03601277.2013.863573 Gaps in Alzheimer’s Knowledge Among College Students Elaine M. Eshbaugh School of Applied Human Sciences, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA Despite the prevalence of the disease, it appears that there may be a need for increased education for formal and family caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Today’s college students will be asked to fill both of these roles in the future. This study examined the level of knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease among college students. Two-hundred college students at a mid-sized midwestern university completed an online survey that included the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (Carpenter et al., 2009). Although most participants knew that people with Alzheimer’s remember things from the distant past better than more recent events, many college students were unfamiliar with risk factors and average life expectancy. Implications and recommendations for educational programs and curriculum are discussed. Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are significant health concerns affecting our older adult population (Sullivan & Muscat, 2007). As our population continues to age and our demography shifts to higher proportions of elders, the number of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia continues to increase. Although the causes of dementia are numerous, Alzheimer’s disease, which is irreversible and ultimately fatal, is the...
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...Running head: Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease Brenda Silva Waubonsee Community College PSY 205 Research Paper Mr. Scott Hollenback October 27, 2011 Alzheimer Disease As Kevin Arnold quotes, “Memory is a way of holding on to things you love, the things you are, and the things you never want to lose.” Memories are the things we uphold. Whether it’s bad or good, those memories are engraved in us and can’t be stolen from us. But what if as time goes by, those memories are losing? Worst, you’re even losing your language skills, ability to recognize familiar things and you feel sense of depression. This means, as a person grows old he/she experiences deterioration in one’s self. Now, we are currently living in the age of technology. Our advancements in the past few decades overshadow everything learned in the last 2000 years. This increase has bought with it a large increase in disease afflicting the elderly community. AD once thought to be a natural part of aging, is a severely debilitating form of mental dementia. Although some other types of dementia are curable or effectively treatable, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer. A general overview of AD including the clinical description, diagnosis, and progression of symptoms, helps one to further understand the treatment and care of patients. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory...
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...How is aluminum related to Alzheimer’s disease? Dead people who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease show a significant amount of aluminum in their blood. Live patients are normally diagnosed with dementia versus Alzheimer’s, because the only true way to be certain you have Alzheimer’s is by an autopsy. It’s proven that most people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease have a high content of aluminum in their blood, but not all people with a high content of aluminum in their blood have Alzheimer’s disease. Things that contain aluminum that you may want to try to avoid, or at least read the labeling on are as follows: antiperspirants, drinking water, medications, and foods. If you use an antiperspirant deodorant you run into the risk of inhaling aluminum. Some foods that contain high aluminum are: potatoes, cornbread, and processed cheese. Some drinks are as follows: beer, tea, infant formula, and drinking water. As far as medications you want to watch over-the-counter meds especially antacids, and buffered aspirin. The average human intake is between thirty to fifty mg per day and drinking water is less than one forth of the daily intake we consume. There was also research done on aluminum cookware and cans. Researchers questioned whether using aluminum pans or utensils would have an effect of the amount of aluminum in your blood. It turns out that it would not affect on the high aluminum content unless you were cooking acidic foods in an aluminum pan, then...
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...Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Background: -With alzheimer’s, it’s not just those with the disease who suffer. It’s also their caregivers.” -AD is the 6th leading cause of death in the US and the 5th leading cause of death in age 65 and older -Today, 5.4 million Americans are living with AD. By 2050, as many as 16 million Americans will have the disease. -AD is a form of dementia (loss of brain function) that gets gradually worse over time. It affects memory, thinking and behavior. Causes, incidence, risk factors: -Definite risk factors: age, APOE4 in whites, Atrial fibrillation, depression, down syndrome, family history -Possible risk factors: delirium, head trauma, heavy smoking, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, other genes, postmenopausal therapy -The cause of AD is not entirely known, but can include both genetic and environmental factors. -Two types of AD: early onset and late onset 1. In early onset, symptoms first appear before age 60. Early onset is much less common than late onset. However, it progresses rapidly. Early onset runs in families. Several gene identified. 2. Late onset AD is most common, develops in people age 60 and older. Role of gene is unclear. Pathophysiology: 1. Amyloid Cascade-altered precursor protein, formation of beta amyloid plaques 2. Neurofibrillary tangles-hyperphosphorylated tau protein, microtubule collapse 3. Inflammatory/immunologic hypothesis-inflammatory response to clear amyloid protein, release of cytokines...
