Alzheimer´s Disease: Alzheimer's Disease
comparative Essay
1448 words
Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a type of dementia that is related to cognitive impairment in aging adults. In 1906 German physician Alois Alzheimer conducted an autopsy in his patient that had suffered from memory impairment and paranoia. Upon examining the patient’s brain he found significant changes in size and a number of atypical deposits around the nerve cells (Alzheimer's Association, 2014). It wasn’t until the 1970’s that increased awareness was brought to the disease. In 1980 the Alzheimer’s Association was founded and began rallying support for more research. Despite advances in modern medicine, Alzheimer’s continues to be a mysterious disease. While there are extensive clinical trials available to Alzheimer’s patients there has yet to be a cure discovered. The only certain risk factor for Alzheimer’s is aging. Aging is inevitable and therefore anyone could be at risk. Without continued research there will be no way to stop the high incidence of this disease that is sneaking in and robbing people of their precious memories. According to the 2009 census it was estimated that there were one hundred thousand people in the state of Tennessee that had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s (Alzheimer's Association, 2014). Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in Tennessee as well as in the United States. In 2013 it was estimated that approximately five million people in the United States has Alzheimer’s and of those, thirty-two percent are eighty-five or older (Alzheimer's Association, 2013). In 2012 Alzheimer’s was recognized by the World Health Organization as a public health priority. It estimated that there are more than thirty-five million people in the world with AD and that number could triple by 2... ... middle of paper ... ...erson loses more motor functions. Pain on movement becomes more significant as a result of immobility and stiffness of muscles and joints. The most common cause of death related to AD is aspiration pneumonia. This is caused by the person attempting to swallow and choking. The cardiovascular system eventually is unable to carry adequate oxygenated blood to the brain as brain atrophy intensifies. There is currently no cure available for Alzheimer’s Disease. Treatment is aimed at slowing the progression. With the aging baby boomer population, there is an increased need for better treatments and research. AD is quickly becoming a global crisis recognized by the World Health Organization. There is a great need for continued research into the prevention of AD. Perhaps in the near future there will be a better understanding as to why AD occurs and how it can be stopped.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that alzheimer's disease is related to cognitive impairment in aging adults. the german physician alois alzheimer conducted an autopsy in his patient that had suffered from memory impairment and paranoia.
- Explains that alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in tennessee and the united states. the most significant risk factor for the disease is advanced age.
- Explains that alzheimer's is a disease of the central nervous system that affects memory, motor function, and thought processing. there are two theories as to how apoe-4 contributes to ad.
- Concludes that a healthy lifestyle could drastically reduce the risk of developing alzheimer's.
- Explains that alzheimer's does not affect the cells of other body systems, but it does cause disruptions throughout the body. there is currently no cure for alzheimer’s disease.
Related
- explanatory
- comparative
- analytical
- Alzheimer's Diseaseexplanatory essayAlzheimer’s disease is described as a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person’s memory and clarity to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate, and carry out daily life. (r.1) Alzheimer’s is a disturbing disease affecting millions of elderly people. A person’s risk for the disease is fifty-percent when they reach the age of eighty-five.(r.1) Scientists have been studying the disease for many years now in hope to find answers to a cure for this depressive disease. The disease is persistently being studied with the hope of cures, and a better understanding of how one person can conquer Alzheimer’s disease.
In this essay, the author
- Describes alzheimer's disease as a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and clarity to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate, and carry out daily life.
- Explains that alzheimer's disease contains no known single cause. scientists are patiently studying every aspect of the disease in hope to establish a precise cause
- Explains that as one ages, brain cells begin to die off, causing permanent damage. scientists are hoping with the development of new technology we may finally determine a single cause for the alzheimer's disease.
- Explains that alzheimer's disease is a progressive form of dementia that gradually destroys memory, cognitive ability, and ability to fend for themselves.
- Explains that dementia has seven main stages, beginning with no cognitive impairment, then to mild cognitive decline, to moderate, severe, and finally to severe. the symptoms are easy to establish and extremely noticeable once past the first three stages.
- Explains how scientists have discovered a method to find out whether there are plaques and tangles in the brain through the use of the microscope.
