Recognizing the Signs of Alzheimer's Disease in its Prevention - Research Paper Example

Recognizing the Signs of Alzheimer's Disease for Prevention Alzheimer's disease is a condition that is on the rise. According to national statistics, sixteen million people will have the disease within 50 years and many of those will be under the age of 65. Alzheimer's can be stopped if you know the early warning symptoms and use techniques that are proven to work to prevent the disease. Most people have heard of Alzheimer's disease (often called "Alzheimer's") because a family member or friend may have it. Those who know about it also have an understanding of how devastating the disease can be to the individual, their friends and their family. There have been many articles in newspapers and on the Internet about this disease. Because of the media attention many people understand what it does but they may not know that there are early warning signs to pay attention so that they can prevent or slow down the disease. DEFINING ALZHIEMER'S DISEASE VERSUS NORMAL AGING As people get older they sometimes make jokes about Alzheimer's when they forget something but most people are hopeful that this will not happen to them. The challenge is that everyone forgets things as they get older and it can feel as though Alzheimer's disease is right around the corner. According to William Shankle and Daniel Amen there are several differences between natural forgetting because of aging and memory loss when it is becoming Alzheimer's disease. With natural memory loss the "thing" that you may have forgotten -- whether it is where you put your keys, your shoes or the remembering of someone's birthday -- will come back later; with Alzheimer's it may not come back. Someone with Alzheimer's may develop dementia if their memory continues to fade. As Shankle and Amen state: "The phrase Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD) is used to define a group of diseases that have one thing in common: each is a cause of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia" (26). This means that dementia is one of the signs of Alzheimer's that comes much later and it can present itself in many different ways. Bretten Gordeau and Jeffrey Hillier state that some people will experience a change in behavior or attitude and this may be a cause for concern (1). There are also several aspects of the symptoms that can later lead to a full diagnosis. ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND THE BRAIN Alzheimer's is a disease that affects the brain and it may start in a very small portion of the brain or in one section. Researchers have found that there are certain areas of the bran that specific symptoms will gravitate towards. Shankle and Amen define dementia as: "a progressive condition with two or more impairments in mental skills that interfere with a person's ability to function in his usual manner in his social, family, personal or professional life" (26). Dementia is the basis of several diseases so it is important to know what you can do before getting to this point. Dementia begins to degenerate the brain and as it deteriorates it brings with it several symptoms. FORMS OF DEMENTIA There are three phases of dementia and they are classified as mild impairment, moderate impairment and severe impairment. Each of these has symptoms that start out slowly and create more impairment over time. In mild impairment an individual will have memory loss of recent events and they may have an increase in misplacing objects like their keys or shoes. Concentration may be compromised and the individual may have difficulty performing daily tasks. In moderate impairment an individual will experience more memory loss in addition to what has already happened which means they may forget people's names and the names of familiar places. They may have trouble finding the right words to say in a conversation or you may find that they withdraw from conversations all together. Some people begin to have hallucinations at this stage and they may find themselves lost or with persistent mood changes. In this stage they may also have difficulty with motor activities (Hellen 13). In the severe stage of impairment, the individual is no longer able to take care of themselves on a daily basis, and they may experience incontinence or an inability to feed themselves. Communication may end or they may have more difficulty with mobility issues, swallowing or unexplained weight loss (Hellen 14). The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can lead an individual on a very difficult road that ultimately ends in death. By the time death occurs the individual has lost all memory of people, places they knew, and events that were once important to them which will have an effect on family and friends. Caregivers are also in danger of having breakdowns during the time they are dealing with a family member who has the disease. Dr. Dede Bonner states that there are at least 52 million caregivers who are not prepared to deal with someone with the disease but who are asked to do it in their family; about 59 to 75 percent are women (177). Dr. Bonner also states that it is important for caregivers to find outlets for their own stress and support away from the family member with Alzheimer's so that they can have respite when they need it. The good news is that research has been done by many doctors and researchers on what an individual can do to prevent or in some cases slow down the effects of memory loss. Because I believe that this disease can be prevented, I have researched techniques that an individual can do in order top prevent it. STOPPING ALZHIEMER'S DISEASE BY KEEPING THE BRAIN ACTIVE Marilyn Albert, the director of the division of cognitive neuroscience at John Hopkins University, states that it is important for people in middle age and who are elderly to identify techniques that can maintain "good brain health" ("Time Magazine Editors"). The point is to keep the brain active. Some people have suggested that doing crosswords, Sudoku or other puzzles that are challenging will keep cognitive functioning healthy. Scientists do not know exactly what will stop people from getting Alzheimer's but there is a body of research that is being done that will shed light on this subject. There are several books about the topic of what to do and there are many Internet sites that say they have some answers. There are research studies being done by neurologists who have been studying brain patterns and they are finding that as people age, the brain is adapting to aging better than they thought in the past. The brain is actually able to create new neurons and connections between those neurons as people age. This can mean that every time something new is learned or a memory is retrieved that these actions create a "plasticity response" that keeps the brain working effectively ("Time Magazine Editors"). THE EFFECT OF PROPER NUTRITION There are many books written about proper nutrition that show that it can stop memory loss. Combining nutritional needs with lifestyle changes can stop Alzheimer's. Dr. Vincent Fortanasce argues that there are eight lifestyle changes that will prevent Alzheimer's . These are: 1. Eat more fruits and vegetables. 2. Eat berries everyday. 3. Eat fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids (fish like salmon, tuna or mackerel). 4. Take folic acid supplements daily. 