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...Amanda Farrington Research paper October 17, 2014 Despite the forgetfulness, we have of the seriousness of Alzheimer’s disease; the behind the scenes action is what we need to be taking a look at. Researcher is now choosing different routes of prevention, treatment and diagnostic studies to solve this serious illness. Which different stages of diagnosis it’s difficult to find the target of what triggers the disease. With the majority of patients being diagnosed being of the elderly stage of life, testing different options is risky because of old age. As many years and millions have gone on to find the cure to stop this tragic illness that overcomes thousands of loved ones every year, scientist have decided to step back and make a strategy. With so many failed attempts of curing this disease, they decided to find an attack approach before being diagnosed. Studies have gone into the smallest detail to find common traits that those diagnosed have. While this is an endless and tedious process, they continued. Scientist have discovered that there are ways to lower the risks of being diagnosed with the disease in the future. Although there is no cure once diagnosed, there have been studies found on how to lessen your chances of getting it. Multiple articles, including National Institute of Agings “alheimer’s prevention”, state that vitamins are always a natural and healthy route as well as anti inflammatory drugs. While a healthy diet and exercise can be effective...
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...Caregiving to Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease Megan Zann April 27, 2012 Health Psychology Dr. Ackerman Introduction It is normal to periodically forget your keys or a homework assignment, because you generally remember these things later. However, individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease may forget things more often, but they do not remember them again. The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease has dramatically increased because people are living longer. This is a result of advancements in medical technology that are increasing the human life span. That being said, now there is more responsibility placed on the individual and their caregivers to provide a supportive environment to combat this disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes a gradual, irreversible cognitive deterioration. The individual experiences a significant decline in their memory, language skills, perception of space and eventually, their ability to be self-sufficient and independent. Alzheimer’s disease takes a toll on the patients as well as their caregivers. “Being a caregiver for an ill or disabled loved one is widely recognized as a threat to caregiver’s quality of life” (Poulin et al 2010). The diagnosis of this disease affects the caregivers on physical, psychological, and social levels. Family, friends, and caregivers suffer from pain and stress as they witness their loved one experiencing the progression of the disease. Background “Alzheimer’s disease is the most...
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...symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease but as of today there is no known cure for the disease. Most treatment options include drug therapy and non-drug approaches such as behavioral and environmental modifications. Cognitive enhancers are medications that attempt to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms. According to Esther Heerema MSW (Alzheimer’s Dementia Expert) two classes of medication have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s. They are Cholinesterase Inhibitors and N-Methyl D-Aspartate (NMDA) Antagonists. (http://alzheimers.about.com/od/treatmentofalzheimers/a/Treatment-Of-Alzheimers-Disease.htm) Cholinesterase inhibitors prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger important for learning and memory. This supports communication among nerve cells by keeping acetylcholine levels high. Researchers have found lower levels of acetylcholine in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. They delay worsening of symptoms for 6 to 12 months, on average, for about half the people who take them. If side effects occur, they commonly include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and increased frequency of bowel movements. There are three Cholinesterase inhibitors medications: Donepezil (Aricept) is approved to treat all stages of Alzheimer's. Rivastigmine (Exelon) is approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's. Galantamine (Razadyne) is approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's. ...
