Alzheimer's Disease Essay

Dementia of the Alzheimer’s type was first recorded in 1901, where German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer began a study on a fifty-year old woman he called Auguste D. He meticulously examined her actions and routines on a daily basis, and concluded that what was previously thought of as old-age senility, was actually a completely independent disorder, in and of itself. Alois recorded Auguste D’s for five years, until her death in 1906. The results of his study provided the structural framework for scientists and doctors to further the research of this disorder and create diagnostic criteria, which would later set Alzheimer’s disease apart from all other forms of cognitive impairments. Alzheimer’s Disease is categorized as degenerative neurological disorder that attacks specific areas of the brain, including the Cerebral Cortex and certain subcortical regions; mainly the Hippocampus. The areas, which are primarily affected, control crucial physiological elements such as memory, speech and basic motor functions. The neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease is defined by the development of Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Where these plaques and tangles eventually occur in all humans, as age progresses, the quantity is significantly higher in patient’s suffering from dementia; the rate in which they are produced, also greatly surmounts the natural production in a healthy individual. The amyloid plaques are dense, insoluble deposits of beta amyloid peptide that essentially surround a healthy neuron and kill it. This inhibits the transfer of electrical signals and information to cohesively commute between neurons, thus directly impairing the cognitive functions of the areas affected. The neurofibrillary ta... ... middle of paper ... ...the prevalence rates. Only 5% of all cases ever recorded have occurred to individuals between the ages of 50 and 65. It can be concluded that the development of Alzheimer’s disease, increases dramatically with the progression of age. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the hardest conditions to deal with; for the patient as well as their loved ones. It is nearly impossible to justify and comprehend the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and those who have had personal experience with the disease, can attest to the profound impact it has had on their lives. This disease is very hard to deal with, and it is important for people who fear that someone they love is developing symptoms, to seek professional aid and assistance immediately. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the many medical mysteries that plague our society and it can only be resisted by public awareness and knowledge.