- Explains that there is no known cure for alzheimer's disease, but there are medications used to slow down cognitive deterioration.
- Explains that alzheimer's disease progresses through time, and many don't develop it until their late seventies. there is no cure to stop the progression of alzheimer’s, only a series of pills to "delay" the severity.
- Explains that there is no solution to the prevention of alzheimer's. there are possible steps a patient can take in order to postpone the disease.
- Explains that the hippocampus and motor cotex are affected by alzheimer's disease.
- Explains alzheimer's disease is being studied with the hope of cures, and a better understanding of how one person can overcome it. the pain the family endures through watching their loved ones literally fade away will eventually ignite an ambitious attempt to finally cure this disease.
1428 wordsRead More - Alzheimer's Diseaseexplanatory essayAlzheimer's Disease is a condition that affects 50% of the population over the age of eighty five, which equals four million Americans each year. It is becoming an important and high-profile issue in today's society for everyone. There are rapid advancements being made in the fight against this disease now more than ever, and the purpose of this essay is to educate the public on the background as well as the new discoveries. There are many new drugs that are being tested and studied every day which slow down, and may even halt the progress of the disease.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that alzheimer's disease affects 50% of the population over the age of 85, which equals four million americans each year. rapid advancements are being made in the fight against this disease.
- Explains that alzheimer's disease is the most overdiagnosed and misdiagnosized mental disorder in older adults because it is often decided only by ruling out all other possibilities.
- Explains that alzheimer's disease is a dementing disorder marked by certain brain changes, regardless of the age of onset, that leads to the loss of mental and physical functions.
- Explains that the research into alzheimer's disease has come a long way since 1906 when it was discovered by alois alzheimer.
- Explains that the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain slows down the nerve impulses that send messages to and thereby causes behavioral and physical problems.
- Explains that the symptoms of alzheimer's are ambiguous, especially when dealing with older people with arthritis, strokes, or dementias.
- Explains that doctors estimate that the average progression from diagnosis to death is six to eight years, but can deviate to as much as two to twenty years. dr. stern claims his algorithm accurately predicts the timeline of the progression of alzheimer's disease.
- Explains that researchers have been working for years to discover a link between alzheimer's and genetics. major results are being published in this field which would enable doctors to fight this disease before onset.
- Explains that while some researchers are trying to identify a gene to prevent the disease, there have been some breakthroughs in terms of drug therapies to relieve symptoms.
- Explains that 1996 has set a near record for new discoveries. some researchers are studying ways to detect alzheimer's earlier, while others are trying to prevent the onset by finding ways
- Explains that the drug tacrine (trade name cognex) was approved by the fda for use with alzheimer's patients. the drug showed little improvement unless used in high doses.
- Explains that donepezil hydrochloride (trade name aricept) is used to treat mild to moderate cases of alzheimer's disease and increases acetylcholine levels in the brain.
- Explains that vitamin e has been unveiled as a possibility to combat the disease. research showed that the vitamin slowed progression by seven months when given to patients already displaying symptoms.
- Opines that there is hope for future alzheimer's sufferers as certain brain changes may be detectable up to forty years before the first manifestations of the disease.
- Explains that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, protect the nerve cells in the brain against damage.
- Explains that researchers are hypothesizing on possible causes of alzheimer's disease, such as chemical deficiencies and toxic excesses.
- Explains the emotional and financial burden that accompanies alzheimer's affliction. it is an agonizing process for the patient and the family because there is not much that can be done until fairly recently.
- Explains that alzheimer's causes over one-hundred thousand deaths each year in the united states, making it the fourth leading cause of death for adults.
- Cites kcc.com.msu.edu's cai/pathology, nimh.nih
- Describes the sources of information on alzheimer's disease.
- Explains that the date visited was march 28, 20092, gopher.nimh.hih
2399 wordsRead More - Alzheimer's Diseaseexplanatory essayAlzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is the lost of thinking, remembering and reasoning so bad it screws up ability to do daily functions and eventually resolves in death. Dr. Alois Alzheimer’s first discovered the disease in 1906. Since then research has developed a deeper understanding of the changes in the brain.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that alzheimer's disease is a progressive degenerative disease that affects the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking, and behavior.
