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Overview of Alzheimer's Disease

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Alzheimer’s is a disease that destroys the memory and other important brain functions. Alzheimer's is a disease where the brain cells die; which also can cause other brain cells to become disconnected, the result is progressive memory loss and mental breakdown. These chemical breakdowns are enough to interfere with normal everyday activities. The leading cause of Alzheimer’s is dementia, which are several brain disorders that cause social and intellectual skills. The disease affects not only the person but it also affects the family members and friends close to the person. Alzheimer’s (Mayo Clinic, 2013). There are seven stages of Alzheimer’s, Stage one no impairment: the person shows no signs of deterioration and does not present any symptoms of the disorder. Stage two very mild decline: the person will show mild memory loss but larger symptoms will not present themselves. Stage three mild decline: family and friends start to notice difficulties in memory and performing everyday tasks. Stage four moderate decline: at this point a medical examination will uncover several symptoms of Alzheimer's. Stage five moderately severe decline: the memory gaps are noticeable and the person will start needing help with daily activities. Stage six severe decline: the memory continues to get worsen and friends and family members are hard to recognize. Stage seven very severe decline: the person loses the ability to respond to their environment, everyday task become difficult and memory is basically gone (Alzheimer’s Association, 2014). Epidemiology It is estimated that 4.5 million American adults suffer from Alzheimer's disease, it is also estimated that every 67 seconds a new case of Alzheimer’s in the U.S. One in twenty people over the ... ... middle of paper ... ...imer’s disease. (2013, January 19). In Mayo Clinic. Retrieved February 19, 2014 Seven Stages of Alzheimer's . (2014). In Alzheimer's Association . Retrieved March 11, 2014, from http://www.alz.org/ Who is Affected by Alzheimer's Disease. (2009, September 29). In Alzheimer's Europe. Retrieved March 11, 2014, from http://www.alzheimer-europe.org/ Alzheimer's Disease Frequently asked Questions (2006, January). In New York State Department of Health. Retrieved March 19, 2014 Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Fact Sheet. (2014, March 20). In U.S Department of health and Human Services. Retrieved March 20, 2014, from http://www.nia.nih.gov Treatments. (2014). In Alzheimer's Society. Retrieved March 20, 2014, from http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ The Latest Outlook on Alzheimer's. (2014). In U.S News Health. Retrieved March 20, 2014, from http://health.usnews.com
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