...Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Research advances have enabled detailed understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the hallmarks of the disease-ie, plaques, composed of amyloid β (Aβ), and tangles, composed of hyperphosphorylated tau. However, as our knowledge increases so does our appreciation for the pathogenic complexity of the disorder. Familial Alzheimer's disease is a very rare autosomal dominant disease with early onset, caused by mutations in the amyloid precursor protein and presenilin genes, both linked to Aβ metabolism. By contrast with familial disease, sporadic Alzheimer's disease is very common with more than 15 million people affected worldwide. The cause of the sporadic form of the disease is unknown, probably because the disease is heterogeneous, caused by ageing in concert with a complex interaction of both genetic and environmental risk factors. This seminar reviews the key aspects of the disease, including epidemiology, genetics, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as recent developments and controversies. 100 years ago, Alois Alzheimer gave a lecture at a congress in Tubingen, Germany, on the first case of the disease that Kraepelin some years later named Alzheimer's disease.1 In this single case. Alzheimer described typical clinical characteristics with memory disturbances and instrumental signs, and the neuropathological picture with miliary bodies (plaques) and dense bundles of fibrils (tangles), which we today...
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...M1 Compare two theories of ageing If we look at theories of ageing and how they describe ageing we could see that they have many differences. In this assignment, I will be comparing theories of ageing, disposable soma theory and disengagement theory. Both of those theories have a different approach to the ageing, disposable soma theory is focusing on biological predispositions of ageing which say that once our genes damaged then ageing process start and a specific action cause it, however in disengagement theory the main focus is on psychological site of it, which means how people changing through the aging process and how they are reacting to it.In biological theory, we cannot predict how and why our body will get older but we can take procurations to slow down this process, such as by having a good and balanced diet. Thomas Kirkwood argued that damaged cells can repair themselves if have appropriate nutrients. If we look at the psychological theory we could see that it is focusing on the stages and interactions with other when people grow older. As people age, they tend to remove themselves from society for death.They remove themselves from their roles and society by placing elderly in care home facilitate that they stop being active. There are some similarities to the theories.Both of them are talking about declining. In disposable soma theory the genetic decline making body to age and in disengagement theory we can see that person declining...
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...Powerful anti-ageing agent Centrophenoxine has demonstrated its ability to enhance brain power and longevity. It achieves this through refreshing the body and mind cells. Centrophenoxine has a range of therapeutic benefits such as improving the memory and easing muscle tension. Centrophenoxine is extensively used for Alzheimer's and senile dementia treatment. It belongs to a class of drugs known as nootropics or smart drugs. It has been proven to raise brain power in older people, as well as enhancing longevity and producing a complete sense of mental awareness. How does centrophenoxine work? Over the years Lipofuscin (a potassium build up) accumulates in the brain, heart, skin and lung cells. Lipofuscin is a biochemical clutter that builds...
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...1. Title: Aging cells offer new target for Alzheimer's therapy 2. Author: Jessica Hamzelou 3. Published: September 26, 2012 4. http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21528843.200-ageing-cells-offer-new-target-for-alzheimers-therapy.html?full=true 5. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. It is normally diagnosed in people over the age of 65, but it can be diagnosed earlier than that (early-onset Alzheimer's). There are many stages of Alzheimer's. In the early stages, a patient simply forgets recent events. In more advanced stages, they can have mood swings, language difficulty, problems with bodily functions, confusion, and aggression. "On average, the life expectancy following diagnosis is approximately seven years" (Molsa PK, Martilla RJ, Rinne UK, 1986). The causes of Alzheimer's has long been unknown, and has accounted for the hundreds of unsuccessful treatments. Scientists recently discovered large numbers of senescent cells in Alzheimer's patients. Senescent cells are cells that lose the ability to divide after many cycles of division, which results in deterioration and death of the cell. Claudio Torres at Drexel University College did an experiment to show the damage of senescence. He exposed human astrocytes (star-shaped cells in the brain) to hydrogen peroxide, which mimicked the metabolic stress that occurs with aging. It showed that cells started displaying similarities to genes associated with senescence. "Torres's team then looked for senescent...
