Alzheimers Disease: Its History, Effects, Treatments and Social Implications - Essay Example

Donna Purcell Order #653201 20 March Alzheimer’s Disease: Its History, Effects, Treatments and Social Implications Introduction “Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder; its prevalence is increasing along with population longevity, and there is no cure for the disease so far” (Herrera-Rivero and Aranda-Abreu 1986-2010). Nevertheless, the research and information continues as well as search for better treatments to improve the patient and the caregivers’ quality of life. Frequently people find that a loved one, parent, friend or elderly relative can’t remember names or faces, recognize common objects or talk in recognizable sentences. Alzheimer’s Disease is a growing social and medical concern that affects more than 4 million people in the US alone. It not only affects the person with the disease; it also impacts the caregiver or person watching the advancement in the person (Reger 2002). It is described as a degenerative disorder that “attacks the brain and leads to dementia” (Reger 2002). The cognitive centers of the brain are attacked which causes memory loss and no ability to comprehend normal situations, questions or statements. The disease progresses to the point of diminished social contact and inability to care for oneself. The disease can last as long as 20 years or more and symptoms usually show up between the ages of 65 and 85. Since there is no cure for AD, it progresses until death. The disease can afflict people as young as 45 and is called “early onset” when it occurs at an early age (Reger 2002). The following information will describe history of the disease, what happens in the brain, effects and treatment, and social and health implications. History of Alzheimer’s Disease Where did the disease get its name? Alzheimer’s was discovered by Alois Alzheimer in 1907. However, it did not become a major illness until the 1970s. Documentation of a case of a woman in her 50s who showed signs of cognitive disorders, memory loss, language confusion and social interaction loss was recorded. After she passed away, Alzheimer performed an autopsy of her brain. He used a silver staining technique and was able to view the existence of neurons. He was able to see abnormal formations; these are now called “senile plaques” and “neurofibrillary tangles” (Reger 2002). Alzheimer was able to make an assumption that these lesions, as he called them, may have been the cause of the patient’s death. The disease was later named after Alzheimer, as more people being diagnosed with symptoms of his findings proved his theory valid. Before 1907, scientists and non-scientists saw dementia as a natural symptom of getting old. Senility was also seen as a natural part of the aging process (Reger 2002). Alzheimer’s disease did not suddenly appear; it became recognized as a different disease in 1907. However, it was no widely accepted as an illness and the term Alzheimer’s not used until the late 1970s. The concentration of neurological research in the 1970s helped give recognition to the disease and its name (Reger 2002). By 1985, the Alzheimer’s Association was created and the disease was accepted as a disorder rather than a normal aging process. However, it is still considered a risk of age. Effects and Brain Disruption People with AD gradually suffer memory loss, loss of thinking abilities, and major personality changes. What causes these changes? There is a buildup of amyloid plaques and tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles that cause brain cells to die. The link between these cells is also broken down. These two showings in the brain, amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, are the diagnoses of Alzheimer’s (Alzinfo.org 2012). What are plaques? Plaques are a thick protein and cellular substance on the outside and around the brain’s nerve cells. What are tangles? These consist of fibers that are twisted inside the nerve cells (Alzinfo.org 2012). The deposits known as amyloid are believed by most scientists to trigger symptoms that lead to Alzheimer’s. Therefore, amyloid is found to be one of the critical targets for treatment. Genetic study of amyloid has found that mutations of APP, PSI, PS2 and APOE e4 genes cause some cases of Alzheimer’s. These identified genes are found to begin amyloid accumulation in most cases (Alzinfo.org 2012). Progression of the disease will show that nerve cells in some brain areas shrink and die. This includes cells that would normally produce needed neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that take brain signals from one nerve cell (neuron) to another. Alzheimer’s patients show a decrease in acetylcholine, the needed neurotransmitter. The brain is the only organ in the body that cannot repair its cells, therefore, when nerve cells die the brain shrinks and the wrinkles on its surface become smooth (Alzinfo.org 2012). Treatments of the Disease There has been extensive research on Alzheimer’s Disease. Genetic research in 1991 found linkages to genetic background. Mutations in APP caused early onset of AD around the B-amyloid region of the precursor protein. Research confirms that AD includes widespread degeneration of the plaques containing the B-amyloid and tau rich neurofibrillary tangles. Down’s syndrome has displayed many of the same neuropathological features as AD patients do. Therefore, these patients sometimes develop dementia early in life (Suh and Checler 2002). In an article by Glenn Allen in October 2011, accumulation of an abnormal substance called A-beta, leads to the beginning of amyloid and damage to tissues of the brain. The formation of this A-beta was studied and Anatabine appears to lower levels of two of these forms. Allen contends that administering Anatabine in a dose-dependent manner possibly prevents or reduces the formation of the precursor protein. So far research has only been applied to mice, but it appears that Anatabine has effective potential to be an anti-inflammatory agent for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The active ingredient Anatabine citrate is an active substance in Anatabloc, a dietary supplement that has been on the market since August 2011 (Allen 2011). The research shows that the “natural plant compound shows an interesting regulatory effect on brain immune responses” (Allen 2011). Human clinical studies of Anatabine citrate as well as the product Anatabloc are researching its future as a nutritional supplement in Alzheimer’s patients. As stated earlier, treatments and applications that target amyloid formation is the current focus of Alzheimer’s treatment (Allen 2011). Can Alzheimer’s be prevented? There is a constant struggle with causes, prevention and detection of the illness; however, there are some tips to help if certain risk factors are present. Since there may be a link between the disease and genetics, it’s important to stay active both physically and mentally. Research justifies that exercise and cognitive function go hand in hand. Keeping your mind active with intellectual