- Describes the symptoms of alzheimer's disease, including memory loss, and how they can be remembered.
- Explains that the ninds, which is part of the national institute of neurological disorders and stroke, conducts research on alzheimer's disease.
- Explains that memory loss is one of the most common early signs of alzheimer's.
- Explains that people with alzheimer's disease can change a lot with age, such as being confused, suspicious, fearful, or dependent on family members.
1070 wordsRead More - Alzheimer’s Diseaseexplanatory essayAlzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition where the neurons degenerate in the brain, while the brain substance shrinks in volume. Alzheimer’s is also the number one cause of dementia. When it was first noticed, Alzheimer’s was thought to be a pre-senile disease, but now it is known to be responsible for seventy-five percent of the dementia cases in people over sixty-five years of age. Alzheimer’s disease usually causes several years of personal and intellectual decline until death. Because there is an increasing number of elderly citizens in the United States, research into the causes and possible cures for the disease is on the rise (1).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that neurofibrillary tangles are not exclusive to alzheimer's patients, but plaques in the brain are unique to down’s syndrome, and to a lesser degree, normal aging.
- Explains that alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition where the neurons degenerate in the brain, while brain substance shrinks in volume.
- Explains that the beta-amyloid protein has been studied extensively and is a transmembrane protein and receptor, but its actual function is unknown. alzheimer's disease cannot be diagnosed without examination of brain tissue.
- Explains that functional abnormalities in the amyloid precursor protein biochemical pathway may be causal in alzheimer's disease.
- Summarizes clayman, c. b., and sadock, h. i. on alzheimer's disease. the american medical association: encyclopedia of medicine, 1989.
- Explains that amyloid beta protein is involved in the causation of alzheimer's disease.
- Cites cohen, c. d., rosenberg, r. n. and cohen.
1671 wordsRead More - Alzheimer’s Diseaseexplanatory essayAlzheimer’s disease defined: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive, terminal, degenerative brain disease. It is the fourth leading cause of death in adults and currently affects over four million people in the United States. This number is expected to increase over the next several years as the baby boomers age, until it reaches fourteen million by the year 2025. Alzheimer disease generally occurs in people over seventy five years of age; however it does strike people in their forties, fifties, and sixties, but this is rare. When Alzheimer’s disease occurs prior to the age of sixty five, it is referred to as early onset Alzheimer’s.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that several medications are available that may, in some individuals, improve symptoms or temporarily slow the disease progress. other drugs are being tested and could be marketed in the near future.
- Explains that there is no quick and easy way to diagnose alzheimer's disease. a diagnosis can only be conclusively arrived at following autopsy of the brain.
- Explains that delirium produces confusion and disorientation, but in contrast to the dementia seen in alzheimer’s disease, it produces a clouding of consciousness.
- Explains that depression can produce symptoms common to alzheimer's disease such as: forgetfulness, difficulty making decisions, withdrawal, poor judgment, and irritable mood.
- Explains how alzheimer's disease can be divided into seven stages using the reisberg scale. these stages are helpful for understanding the progression of the disease and planning environments, programs, and interventions.
- Explains that alzheimer's disease sufferers and their family and friends are unaware that anything is wrong. during this stage, changes take place in the brain, much like cancer silently works.
- Explains that alzheimer's is a mild form of forgetfulness, which increases in frequency and intensity.
- Explains the denial or cover up stage, which is referred to as the early confusional stage. mild cognitive decline is evident to close family and friends.
- Explains that stage 4 is the late confusional stage. deficits are obvious and denial is intense. the person at this stage is confused about current events and unable to balance a checkbook.
- Explains that alzheimer's disease is a progressive, terminal, degenerative brain disease that affects over four million people in the united states.
- Explains that alzheimer disease is characterized by a gradual spread of sticky plaques and clumps of tangled fibers that disrupt the organization of nerve cells in the brain.
- Explains that alzheimer's disease is often used interchangeably with the term dementia, but these terms are not interchangeable. dementia is only a symptom of the disease, and it occurs only in the mid to late stages.
- Explains that dementia is the major symptom as alzheimer’s disease progresses through stages 5-7. dementia involves multiple cognitive thinking impairement.