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...Ageism. In this assignment I will discuss my learning outcome from the group discussion and the collaboration of the poster and mind mapping, I will also critically analyse and discuss the public attitude, and my personal perception towards ageism. To gain knowledge of different relationships and how ageism affects society, I will also discuss key concepts in relation towards the inequality and discrimination expressed towards this group of the population. I will examine how the health service and social care professionals conduct themselves towards care of the elderly, and the actions they take to resolve discriminatory practices to reduce social inequality in respect of the elderly. Patch1 After reflecting on my own attitudes regarding my understanding of the elderly, I found that I held similar views in that once an elderly person had reached a particular age they can be easily disregarded as a useful member of society, however my views were not based on any known facts or any valid experience that I had encountered, but rather on my personal interpretation and general stereotype towards the elderly, after our group discussion and after reading relevant literature concerning ageism my opinion has changed. Ageism was introduced by Robert Butler (1969) suggesting it was a process whereby an older person was systematically stereotyped with prejudicial attitudes directed towards them. This was deemed as discrimination. According to (McGlone...
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...which can suppress human cell mutating substances, thus helping in the prevention of cancer. (Ref.. Japan National Genetics Research Center, Hamamatsu Public Health Center, Shizuoka Pharmaceutical College and Shizuoka Women’s College research findings) • GREEN TEA contains `Tannin` which has a very high success rate in interfering with the production of lipid peroxide in human bodies, thus helping slowing down the ageing process. In comparision, Vitamin E has much lower success rate in doing so. (Ref.. Okayama University Department of Pharmacology) • GREEN TEA has Enzymes that combat the causes of high blood pressure. It is also helpful in combatting cerebral apoplexy, heart disease and other geriatic diseases. (Ref.. Tohoku University Dr. Meguro Nihon Medical College Dr. Fukui Nagoya City University Dr. Aoki) • GREEN TEA provides ZINC, one of the necessary elements for meeting the nutritive demands of pregnancy. (Ref.. Kagoshima University Department of Medicine) • GREEN TEA contains vitamin C an essential nutrient for human body. • GREEN TEA contains Fluoride which is especially helpful in fighting tooth decay. Even just rinsing the mouth out with Green Tea, after meals, is highly effective in preventing tooth decay. (Ref.. Tokyo University of Medicine and Dentistry) Green Tea Benefits The benefits of green tea range from its potential role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's Disease, certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, improving oral health...
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...Neurodegenerative Disorders: Alzheimer’s Disease 1. Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains a major cause of senile dementia, which is characterised by an impairment of neuronal and synaptic function in addition to the accumulation of β-amyloid plaque and formation of neurofibrillary tangles within distinct portions of the brain (De Strooper and Annaert, 2000). Progression of this distinct pathology of neurodegeneration does not typically vary from patient to patient, beginning in cerebral cortex before targeting the hippocampus, neocortex as well as the sub-cortical nuclei (Braak and Braak, 1995). The role of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease is pivotal. The cleavage of APP by the proteases β and γ- secretase releases β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides which results in aggregation of the peptides due to misfolding to form fibrils of Aβ which comprise the key components of amyloid plaque deposits in the brains of AD patients (Glenner and Wong, 1984). Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a trans-membrane glycoprotein which normally functions in synapse formation as well as axonal elongation. The protein possesses a small cytoplasmic domain but is composed primarily of a large extracellular domain. Processing of APP in the extracellular domain by α or β- secretase results in the complete removal of the protein’s ectodomain which gives rise to an accumulation of sizeable and soluble derivatives of APP referred to as...
