Analysis of Alzheimer’s Disease based on the D.N. case study.

D.N. developed Alzheimer’s disease at age 50. Early signs were vague and included

occasional errors in judgment and increased criticism of others, noted only in retrospect.

Several years later, following several episodes of extreme anger, a diagnosis of

Alzheimer was made. At this time, it was suspected that his father also had AD but had

died from an unrelated cause before the diagnosis was could be made […]

The neurologist prescribed gelantamine, an anticholinesterase inhibitors and regular

attendance at a group center offering appropriate activities […] The degeneration

progresses rapidly over the next 2 years. The maximum dose of galantamine is no longer

effective. He is confused about any change and not capable of performing simple

activities. Communication is impaired, including that with family members […]

(Gould, Dyer, 2010 p.527)

Although aging is a natural part of human existence, it is also considered the most

difficult phase of ones life. Social, psychological and financial factors may remind a

person that the quality of their every day is not what it used to be, but the physical

changes that take place in the human body are the ones that affect aged people the most.

Among a long list of conditions and diseases that are prevalent in the elderly population,

forms of dementia are the ones that not only lead to unavoidable health impairment but

also involve neurological changes that disturb personality and cognitive processes.

Dementia is a “progressive chronic disease in which cortical function is

decreased, impairing cognitive skills such as language and innumeracy, logical thinking

[…] and motor coordination”. The condition can be caused by several different factors

and have different forms ranging in severity