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...Alzheimer’s disease HCA/240 Veronica Brinson Mary Lou. Jenkins August 25, 2013 Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic progressive deterioration of the brain leading to dementia, incapacitation, and death. Dementia is a condition marked by memory loss plus a minimum of one other cognitive impairment. Alzheimer’s disease has been referred to as both the plaque of the ages and the plague of the aged. Alzheimer’s disease was so poorly understood that people who suffered this dementia were label as tormented, affected, pixilated, weird, afflicted, senile, mad, crazy, and spellbound. People with Alzheimer disease were feared, avoided, ignored, and ridiculed. Years and years went by peoples suffered terrible inhuman treatment when their families hid them away from other family members, the public, restrained them at home, locked them up in rooms, and committed them to insane asylums. There are many symptoms follow a set course of decline. There are a wide spectrum of demented actions every person will exhibit every symptom is a downhill regression follow a general pattern of mental regression and physical decline. People with the Alzheimer’s disease the earlier symptoms are recognized the greater chances are to slow and prevent the progression of dementia. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are short-term memory loss, confusion, disorientation, wandering, mood swing, sundowner’s syndrome, eating habits and weight loss(changes) personal care, depression, agitation...
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...Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that is the most common form of dementia. Its onset affects 24.3 million people in the United States (Leifer, 2009, p. 588). The earlier symptoms of this disease are memory loss and decline of cognitive functions. These symptoms are often overlooked as the normal signs of aging. Alzheimer’s often is not diagnosed until it has progressed to the more debilitating stages. Fewer than 50% of people with the disease are currently diagnosed. Awareness of the pathology of the disease and understanding risk factors and early signs of Alzheimer’s is vital to prevention as well as providing a patient with an early successful treatment. There are multiple risk factors which contribute to Alzheimer’s disease, age being the greatest. Alzheimer’s disease is increasing in occurrence with 1 percent in adults’ age 60 years to nearly 45 percent in those age 85 years and older (Wierenga & Bondi, 2011, p. 37). There are genetic risk factors that also play a role with developing Alzheimer’s. Early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease has been linked to the presence of genetic mutations on chromosomes 21, 14 and chromosomes 1. Mutations found on chromosome 19 are a well-known genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer’s disease and may be the cause for 50 percent of the risk for developing it. Additional risk factors include cerebrovascular disease such as stroke, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, systolic hypertension...
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...I got my article from WebMD and it gives a topic overview on what it is. It states that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of mental decline, or dementia, and dementia also has other causes. Alzheimer’s disease damages the brain. It causes a steady loss of memory and how well you can speak, think, and carry on daily activities. Alzheimer's disease always gets worse over time, but how quickly this happens varies. Some people lose the ability to do daily activities early on. Others may still do fairly well until much later in the disease. Mild memory loss is common in people older than 60. It may not mean that you have Alzheimer’s disease. But if your memory is getting worse, see your doctor. If it is Alzheimer’s, treatment may help. Alzheimer’s disease happens because of changes in the brain. These include lower levels of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that help brain cells work properly. What causes these changes is not clear. The risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease increases as you get older. But this does not mean that everyone will get it. By age 85, about 35 out of 100 people have some form of dementia. That means that 65 out of 100 don't have it. Dementia is rare before age 60. I agree with this article in the way that I know that Alzheimer’s disease is serious because people forget a lot of things and it’s also sad for the family because the relative with the disease can’t remember anything....
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...Evaluation of Websites Credibility The Alzheimer's Association Gwendolyn M. Spong Chamberlain College of Nursing NUR 500 The website I decided to investigate and assess on its credibility is the Alzheimer's Association site (http://www.alz.org). The Alz.org is a site which offers valuable information to those affected and their loved ones as well as extensive research in the hopes of eliminating this disease. I have taken care of many patients that suffer from dementia and they as well as their families have a special place in my heart; therefore I decided to take a closer look at the Alzheimer's Association website. I used Google search engine to find a government or organization website related to Alzheimer's and the number two result in my search was Alz.org. The domain of the website for Alz.org is the ending .org which indicates that the website is operated by an organization and more specifically the Alzheimer's Association is a non-profit organization (Roberts, 2010). This paper will evaluate the Alzheimer's Association websites credibility including the sites authority, information, objectivity, ease of navigation, privacy and security policies; in addition, it will cover reasons for professional nurses to assess information on the internet and how the information from the website can be helpful to them. Today anybody has the ability to create a website and have their thoughts and opinions displayed to the public, however, we have to ask ourselves is the information...
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