Preventing Alzheimer's - Essay Example

Your Due Preventing Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s Disease is an acquired disorder leading to behavioral and cognitive impairments that can interfere extremely in social functioning and is the most common form of dementia striking, both, elderly and, on occasion, middle age Americans. It presently is affecting approximately 5.4 million people n this country and is estimated to effect more than twice that number by the year 2050.(Anderson, and Hoffmann) There is nothing more precious to most people than the memories of the lives they have lived, the people they have shared it with, and all the details that make us the individuals that we are. Alzheimer’s and other sever dementia disorders threaten to take all of those things away. This disease does not solely affect the sufferer, but can have a profoundly disturbing effect on the families and caregivers of the Alzheimer’s patient. It can be unbelievably difficult for family members of sufferers to watch someone they care about degrade from the strong intuitive people they once were into someone who is a stranger, lost in their own homes and trapped in their own fading memories. Parents that no longer recognize their own children or grandparents that no longer know their own spouse of fifty years can be devastating. That is why understanding, treating, and entirely preventing the development of Alzheimer’s is absolutely imperative. This disease, not only, affects the body it steals your sense of self identity. To be clear, everyone shows a certain amount of decline in memory and cognitive ability as they age. This is a completely natural occurrence. However, there are individuals well into their 80’s that seem barely affected, while others can suffer far greater memory and cognitive loss at a much younger age makes a definitive statement concerning the disorder. Simply put,”...Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging.”("The Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation") This condition goes well beyond the normal degradation expected to appear as we age. That said, if it is not a normal, unavoidable part of the human aging, then it must be possible to eliminate it from effecting so many within the population and there must be a cause that can be addressed. Given the seriousness of this condition and its continual persistence within society finding ways to treat and prevent the disease is paramount. Unfortunately there are no current cures available but there are many suggestions as to how to prevent developing the disease. It has been determined that certain people carry a particular genetic mutation that can lead directly to the development of Alzheimer’s, so for a portion of the population prevention may be more difficult.(Kolata ) However, what we learn from these individuals may be a huge contribution into solving its origins and finding potential treatments. For the remaining population, where the development of the disease seems unfortunately random, there are many suggestions that can lower the risks of becoming a sufferer. One can lower the likelihood of developing the disorder by taking the same steps that are taken to avoid heart disease. Studies have shown that the same factors, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excessive weight, and diabetic issues, which can contribute to poor heart health can, also, lead to Alzheimer’s Disease.("Mayo Clinic") The Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation had suggested that there are “4 Pillars” in the holistic approach to preventing the disorder. Again, they admit there are no guarantees, but following these steps is ideally essential in reducing your risk factor. The first is to, simply, get the proper amount of rest and nutrition on a regular basis. A diet involving large amounts of fruits and vegetables, consuming fish on a weekly basis, and avoiding foods high in trans and saturated fats will help you balance the body’s health.("Time Magazine-Health" 2) The second, involves controlling stress levels. Finding proper stress reduction techniques is instrumental in lowering chances of developing Alzheimer’s. The third “pillar” is exercise. Regular exercise will lower your risk of facing Alzheimer’s, as well as, benefit your overall health. The fourth and final “pillar’ is the right medications, particularly, hormones. The loss and changes of hormones in the body, that occur naturally as we grow older, can contribute to dementia disorders.("The Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation") Current studies have determined that it has been a long-time misunderstanding that the aging and elderly lose their ability to learn and retain information This myth that has developed generationally is, simply not true. Some people well into their 90s still have the potential to continue to learn new concepts and continue to contribute intellectually. In fact recent studies have determined that they brain possesses a certain level of plasticity. Meaning that their brains allow for new neuron development and new connections in the brain to be made, regardless of age. This means that, in fact, the ability to learn new things is not simply a luxury of the youthful. This does not mean doing s puzzle everyday or reading the encyclopedia will guarantee the avoidance of Alzheimer’s, but under the best circumstances you may be able to keep the brain functioning at an optimum capacity well into its nineties.("Time Magazine-Health" 1) The more recent and inspiring research that is encouraging current scientists in the field were detailed in an article in The New York Times. The study concerns a rare gene mutation that provides the greatest evidence to date that excessive amounts of beta-amyloid, a substance normally found in the brain, may be the force behind Alzheimer’s Disease.(Kolata) It is hoped that that further research will yield anti-amyloid drugs that will be developed that may treat and, possibly, prevent the disorder altogether. Dr. Samuel Gandy, director of the Mount Sinai Center for Cognitive Health and an Alzheimer’s Researcher, stated that these current discoveries are,…”the most significant in the field in two decades.”(qtd. in Kolata) The discovery of the gene that leads to Alzheimer’s in patients who inherit it and the correlation of the excessive amounts of beta-amyloid, only strengthens the research that controlling the beta-amyloid levels can treat and potentially prevent the condition. However, this does not explain every case of Alzheimer’s, but it does show promising potentials for many Alzheimer’s sufferers and possible sufferers in the future. Presently, there are still no absolutes in the realm of Alzheimer’s disease, but with the levels of bold current research the prognosis of those who may be likely to develop the condition is much brighter than ever before. Current Alzheimer Research is a journal dedicated to the research and studies concerning dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders. In their fifth year they are a definitive resource in furthering public understanding, treatments, and preventions of Alzheimer’s Disease. It is the contribution of such dedicated literary organizations that help to keep the research current and not allow the subject to fall on the backburner.(Lahiri ) In the meantime, following the suggestions of proper diet, exercise, and maintaining your general overall health are the greatest personal contributions that all individuals can make. More importantly, one must continually positively stimulate their mind regardless of age will be beneficial. Taking the time to find effective ways to handle the stressful lives that we all experience in this day and age is essential. If one combines all of the suggestive preventions then it is very likely that you will be able to stave off the affects of the condition and live a longer, healthier life, with all your important memories and faculties intact. Works Cited "Alzheimer's Disease-Prevention." The Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 Jan. 2011. Web. 14 Jul 2012. . Anderson, Heather S., and Michael Hoffmann. "Alzheimer Disease." Medscape Reference. WebMD, 12 Apr. 2012. Web. 14 Jul 2012. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1134817-overview "The Four Pillars to Alzheimer’s Prevention-Al Holistic Medicine Approach." The Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation. ARPF, 2011. Web. 14 Jul 2012. . Kolata, Gina. "In Preventing Alzheimer's, Mutation May Aid Drug Quest." New York Times 11 July 2012, n. pag. Web. 14 Jul. 2012. . Lahiri, Debomoy K. "Current Alzheimer Research." National Institute of Mental Health. 6.1 (2009): n. page. Web. 14 Jul. 2012. . "Staying Sharp: Can You Prevent Alzheimer's Disease." Time Magazine-Health. 8 Jan 2006: 1-3. Web. 15 Jul. 2012. . Read More