...come with aging, one of which is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys the memory and thinking skills of its victims. Eventually victims of Alzheimer’s lose their ability to complete tasks of daily living (National Institute on Aging, 2013). The discovery of Alzheimer’s disease was made by Dr. Alois Alzheimer upon an examination of the brain of a woman who died of an unusual mental illness. The doctor saw changes in the tissue of the brain. The National Institute on Aging (2013) website states that the symptoms of the woman’s illness were: memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behaviors. In the examination of the brain, the doctor found abnormal clumps and tangled bundles of fibers. The clumps are amyloid plaques and the tangled bundles of fibers are neurofibrillary tangles. These plaques and tangles are two of the main features that accompany Alzheimer’s disease. A third feature is the loss of connection between neurons (nerve cells) in the brain (National Institute on Aging, 2013). Developing some knowledge of what Alzheimer’s disease is will help people understand what the symptoms of the disease are, how the disease is diagnosed and what treatments can be used to help slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease: Symptoms The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are tricky and can be easily written off as a sign of aging. It is not so much about what the initial symptom is, but more...
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...Professor Staab Psychology April 28, 2012 Prolonging the Inevitable Alzheimer’s disease was named after a German neuropathologist and psychiatrist by the name of Aloysius Alzheimer who is credited with identifying two symptoms of the disease; amyloid plaques and neurofribrillary tangles in the brain. It is important to understand that Alzheimer’s disease is not a type of dementia; it is simply a disease that causes dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable progressive disease that can take up to twenty years to advance, but typically takes between eight to ten painful years for the Alzheimer’s sufferer and their family. Christian Nordqvist author of What is Alzheimer’s Disease? What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease? states that “During the course of the disease plaques and tangles develop within the structure of the brain. This causes brain cells to die. Patients with Alzheimer’s also have a deficiency in the levels of some vital brain chemicals with are involved with transmission of messages in the brain – neurotransmitters” (1). The disease is typically broken down into three common stages that people experience: mild, moderate, and severe. As well as the duration, the length of each stage can vary depending on the person, as Rosemary Blieszner and Peggy A. Shifflett confirm in their article The effects of Alzheimer’s Disease on Close Relationships Between Patients and Caregivers, “This disease is very unpredictable in terms of duration and nature of symptoms, with...
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..., MSW & David What is Alzheimer Disease? Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in which the brain cells start to die causing memory loss and the ability to concentrate fade away. Alzheimer’s typically occurs first in the hippocampus, where we record new memories. It also attacks the cerebral cortex. Alzheimer is also characterized by reduced production of certain brain cells called the neurotransmitters which enable nerve cells to receive and send messages and help us to carry out innumerable functions both cognitive and physical. Nevertheless AD is common among people aged 65 it is not part of aging. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer disease, there are treatments that can at least positively influence the progression of the disease. Scientists now know that Alzheimer’s progresses at the spectrum disorder with three basic stages including preclinical (no signs or symptoms yet), mild cognitive impairment, (MIC) and the final stage Alzheimer dementia. At this time, doctors cannot predict with certainty which people of MIC will or will not develop the disease. The only way to know for certain that someone has AD is to examine a sample of their brain tissue after death. Alzheimer’s early stage Although every case of Alzheimer’s disease is different, experts have identified common warning sign of the brain disease. Since AD is not a normal part of aging, it is important to look for signs that might indicate Alzheimer’s disease versus simple forgetfulness...
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...Understanding Alzheimer’s disease What Is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is a neurologic disorder that affects the brain. It causes dementia. Its earliest and main symptom is steadily increasing memory loss. Problems with getting lost, language, and emotional control are also common. These deficits may worsen over five to 20 years. Treatments can help maintain thinking, memory, and speaking skills. No treatments can currently change or reverse the disease. But, there are many ways to help maintain quality of life. What Is the Difference between Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia? As the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease has improved, researchers now recognize that it is a process that can occur in people who initially have no symptoms. When Alzheimer’s disease causes very mild symptoms, the process is now referred to as mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease. When the symptoms begin to interfere with daily functioning, that phase of the illness is referred to as dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is a term that means the person has significant difficulty in daily life due to problems with thinking and memory. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. What Causes Alzheimer’s disease? The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not yet known. Some people may have genes that put them at higher risk for Alzheimer’s. Genetics is the likely cause when the disease strikes people in their 40s or 50s. But most people who get Alzheimer’s dementia...