stimulation can help with neurological degeneration. Such things as reading, crossword puzzles, and intellectual games can help prevent the disease (“Alzheimer’s Treatment” 2012). Vitamin supplements can also help after the age of 50. These are recommended for those that feel they are in the high-risk group. Vitamin E and C should be taken once per day and twice per day if a memory lapse is noticed. Also, Vitamin B12 and folate are shown to be brain protective vitamins and keep homocysteine at normal levels. A diet of no animal fat and high fish oil can help lower cholesterol as well. This can improve cognitive functions as well as Omega 3 fatty acids, as these are directly related to mental function. Females have been shown to be at higher risk for the disease. Estrogen replacement after menopause is essential to prevent the disease (“Alzheimer’s Treatment” 2012). The simplest way to prevent the disease is to eat healthy. Maintaining a low fat and low cholesterol diet rich in foods like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and leafy green vegetables provide essential vitamins. Alzheimer’s patients are sometimes deficient in a healthy diet that is needed to prevent the disease. A good balanced diet is essential for anyone who wants a healthy body and mind (“Alzheimer’s Treatment” 2012). Social and Public Care Understanding the aging US population is to better understand the presence and impact of how dementia will affect the future of public health. Because it is costly in terms of personal suffering and economic loss, it is essential to understand its prevalence, risk factors and interventions in connection with public health and health care administration (Chapman et al. 2006). Research has estimated that 75 percent of people diagnosed with dementia have Alzheimer’s Disease. It is noted that it is a progressive and continuous disease. It may carry depression, insomnia, incontinence, delusions and hallucinations as the disease progresses. Identifying risk factors for AD can include a positive family history for the illness, limited education, head injury, genetic implications, and age (Chapman et al. 2006). Recent trends in medicine attempt to bring a more patient-centered concept of treatment to the disease. Family-centered care is a positive approach to treatthe disease that includes partnerships with healthcare, patients and the families of AD patients. People are treated with respect, information is communicated to the patients and families in a positive way, and strengths are built by control and independence. This sharing of information provides continued strength and caring in education and delivery of care as well as policy and program development (Kovacs, Bellin, and Fauri 2006). Family is defined as “all those in loving relationships with the person who is dying, the people whom can be counted on for caring and support, regardless of blood or legal ties” (Kovacs, Bellin, and Fauri 2006). These family members will play a positive role in the care of an Alzheimer’s patient. Caregivers are anyone who gives formal, trained or voluntary help to the care of the individual. Palliative care is seen as “symptom control and supportive care from the time of diagnosis until the time of dying and death as well as afterward” (Kovacs, Bellin, and Fauri 2006). Palliative care supports all caregivers through relief of suffering by early identification, assessment and treatment of problems related to physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs. Hospice is a philosophy of care centered on family and patient as a unit of care. Hospice is not usually needed until the very end of Alzheimer’s when the patient is near death. A hospice team can include a doctor, nurse, social worker, counselor, or spiritual care volunteer. Guidelines are developed by National Hospice, Palliative Care Organizations, Medicare, and other sources as needed (Kovacs, Bellin, and Fauri 2006). Conclusion How families experience the dying process is a constant challenge of healthcare professionals. Although healthcare services focus on patients, it is important to acknowledge the role that family members play in its support of a dying individual. In this article it is noted that the end-of-life services “must be applicable to the individual and the family, as both are clients of care” (Kovacs, Bellin, and Fauri 2006). The medical, social, emotional and financial risks of Alzheimer’s disease have gathered much attention as the US as well as other nations deal with their aging populations. Since age is the strongest predictor of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, future cases in the United States are estimated to grow from the current 5.1 million to more than 13 million by 2050. The economic burden is also expected to increase. Will our nation be prepared for the increases (“Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association” 2012)? Recent advances in the biological and clinical understanding of the disease suggest that research information should be updated to reflect a more current understanding of the disease. It will be necessary for the medical and psychological community to be well prepared to handle future implications and advancements in Alzheimer’s disease (Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, 2012). Works Cited Allen, Glen. “Star Scientific Reports First Peer-Reviewed Article on Anatabine and Alzheimer’s Disease by Roskamp Institute.” 04 October 2011. Web. 19 March 2012. http://bizjournals.com/prnewswire/. Chapman, Daniel, Williams, Sheree Marshall, Strine, Tara W., Anda, Robert F., and Margaret J. Moore. “Dementia and Its Implications for Public Health.” 15 March 2006. Web. 19 March 2012. . Herrera-Rivero, Marisol, and Gonzalo Amiliano Aranda-Abreu. Therapeutics of Alzheimer’s Disease. 1986 – 2010. Web. 19 March 2012. http://cdn.intechopen.com/. Kovacs, Pamela, Bellin, Melissa Hayden, and David Fauri. Family-Centered Care: A Resource for Social Work in End-of-Life and Palliative Care. 2006. Web 19 March 2012. http://ssw.umaryland.edu/. Reger, Beth. “Alzheimer’s Disease: A Brief History and Avenues for Current Research.” August 2002. Web. 19 March 2012. http://jyi.org/volumes/volum6/issue2/. Suh, Yoo-Hun, and Frederic Checler. “Amyloid Precursor Protein, Presenilins, and a-Synuclein: Molecular Pathogenesis and Pharmacological Applications in Alzheimer’s Disease,” 54.3 (01 September 2001): 469-525. Web. 19 March 2012. http://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/. “Screening and Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease: Predicting Population-level Outcomes.” The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. January 2012. Web. 19 March 2012. http://alzheimersanddementia.com/article/. “What Can I Do To Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease?” Alzheimer’s Treatment. 2012. Web. 19 March 2012. http://alzheimerstreatment.org/treatment/. The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. “What Happens to the Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease?” 2012. Web. http://alzinfo.org/07/. Read More