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...Alzheimer’s Disease a Fight for Information and Understanding ABSTRACT Alzheimer’s disease slowly deteriorates the brain, causing loss of both memory and the ability to control emotion. This review will discuss possible indicators, hypothesized causes, and both current and experimental treatments of Alzheimer’s. The disease mostly affects people over the age of 60 but can occur earlier. The problem with detecting Alzheimer’s early is that there are no clear indicators, and the changes in the brain progress before symptoms in the patient are visible. It’s hypothesized that the main cause of Alzheimer’s is neuronal plasticity and a build up of plaques. The plasticity leads to neuron tangles, causing blocks in synaptic signaling. Research on assays for detecting amyloid-beta ligands and disease treatments will need to involve human trails for future investigation. KEY WORDS: Alzheimer’s disease, neuronal plasticity, Tau-directed Therapy, amyloid-beta ligands, dementia INTRODUCTION Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a deteriorating disease of the brain that attacks neurons throughout the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus.1,2 The deterioration the cerebral cortex leads to the impairment of a person’s ability to control emotion, coordination, and the ability to comprehend configurations.6 The loss of memory caused by AD comes from the deterioration of the hippocampus.5 Alzheimer’s is most common in people 65 years or older, however for people with early onset Alzheimer’s...
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...The Ageing Process “How Our Bodies and Minds Change” Aging is a process that concerns us all. The increasing armamentarium provided by molecular biology and other techniques has allowed greater understanding of some of the processes involved. Numerous definitions of aging exist; an acceptable and commonly used definition is that aging is the total of all changes an organism undergoes from its conception to its death, including development, maturation and adulthood. There are many theories about how our bodies and minds change as we age, but no matter how much research or theories have been formed, one thing remains true is that our bodies and minds does, and will, change with age and one thing can be agree upon is that the end results in all these studies is that the body and minds does go through many changes during our life time. Since the life span varies between and within species and human longevity is partially hereditary, it is clear that genetic factors, the biology of the brain, and our culture effect the function of the brain and influence the aging process ( Johnson 1993, Schacter et al. 1993, Vijg et al. 1995). Twin studies show that genetic differences account for about a quarter of the variance in adult human lifespan. While a great deal of research has focused on diseases of aging, there are only a few informative studies on the molecular biology of the aging brain. Many molecular changes are due in part to a reduction in the size of the brain, as well as loss...
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...with dementia. The author will explore the pathophysiological process of ageing underpinning skeletal and cognitive decline, with an emphasis on discrimination and a focus on ageism, mental illness and the support of the National Service Framework (NSF) in combating this pandemic. A further investigation into the nurse’s role will be analysed along with the process of assessing and caring for an elderly patient with dementia. Aveyard (2001) and Adams et al (1999) both state that it is increasingly difficult to find an acceptable working definition for dementia. However, Mosby’s Dictionary (2002) defines dementia as a progressive organic mental disorder characterized by chronic personality disintegration, confusion, disorientation, and stupor, deterioration of intellectual capacity and function, and impairment of control of memory, judgement and impulses. Dementia is encompassed by multiple cognitive deficits; the author will now explore the pathophysiological aspect of the brain encompassed by the ageing process and its influence on the older person. The author is aware that there are many contributory factors for cognitive decline for example genetic factors, where there is a family history of, infection, chemical and chromosome damage. It should also be noted that there are many forms of brain disorders that share the same characteristics as dementia, for example Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, however the author will focus on causes as it pertains to older people...
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...Senior Health: Diet and Exercise for the Elderly In the current world, aging is aggressively reaching its peak in association with human health. Many people in our society are unaware that the mission to increase life expectancy is an ongoing reality in everyday lives. Living to a healthy old age is possible for each person as long as efficient, beneficial choices are made. In addition to healthy decisions, maintaining physical activity is crucial to healthy aging. As an adult, one should always be mindful of fit living routines and practices. Inputting regular exercise into daily routine is one of the most important foundations in sustaining well-being. The process of aging entails various personal lifestyle changes and is impacted by both consistent implement and social values. Senior health is an important issue that has been brought to light in the past few decades of baby boomers and increasing life expectancy; it brings media and community attention to the difficulties related to aging (3). By simultaneously spreading public awareness about these demographics and promoting healthy lifestyles, all of society, especially the senior population, will flourish in the years to come. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Physical activity is essential to healthy aging (5). As one reaches his or her senior years, physical activity is a necessity that should be implement into everyday living to enable of life of fullest potential. For the general population...