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...Culture and Disease Name HCS/245 Date Instructor Culture and Disease The disease that I chose to write about is Alzheimer’s disease. This disease is described as an economic and a social burden because the financial cost of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming. Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth leading cause of death in people 65 and older. It is estimated that 35 million people worldwide have Alzheimer’s disease and 5.3 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s disease. (Fisher center for Alzheimer’s research foundation, 2002) Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological brain disorder discovered by a physician in 1906. (Fisher center for Alzheimer’s research foundation, 2002) Alzheimer’s is a most common form of dementia which is described as a group of disorders that impairs mental functioning. Alzheimer’s is unfortunately irreversible and progressive at the moment. Over time, abnormal changes worsen in the brain interfering with any aspects of the brain functioning. Memory loss is the earliest sign of Alzheimer’s, along with changes in personality or behavior and gradual decline of intellectual and thinking abilities called cognitive functions. (Fisher center for Alzheimer’s research foundation, 2002) Alzheimer’s is greatly known for advancing in stages, progressing from mild forgetfulness and cognitive impairment to widespread loss of mental abilities. When Alzheimer’s reaches the more advanced stages people become more dependent on others for every...
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...Culture and Disease HCS 245 December 15, 2011 Dementia is not a disease on its own. It is a term used in describing a vast array of symptoms related to the decline of mental function, starting with memory loss and eventually impeding on the ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association website, 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases are Alzheimer’s patients. Alzheimer's worsens over time. It is a progressive disease, where the symptoms gradually worsen over a period of several years. In its early stages, memory loss is minor. A person might start to forget little things, like if they turned the oven off or momentarily forget how to tie their shoes. When a person suffers from late-stage Alzheimer's, he or she loses the capability to carry on a conversation or respond to his or her environment. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Those who suffer from the disease live an average of eight years after their symptoms have progressed enough that the people around them start to notice. Although somewhere around eight years is the norm, it is not uncommon to hear of people living anywhere from four to 20 years after others notice. A big part of how fast a person declines depends on age and other health conditions. One major thing to remember is that Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. The greatest known risk factor for this disease is increasing...
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...Mental Health Disease Robin Cameron NUR/408 Janruary 16, 2011 Nancyruth Leibold Mental Health Disease According to Perry, Presley-Cantrell, and Dhingra (2010) “Mental illness is term health conditions that are characterized by alteration in thinking, mood, or behavior or perhaps a combination that is associated with distress and/or impaired functioning” (p. 2333). Mental health has become an increase concern in the vulnerable elderly population across the nation. Two of the major mental diseases that are prevalence in the elderly population are Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Alzheimer and Dementia are both diseases that affect the elderly population across the nation by declining loss of intellectual functioning. Not much is known about these disease processes but what is known is both these diseases are similar in signs and symptoms (Fisher Center For Alzheimer‘s Research Foundation, 2011). To explore and understand more about Alzheimer and Dementia disease process, it is important to understand what epidemiology is. Then this paper will show how the steps and methods the epidemiology uses to help determine the cause and effect of a disease. The paper continues to review how the epidemiological triangle is used. It is important to tie it altogether by explaining how epidemiology is used to help explore and understanding in how the disease process develops, any identifying causes and how to either slow the effects or prevent the disease process of Alzheimer from...
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...Alzheimer’s Disease Susan Edmonson Daymar College Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimers Disease is a progressive, deteriorating disease that attacks the brain causing diminished memory, thinking and behavior. Therefore it is imperative to know how Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed, risks and the different stages of the illness. It is an illness that is evident in a gradual decline in brain function that gets worse with time. It can affect a person’s ability to find words, finish thoughts or follow instructions. Learning about Alzheimer's disease and realizing that it is much more than memory loss can benefit the families of those with the illness. This disease is progressive and eventually leads to death. While there is no cure, it can be treated. Alzheimer’s is not a classic part of aging (What is Alzheimers, 2015). It can earnestly affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. Those affected by Alzheimer’s live an average of eight years after the symptoms are evident. One can survive from four to twenty years, dependent on the age of the person and their health situations (What is Alzheimers, 2015). “In 2013, as many as 5 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease”(Center for Disease Control, 2015 ). There are quite a few risk factors that can increase one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (Cummings,2008). “Aging is the most powerful risk”(Cummings, 2008). Having a family history of dementia can also be a risk factor, even though it is uncommon...
