Friday, November 15, 2019
Alzheimers Disease Essay -- Diseases Research Essays
Alzheimer's Disease The disease called Alzheimerââ¬â¢s is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States (Weiner, 1987). It is estimated that the elderly population will double between now and 2030. During this period, the number of elderly will grow by an average of 2.8% annually (U.S. Census Bureau, 2001). By 2050, the number of people with Alzheimerââ¬â¢s is estimated to range from 11.3 million to 16 million (Alzheimerââ¬â¢s Association, 2005). These startling numbers should prompt an examination into one of the leading causes of death among this group of people. Understanding what Alzheimerââ¬â¢s is and the known causes of the disease are a good starting point. For those who have aging family members, knowing the risk factors and warning signs of Alzheimerââ¬â¢s can be beneficial to both the patient and his family. Finally, once the patient has been diagnosed as having Alzheimerââ¬â¢s, a plan for treatment as well as providing the family and caregivers with a support syste m can help ease those involved through a very challenging, heartbreaking time. The Alzheimerââ¬â¢s Association (2005) defines the disease as ââ¬Å"a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a personââ¬â¢s memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate, and carry out daily activitiesâ⬠. Contrary to popular belief, Alzheimerââ¬â¢s is not the result of normal aging, although it normally occurs more frequently in people who are over the age of 65 (Gruetzner, 1988). Studies performed on the brains of deceased Alzheimerââ¬â¢s patients show several irregularities. The most obvious abnormality is in the signal-transmitting chemicals, where a 40-90% decrease in the enzyme CAT is found. This enzyme lies in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain. When CAT is decreased, it causes cholinergic or acetylcholine-releasing nerve terminals to diminish. These chemicals are important for communication between nerves. Also found during these autopsies were double strands of neurofibullary tangles, senile plaque (decaye d neural material), and granulovacular degeneration-all which are associated with mental impairment. Neurofibullary tangles normally do increase with age, but Alzheimerââ¬â¢s patients show a very high density of the tangles. The brain has also been found to contain abnormally high concentrations of aluminum (Weiner, 1987). While much is known about the end results of Alzheimerââ¬â¢... ...illick, 1998). While at the present time little is known about the causes of Alzheimerââ¬â¢s and there is no existence of a cure, current research combined with the latest in technology is hopeful for a breakthrough. Not only are new drugs being developed, but also the possibility of vaccines are on the horizon. Keeping up with the latest clinical trials, findings and treatment options can be a challenge, but doing so can arm patients and caregivers with a powerful tool. Only through education and progress in research can this deadly disease become extinct. Works Cited: Alzheimerââ¬â¢s Association. (2005). What is Alzheimerââ¬â¢s disease? Retrieved March 30, 2005, from http://www.alz.org/AboutAD/WhatIsAD.asp Gillick, Muriel R. (1998). Tangled minds: understanding Alzheimerââ¬â¢s disease and other dementias. New York: Penguin Group. Gruetzner, Howard. (1988). Alzheimerââ¬â¢s: a caregiverââ¬â¢s guide and source book. New York: Stephen Kipper. U.S. Census Bureau. (2001). Sixty-five plus in the United States. Retrieved March 30, 2005, from http://www.census.gov/population/socdemo/statbriefs/agebrief.html Weiner, Michael A. (1987). Reducing the risk of Alzheimerââ¬â¢s. New York: Stein & Day.
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