The Alzheimer's Disorder - Research Paper Example

? Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer is a neurological disorder caused by death of brain cells. The disease is common among aged citizens and is the sixth largest cause of death in the US. The beta-amyloid plaque in brains cells hinders neurotransmission processes and leads to decline in memory abilities. The risk factors for Alzheimer include genetic factors, lifestyle and environmental factors that entail cardiovascular complications like stroke, depression, high blood pressure and certain lifestyle factors like diet, smoking and lack of social engagement. Some symptoms include decline in memory and cognitive abilities of the affected individual. This paper will discuss the causes of Alzheimer, its prevalence, the risk factors, signs and symptoms of the disease. The paper will also look at the prevention and treatment options available to the affected people. Alzheimer’s disease Introduction Ballenger (2006) asserts that Alzheimer is the most common form of dementia that leads to memory loss and cognitive decline. Alzheimer is a neurological disorder associated with degeneration of brain cells among individuals aged 65 years and above. The gradual loss of brain cells results from tangles in nerve cells and beta-amyloid plaques that develop in the brain. Some risk factors that contribute to the disease include having a history of high blood pressure, trauma and stress. Ballenger (2006) asserts that “some symptoms of the disease as memory loss, impaired thinking, changes in personality and disorientation thus ultimately contributes to decline in cognitive functioning and damage of brain cells in the cerebral cortex, p 89. Medical scientists assert that Alzheimer is caused by a combination of lifestyle, genetic and environmental factors that impair the brain over time. However, less than 5 percent of the cases result from genetic changes. In the US, more than 5 million people aged 65 years and above are believed to be living with the disease. According to the 2013 statistical report of Alzheimer’s Association, one-tenth of the citizens aged 65 years and above suffer from the disease while one-third of the citizens aged 85 years and above are living with the disease. According to the Association, the disease accounts for over 60 percent of all cases of dementia (Morgan & Carrasquillo, 2013). Alzheimer disease statistics It is estimated than 5 million Americans of all ages are suffering from the disease with an approximately 200,000 under the age of 65 suffering from the disease. One-tenth of people aged 65 years and above is suffering from the disease while one-third of the people aged more than 85 years old have Alzheimer’s disease (Morgan & Carrasquillo, 2013). The prevalence of the disease among women is high than in men since two-thirds of the individuals suffering from the disease are women (Morgan & Carrasquillo, 2013). The deaths attributed to the disease increased by 68 percent between 2000 and 2010 while those attributed to other heart-related diseases declined by 16 percent. The number of people living with Alzheimer is estimated to increase by 40 percent to 7.1 million by 2050 (Morgan & Carrasquillo, 2013). Currently, the disease is the sixth largest cause of death in the US. The causes of Alzheimer disease Alzheimer is a neurodegenerative disease that is caused by death of brain cells that happens over a long period of time. According to Dash and Villemarette-Pittman (2005), the postmortem or autopsies of victims of the disease often show tiny inclusions of in the nerve tissue thus suggesting the disease leads to death of the brain cells. Genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that lead to death of brain cells thus leading to memory loss and decline in cognitive functioning of the individual (Welsh, 2006). Risk factors One of the risk factors that lead to Alzheimer is family history and genetics of an individual. Risk genes and deterministic genes influence the likelihood of developing the disease (Welsh, 2006). The risk genes is the apolipoprotein E-e4 and influences about 25 percent of the case of the disease while the deterministic gene guarantees that anyone with the gene will suffer from the disease. The deterministic genes include three proteins that are Presenilin,-1 (PS -1), Preselinin-2 (PS -2) and amyloid precursor protein (APP). The disease results from the deterministic genes variations that occur in few extended families that account for less than 5 percent of the disease cases in the world (Dash &Villemarette-Pittman, 2005). Researchers have unearthed links between late-onset Alzheimer and other genes such as TREM2 gene that regulates inflammation in brain (Welsh, 2006). Rare variants of TREM2 gene in brain increases the risk of Alzheimer since this hinder proper functioning oif neurons and memory formation. Age is an unavoidable risk factor since most of the cases are reported among citizens aged more than 65 years old. Lifestyle factors such as diet, mental stimulants and social disengagement increase the chances of getting the disease. Medical scientists studying cognitive decline, high blood pressure and heart diseases have identified lifestyle factors as a risk factor that may lead to Alzheimer. Lack of regular physical exercise, smoking, and excessive intake of alcohol increases the chances of Alzheimer and high blood pressure (Ballenger, 2006). Diabetes, sleep disorders and high cholesterol may induce severe trauma that will lead to dementia. People who experience depression in their later life have significant chances of developing dementia especially if the depression degenerates to stroke (Wegrzyn & Rudolph, 2012). Cardiovascular diseases associated with the ‘metabolic syndrome’ hinders the flow of blood to the brain cells thus leading to decline in cognitive and memory activities (Dawbarn & Allen, 2007). People with fewer years of education have a higher likelihood of developing the disease than those with more years of schooling and education. Medical researchers point out that education builds a ‘cognitive reserve’ that allows them to deal with symptoms such as depression and decline in memory (Albert & Logsdon, 2010). Many years of education stimulates the cognitive capabilities thus increasing the communications between the neurons. At the same time, social engagement stimulates the biological processes associated with physical strength and muscle tone thus lowering the risk of the disease (Dawbarn & Allen, 2007). Individuals who do not engage in social activities and physical exercises are more likely to suffer from symptoms such as high blood pressure, depression and memory decline thus increasing the chances of suffering from Alzheimer. In addition, environmental factors like high levels of Aluminum in the brain, reduction in social activities and mental activities (Ballenger, 2006). Doctors have noted that microscopic examinations identity two hallmark observations that identify the disease. The first is the plaque that entails clumps of beta-amyloid protein that hinders cell-to-cell communication thus leading to death of brain cells. The second observation is the tangles that entail twisted threads of tau protein. The brains cells require nutrients that are and other materials for survival thus tangling of the tau protein leads to death of the brain cells (Dawbarn & Allen, 2007). Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Alzheimer starts with the development of symptoms and new medical technologies have the capability of identifying the brain changes that occur to the individual (Dawbarn & Allen, 2007). The earliest stages of the disease are characterized by cerebrospinal fluid that leads to Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The next stages are associated with decline in memory functioning while the final stages lead to are associated with death of the brain cells. The early symptoms of the disease may result from degenerative disorders such as brain tumor, vitamin disorders and epilepsy. Metabolic ailments like dehydration, liver failure and hypothyroidism may be evident in early stage of the disease (Albert & Logsdon, 2010). The main signs and symptoms of Alzheimer are associated with difficulties in mental functions such as memory, perception, cognitive skills and language. Mild cognitive impairment will lead to difficulties in multi-tasking, forgetting recent events and difficulties in solving simple problems (Knowles, 2003). In this case, people suffering from the disease are likely to get lost on familiar routes, misplace objects, and encounter difficulties in reading or writing (Dawbarn & Allen, 2007). The individual may experience poor understanding that leads to poor judgments especially in safety risks. Impairment and difficulties in reading and writing are evidenced by errors in speeches and making hesitation before pronouncing common words (Hooper, 2000). Impaired visuospatial abilities such as sight problems hinders the individual from recognizing common objects and operating simple machines such as ironing clothes (Albert & Logsdon, 2010). Another common symptom is change in behavior and personality as reflected by continuous mood swings, social withdrawal and decline in motivation. (stages of Alzheimer disease development) Tests and diagnosis of Alzheimer The tests of Alzheimer entail collecting the family and medical history including both the behavioral and cognitive changes of the patient. The tests assess the neurological health such as the muscle tone, coordination, balance, sense of sight and reflexes. Adela (2005) has noted that lab tests identify the thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and causes of memory loss. Physicians conduct magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and computed tomography (CT) scans to identify the disease at its advanced stages. Brain imaging will pinpoint abnormalities such as trauma, tumors and stroke that may leads to cognitive change in the brain. According to Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and the Alzheimer’s Association, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) will create images of amyloid plaque in the brain and is useful for aged individuals who demonstrate signs of unexplained memory problems and cognitive decline (Taylor, 2007). Currently, physicians use the biomarker tests to identify the density of beta-amyloid accumulation in the brains and the neurons that are actually degenerating (Dawbarn & Allen, 2007). Some similar conditions that may be confused with Alzheimer include anxiety, depression, vitamin deficiency and thyroid infections. The medical tests should be conducted in order to rule out chronic infections, brain tumor, intoxication for medicine and thyroid disease (Adela, 2005) . Treatment and