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...http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE * Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Bottom of Form * Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. But Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Up to 5 percent of people with the disease have early onset Alzheimer's (also known as younger-onset), which often appears when someone is in their 40s or 50s. * Alzheimer's worsens over time. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Those with Alzheimer's live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions. * Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. Although current Alzheimer's treatments cannot stop Alzheimer's from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening...
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...Alzheimer's disease is a disease of the brain that is eventually fatal and affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts. It is an "irreversible disease and destroys brain cells causing thinking ability and memory to deteriorate." ("Alzheimer's Disease", 2016). Each individual with this fatal disease is affected in different ways. There is no order in which symptoms occur or the speed of their progression. Alzheimer's disease affects a person's ability to make decisions, perform simple tasks, or follow a conversation. It also affects a person's emotions, mood, and physical abilities. Individuals with this disease can lose interest in their favorite hobbies, become less expressive and withdrawn. An individual may also seem "different" or out...
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...101/Professor Dunleavy October 5, 2014 Psychology: Chapter 2 Project Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and the disease typically accounts for around sixty to eighty percent of dementia cases (“What is Alzheimer’s?,” 2014). Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable disease that effects the brain and brain cells. The majority of the people effected by Alzheimer’s disease are typically over the age of sixty five. Age is not the only factor to getting Alzheimer’s disease, but a few other causes will be described later in the paper. Alzheimer’s disease is a little over a century old now, as it was first discovered in the year 1906. Although it was discovered in 1906, it did not gain its official name until 1910. The disease is named after the discoverer, Alois Alzheimer. Now let’s discuss some other causes, effects, and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not yet fully understood by scientist, but it has become clearer over the years. Multiple scientists over the years believe that Alzheimer’s disease results from a combination of many different factors. A few of these factors are age, genetics, lifestyle, and the degeneration of brain cells. Although these causes are not one hundred percent clear, it is clear that Alzheimer’s disease has a huge effect on the brain. The main cause out of these few factors is due to degeneration of brain cells. This disease damages and kills thousands of brain cells, causing the brain to begin...
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...Concierge Service for Alzheimer’s Patients Paula Newsome Kaplan University Everyone has an elderly family member whether it is a parent, friend or significant other we all grow old. With age there are several different things that come along with or happen when growing old, one thing being Alzheimer's disease. With Alzheimer's disease comes death. No one wants to talk about or deal with death. I had to deal with it even when I did not want to, it was forced upon me. My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and within a year she succumbed to her disease. I never really understood what Alzheimer's was until my grandmother was diagnosed with it. This is what made me want to learn as much as I could understand about Alzheimer's disease. Through my reading I found out Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death in Americans age 65 and older.(www.Alz.org, 2012). So regardless if we want to deal with it or not it is estimated 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, including approximately 200,000 age <65 years who comprise the younger-onset Alzheimer's disease population. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain's nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioural changes. The course of Alzheimer's disease is not the same in every person, but symptoms seem to develop over the same general stages. In...
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...memories are good or bad they are part of who we are no matter what it may be. But what if a person started to lost them? What if she doesn't even remember her family members, what if she doesn't even remember how to speak? Or imagine the person that she was yesterday can not even recognize it today. Even with the increase in the technology that we have, we could not bring back the memories that we lost. With the increase in the technologies, we increase in diseases connected with middle aged people. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one of the common diseases that is affecting middle-aged people. Although...
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...combining my family history, I am predisposed to one specific genetic disease: Alzheimer’s. There is one case of this disease within my family tree. My father’s mother suffers from Alzheimer’s. I will be talking about this disease. I will discuss why I chose to talk about this disease, the signs and symptoms of the disease, the modes of inheritance of the disease, when to seek help, any problems I come across, and how I would explain this to my children. I chose Alzheimer’s because my aunt called and told me that my grandmother was diagnosed with it. Ever since that phone call it has been something I am wondering about getting in my later years. Because of this information, I know that it runs on my...
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...Can you remember what you did on May 8th of last year? Most likely not, but that’s common with people who lives are just so busy and it’s just too much to keep up with. Or remember when you were a teenager and your parents’ friends would come up to you and say “Look how much you’ve grown! Do you remember me?” The answer was typically no, but that is also normal. Now if your children were to approach you and you are unware of who they are, there may be a problem. You may be showing signs of Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that continues to destroy the memory and thinking skills within a human body. It is also the most common form of dementia. It was first discovered by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1906, when he examined...
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