- Explains that executive functioning impairments must be severe enough to significantly impact the individuals’ social or occupational functioning and must represent a decline from previous levels of functioning.
- Explains the cognitive decline and early dementia stages of alzheimer's patients. they can still make their needs known, though some may have expressive aphasia.
- Explains that the person in this stage is progressing backward and not forward as they progress through the disease. disciplinary action from the caregiver is not appropriate.
- Describes the end stage of alzheimer's disease, the failure to strive stage, which can last 5-7 years. the person in this stage is aware of only the immediate present, cannot make their needs known, and cannot recognize familiar people.
- Explains that people with alzheimer's disease become confused, restless, upset, and disoriented during the evening.
- Explains that communication is a major concern in living with or caring for indivudals with alzheimer's disease.
2552 wordsRead More - Alzheimer's Disease Essaycomparative essayThe elderly population is expected to increase by 19% within the next 17 years. As the population of individual’s age 65 and older continues to grow, the number of people living with dementia will continue to increase as well. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative disorder that attacks neurons within the brain, which results in memory loss, cognitive decline, impaired language skills and changes in behavior. The onset of Alzheimer’s disease is slow. In its early stage, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may have memory and learning impairments, problems with concentration, tend to lose valuable objects and begin having trouble planning and organizing. In the moderate stage of the disease the memory loss continues and he or she may have difficulty performing complex tasks such as paying bills and often times is confused about where they are and what day it is. Individuals who are in the latter or severe stage of the disease will see their memory continue to worsen, exhibit personality changes and will need extensive help with daily living activities.
In this essay, the author
- Explains alzheimer's disease is a progressive degenerative disorder that attacks neurons within the brain, which results in memory loss, cognitive decline, impaired language skills, and changes in behavior.
- Explains that the brain contains billions of nerve cells and arteries that nourish the mind with blood and oxygen. in an alzheimer's patient, the way the electrical charge travels and the activity of neurotransmitters are affected.
- Explains that studies have been conducted to determine the etiology of alzheimer’s disease but no clear cause has been established. there is evidence that suggests certain risk factors that may contribute to the development of the disease.
- Explains the risk factors for ad include age, genetics, hypertension, diabetes, and poor oral health. poor oral hygiene can cause gingival inflammation and destruction of the alveolar bone.
- Explains the etiology of pdd, which involves the presence of pathogenic bacteria found in dental plaque in the oral cavity of a human host.
- Suggests that bacteria from the periodontal pocket travels into the trigeminal nerve causing an inflammatory reaction. inflammation appears to be higher in patients with alzheimer’s disease.
- Proposes that inflammation related to pd may contribute to risk factors of ad. current studies found that individuals who don't brush their teeth or follow up with routine dental care are more at risk.
759 wordsRead More - Alzheimer’s diseaseexplanatory essayAlzheimer’s disease is a brain disease that gradually destroys the patients memory and as well as their thinking skills. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the 6th main causes of death. (3,6) Dr. Alois Alzheimer; whom is the one Alzheimer’s disease is named after, noticed in 1906 changes in the tissue of the brain of a female who apparently died of an unusual mental illness. (3) During Alzheimer’s neurons in the brain will eventually lose the ability to function and communicate with one another, the neurons will then eventually die. The parts, in which are affected during this time begin to decrease in size. Alzheimer's disease is a Dementia. (3) Dementia is the great loss of cognitive functioning. Dementia is a group of symptoms, not the disease itself. Some of the cognitive functions a patient, lose their ability to think, remember, and a sense of reasoning. Scientists are not yet sure of the causes of Alzheimer’s disease. Many experiments have been done and many hypotheses have been tested pertaining this subject. There are also different stages of Alzheimer’s. (2) One of them is Early...
In this essay, the author
- Explains alzheimer's disease is a brain disease that gradually destroys the patients memory and as well as their thinking skills.
- Explains that the increasing age of people with alzheimer's is a major risk factor for the disease.
- Explains that alzheimer's is the 5th leading cause of death for those ages 65 and older. the american society spends more than $203 billion to care for these patients.