prevention of Alzheimer There is no absolute and scientifically proven cure for the disease and care of patients involves therapeutic interventions that aim at managing the symptoms associated with the disease (Hooper, 2000). The first treatment is the pharmacologic treatment that is used to treat symptoms such as malfunction of the neurons in the brain. The U.S Food and Drug Administration has approved drugs that improve neurotransmitters in the brain thus reducing the rate of brain cell death (Taylor, 2007). Drugs such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors help in maintaining acetylcholine levels in the brain in order to facilitate communication in nerve cells. The physicians will also prescribe drugs that will improve cognitive functioning, and control other disorders such as depression and sleep disturbances (Dawbarn & Allen, 2007). Cognitive stimulation therapies are used in improving the memory and stimulating the sensory capabilities of the patient. The exercises will aid in improving the learning capabilities, and deal with the memory problems. Multisensory stimulation such as music, aromatherapy and massage will improve the quality of life while engaging in meaningful activities such as community activities will provide the necessary social support (Kelly, 2008). Taylor (2007) asserts that the risk of developing Alzheimer can be prevented through controlling the risk lifestyle factors such as smoking and taking excess alcohol in order to minimize the chances of developing high blood pressure and depression. Another method of minimizing the risk factors is engaging in stimulating activities such as life-long learning, stimulating jobs, frequent social activities and mentally challenging activities like playing musical instruments. The immediate family must provide essential family care in order to prevent complications such as bedsores, violent behavior, dehydration and infections such as pneumonia (Brown, 2008). Conclusion The research paper concludes that Alzheimer is a form of dementia that is associated with death of brain cells and decline in memory capabilities especially among people aged more than 65 years. It is the common form of dementia and sixth largest cause of death in the US. More than 5 million people are currently suffering with the disease with a majority of them being women. The disease is caused by a combination of several risks factors that include genetics, environmental and lifestyle factors. Degenerative disorders such as brain tumor, epilepsy, and metabolic ailments like hypoglycemia and vitamin deficiencies increased the likelihood of suffering from the disease. Lack of physical exercises and social engagement may lead to depression, stroke and ultimately degeneration of memory abilities. Genes like APOE- e4 increases the risk of developing the disease. The disease leads to accumulation of beta amyloid and tau amyloid proteins in brains thus hindering the functioning of the nerve cells. Symptoms of the disease include memory lapses, hallucinations, behavioral change, poor judgment, difficult in doing simple tasks, depression and difficulties in communicating. Neuropsychological tests and advanced brain imaging techniques such as Magnetic Imaging resonance and CT scans can be used to identify the density of beta-amyloid accumulation in the brain and dead cells in the brain. Currently, physicians use Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to identify images of amyloid plaque in the brain and conduct other blood tests to ensure that the systems are not identical to those of other disorders. In this case, I conclude that Alzheimer is a serious neurological disorder that requires adequate prevention measures such as early diagnosis in order to control the impact of the symptoms through multisensory therapies and psychological therapies. Individuals must control the risk factors in order to minimize the likelihood of suffering from the disease. References: Adela, S. (2005). Alzheimer’s disease. London: Greenhaven Press. Albert, S.M & Logsdon, R.G. (2010). Assessing quality of life in Alzheimer’s disease. New York: Springer Publishing. Ballenger, J.F. (2006). Self, senility, and Alzheimer’s disease in modern America: a history. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. Brown, R.A. (2008). Alzheimer’s disease: unraveling the mystery. Bethesda: National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health. Dash, P & Villemarette-Pittman, N. (2005). Alzheimer’s disease. New York: Demos Medical Publications, LLC. Dawbarn, D & Allen, S.J. (2007). Neurology of Alzheimer’s disease: molecular and cellular neurobiology. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Hooper, N.M. (2000). Alzheimer’s disease: methods and protocols. New Jersey: Humana Press. Kelly, E.B. (2008). Alzheimer’s disease. New York: Chelsea House Publishers. Knowles, R. (2003). Alzheimer’s disease. London: Prentice Hall. Morgan, K & Carrasquillo, M.M. (2013). Genetic variants in Alzheimer’s disease. Dordrecht: Springer. Taylor, R. (2007). Alzheimer’s from the Inside out. New York: Health Professional Press. Wegrzyn, R.D & Rudolph, A.S. (2012). Alzheimer’s disease: targets for new clinical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. New York: CRC Press. Welsh, E.M. (2006). New research on Alzheimer;s disease. New York: Nova Science Publishers. Appendix 1 Stages of Alzheimer development Read More