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...Alzheimer's Disease and its Link to the Normal Human Developmental Process of Aging Angel M. Perez Liberty University Abstract The cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is currently unknown. However, extensive studies using new technology has led to new ways of accurately identifying AD, an understanding of the mechanisms involved regarding the development of AD, and the damage it causes in the human brain. The general population is under the impression that AD is a result of the normal human developmental process of aging. The focus of this research is to dismiss this misconception by providing indisputable empirical evidence to the contrary. This paper looks at the various studies explored by researchers in an attempt to show the factors attributed to AD, a population over the age of 65 that do not suffer from AD, and a population of as young as 18 clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The author also addresses life style, environmental, and genetic risk factors attributed to the development of AD. Alzheimer's Disease and its Link to the Normal Human Developmental Process of Aging Contrary to popular belief, studies show that Alzheimer’s disease is not part of the normal human developmental process of aging. It is imperative that researchers acknowledge that AD is not part of the normal aging process. Researchers must keep an open mind during the research and experimental process, exploring all plausible arguments, in order to discover the cause(s) and/or...
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...“How can nurses ensure that older people are treated with respect and dignity whilst being cared for in a hospital or in the community?” Providing dignified care is at the very heart of nursing and is the responsibility of everyone (Royal College of Nursing (RCN) 2008). Nurses play an important part in the care of older people and quality nursing care can make a substantial difference to physical and emotional well-being (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) 2008). 'Dignity' as defined by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) (2009) is ‘A state, quality or manner worthy of esteem or respect; and (by extension) self-respect’. Adopting dignity in practice should generate an environment that supports and promotes self-respect, allowing it to flourish by the maintenance of autonomy and informed choice, NMC (2008). The 2006 Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) publication ‘Living well in later life’ highlighted the lack of dignity and respect for older people in acute hospitals as a major area of concern citing that 45% of NHS resources are spent on older people and this accounts for the greatest use of acute hospital services This discussion will identify the specific needs of the older person from a bio-psychosocial perspective incorporating complicit ethical issues. The role of the nurse in the provision of quality and comprehensive care delivery will of course be examined, integrating theory and practice and exploring the implications for inter-professional...
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... elderly. Psychology of Aging, Theories of Aging, the Physical Dimension, the Cognitive Dimension, and the Social Dimension. The psychology of aging focuses on the behavioral changes which occur during the normal aging process. Age differences in learning, memory, perceptual and intellectual abilities will be investigated. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the neural correlates and cognitive consequences of disorders of aging such as Alzheimers disease(Belsky, J.1999). Aging introduces a number of psychological and physical changes in the human body and engaged researchers in this field of study. The growing population in industrialized countries has become a serious issue in the 21st century. Life expectancy has increased significantly over the 20th century. For example, in 1900 a baby born in an industrialized country would usually live to between 47 and 55, while a baby born in the 21st century would be expected to live to between 76 and 80 years. Longer life expectancy is mainly due to the eradication of diseases which used to kill up to 50 percent of the population in childhood. When individuals are experiencing illnesses, they cause psychological changes. These changes affect the self-esteem, self-confidence and self- image of individuals as they are suffering from these changes and feel hopeless and...
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...Prevalence of dementia in elderly patients with hip fracture.PUBMED.GOV Hip fractures occur commonly and are a cause of disability for older adults and lead to increased dependence and requirements for social support. Dementia is one of the possible risk factors for falling and hip fracture, a potential source for complications during surgery and during the postoperative period, difficulties in rehabilitation and a risk factor for hip fracture reccurence. However, in previous studies of hip fracture patients, cognitive status has not been formally assessed during the inpatient stay and diagnosis was based only on previous history. Additionally, no previous studies have compared prevalence of dementia between elderly patients with hip fracture and patients with other surgical pathology. Our aim was to define whether dementia was more prevalent in older subjects with hip fracture than in other elderly patients undergoing surgery. In this study, we prospectively assessed all patients aged 68 and older admitted to our hospital for hip fracture surgery during a one year period and compared them with age and gender matched patients attending other surgical departments. 80 hip fracture patients and 80 controls were assessed for dementia. Dementia was common in both groups, presumably reflecting the advanced mean age of both groups and cognitive deterioration due to hospitalization-status. Dementia was significantly higher in the hip fracture group (85%) compared to the control group...
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