616 wordsRead More - Alzheimer´s Disease: Causes In An Alzheimer's Diseaseexplanatory essayAlzheimer’s disease, also known as irreversible dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder which progresses slowly over the years and ultimately leads to death of the person. Its symptoms include cognitive decline, forgetfulness, inability to recognize family members or carry out normal activities, depression, mood swings, lack of a coordinated muscle movement .In the later stages inactivity combined with appetite loss and weak immune state makes the disease a fatal one. Earlier it was believed to be an age-related decline in brain function but Dr.Alois Alzheimer’s report in 1906 proved that it was much more than just an age-related disorder. He observed the presence of plaques and tangles and also the disappearance of many nerve cells from the brain tissues he had studied1. These were believed to be the cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that neurofibrillary tangles are made up of a protein called ‘tau’, also called microtubule associated protein.
- Explains that tau protein promotes nerve sprouting, which leads to new connections between nerve cells, and compensates for lost connections due to impaired transport system. if tau can be dephosphorylated by phosphatases, a cure could be developed.
- Explains that brain inflammation is the body's way of defense against harmful pathogens. neuroinflammation occurs in alzheimer brain where the brain’s immune cells (microglia) become overactive and produce such substances that leads to the death of the cells.
- Explains that people with fad tend to have mutations in one of the three genes, namely the app gene and two presenilin genes (psen-1 and psen-2).
- Explains that four newly identified genes, clu, picalm, cr1, and bin1, act as risk factors, probably by impairing the elimination of the excess a protein, thus leading to its accumulation.
- Explains alzheimer's disease, also known as irreversible dementia, is a neurodegenerative disorder that progresses slowly over the years and ultimately leads to death.
- Explains that plaques, observed by dr.alzheimer, are actually made up of amyloid beta, in short a protein, which are derived from app.
- Explains that reactive oxygen species (ros) are by-products of metabolism and when they accumulate in the cells in amounts which can't be completely nullified by the antioxidants, they become toxic. accumulation of a-beta protein seems to increase oxidative stress itself.
- Explains that the apoe gene is involved in the regulation of apolipoprotein e.
1012 wordsRead More - Alzheimer’s Diseaseanalytical essayAlzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease is a disease of the future. With the growing aged population, this disease, which affects primarily the elderly, will become of increasing relevance to the medical profession. Also, the high frequency of Alzheimer’s, and the high cost in labor, money, and material of caring for its victims shall put considerable burden on the society as a whole. Here, however, these issues are not going to be debated. Instead the pathology of Alzheimer’s will be reviewed to the extent it is known today.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the hallmarks of alzheimer's brain, such as cerebral cortical atrophy, senile plaques, neurofibrillar tangles and granulovacuolar changes.
- Opines that alzheimer's disease will become a household topic unless preventative cure or treatment is found, and that euthanasia, nursing home care, the ethics of treatment and treating will likely become the overshadowing topics of health care.
- Argues that alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease that affects between 5 and 15 percent of people over 65.
- Explains the neurochemical aspects of alzheimer's disease, and the mechanisms of its pathogenesis.
1162 wordsRead More - Alzheimer's Music Therapyexplanatory essay“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 behavioral changes” (Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 2014). AD is a debilitating disease that interferes with the individual’s quality of life and often causes distress to the loved ones around them. The cause of AD is unknown; however, there are some factors that put individuals at risk for developing AD such as: age (gre...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the united states, with a new case of ad diagnosed every 70 seconds.
- Explains that alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes.
- Explains black phd, rn, b., and penrose-thompson ma (2012), music as a theurapeutic resource.
- States phaneuf, m. music as a nursing intervention, not as crazy as it sounds.
- Describes the results of a group music intervention using tzai-li and watson.
- Explains that music brings pleasure, relaxation, and remembrance. it affects the parasympathetic nervous system, which has a therapeutic effect on the individual. music therapy can be used in almost any location.
- Explains that music therapy has been integrated into the treatment of ad because it can potentially relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety without producing adverse effects.
- States that music therapy is becoming a more recognized treatment of ad because of the benefits it provides not only to the patient with ad but their loved ones as well.
- Explains that music therapy has been integrated into the treatment of alzheimer's disease, but it has some barriers and is still relatively new in the clinical setting.
1525 wordsRead More