5. Drink a class of purple grape juice or red wine with your dinner. 6. Choose a Mediterranean diet because it is rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and olive oil. Dr. Fortanasce says that studies show that people who eat in this way are less prone to get Alzheimer's disease later. 7. Control stress so that your blood pressure stays within normal levels and your body is not producing cortisol or other hormones detrimental to heart health. 8. Create a strong social support which translates into an active social life. (60) Although these eight changes are very important they may not work for everyone because "What to do" for preventing Alzheimer's needs an individual approach. ANTI-OXIDANTS This is another important aspect of nutrition to prevent memory loss. Anti-oxidants decrease the effects that free radicals have on the body. "Free radicals" are molecules that attack cell membranes and help the body deteriorate. They are responsible for damaging DNA and the mitracondria that the body uses to build tissue (Fortanasce 83). Anti-oxidants also help the brain regenerate tissue and cells. BOOSTING MEMORY Thomas Crook and Brenda Adderly state that memory can be enhanced by diet but that nutritional supplements can also help. They suggest that a major supplement that anyone needs who is worried about losing memory is called "phosphatidylserine" (PS for short). This suppliant actually "bathes and rejuvenates the membranes of brain cells" (56). PS is found in the body naturally as an "orthomolecule" and it helps in several places in the brain. It gives the brain structural support, provides the conduction of the information processes from one cell to another and it works on a variety of "neurochemical systems" (57). Studies have shown, according to Crook and Adderly that PS is also essential to neurotransmitters in cells and it promotes good memory. As we age and our cells get older, PS is more difficult to get from food so it is important to add it as a supplement in the diet. Some of the benefits of PS include: It can help stress reduction, it helps by normalizing the brain's biochemistry and physiology; it has been tested as "safe" and carries no negative side effects (58). Other supplements that Crook and Adderly suggest are Gingko Biloba for its anti-oxidant qualities and its ability to increase blood flow to the cells and the brain, Vitamins (especially the B complex vitamins) Folic Acid and minerals. EXERCISE TO STOP MEMORY LOSS Cook and Adderly suggest that a combination of resistance training and aerobic exercise should be added to proper nutrition. This seems to be a common sense because today, experts suggest that exercise is always proper exercise for people as they get older. Peter Whitehouse and George Daniel suggest that people should pick activities they enjoy, do aerobics for 30 minutes at least three days a week and make sure their heart rate states up for those 30 minute intervals (261). Although many people do not like exercise it can keep an individual's mind active. Also it is important to start out slowly and then build upon what you have started. As an example, if you like riding a bike you may ride three days a week at a steady pace. If you like to walk, you may want to walk a little more briskly or more often. These small changes can help stimulate the mind. Fortanasce suggests that exercise is important for these reasons: 1. It reduces stress which will in turn lower the release of stress hormones like cortisol. 2. It increases muscle mass and the metabolic rate, which means more calories are burned. 3. It stimulates the "anabolic" hormones which decline when you get older but are stimulated when you exercise. 4. It builds the brain by helping it stay agile and it increases memory (113-114). Exercise is important because it helps the individual stay healthy and it strengthens the brain to prevent deterioration; stretching activities can be a start for exercise. BOOSTING THE BRAIN Researchers have suggested that it is important to find ways to stimulate the brain by keeping it active. Fortanasce suggests a system of what he calls, "Neurobics" that are geared to engage the brain and keep it growing. Just like aerobics for the body, Neurobics is a way to give the brain a workout. Fortanasce states that Neurobics enhances the brain with a "consistent level of mental fitness, strength and flexibility as you age" (156). Some of the techniques that Neurobics explores are "memorizing lists of numbers and written lists, dancing (which creates a need to memorize dance steps), memorizing new words from the dictionary each day and using visualization (165-167). A game as simple as "Concentration" using a regular deck of cards. Crook and Adderly suggest that it is very important to do some of these techniques for memory retention (111). All of these techniques can be done on a daily basis and he suggests that the individual uses a timer so that they can do the activity for the same amount of time each day. COGNITIVE RETRAINING Ruth Tannen suggests that cognitive retraining should be done if an individual already has aspects of Alzheimer's disease. Tannen explains research that has been done in this area using techniques like verbal and visual recall recognition, exercise in conversation and problem solving exercises. The research found that these activities could enhance memory for some and bring it back for others (68). Tannen adds to this list early memory training, the use of a "memory wallet" that an individual can use on a daily basis and visualization techniques. It is my opinion that by using these techniques before Alzheimer's disease begins an individual can also prevent it from happening. FUTURE WAYS TO PREVENT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE Many researchers are exploring genetics to see how to stop this disease. As an example, the Human Genome Project has found a variety of genes that may affect an individual's chance of getting Alzheimer's disease. In the future this may mean that an individual could find out early that they are predisposed to getting it and actually "modify" their genes to stop it (218). A vaccine is being developed that has been tested on animals an seen to show promise. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first clinical trials to be used on humans (220). Kimberly Jones' article suggests that these trials are going well and that several have been done with this vaccine and there were no side effects. According to Michael Wentzel, the vaccine is working well in their clinical trials and it is helping to trigger the immune response. According to Wentzel, "The goal of the vaccine is to prompt the immune system to recognize amyloid beta protein and remove it." Doctors are also working on a drug that may help. Fiona MacRae reports on clinical trials at the University of California that uses a protein called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) that is naturally produced in the brain. This protein is responsible for memory and learning and its levels drop in Alzheimer's patients. The suggestion that these trials have shown in studies with mice is that it can stop memory loss and stop the death of cells. The challenge is that it takes a period of time for these new drugs to be used; in most cases it will take at least seven years (MacRae). CONCLUSION Although Alzheimer's disease is devastating to families it is a disease that can be prevented. Another important strategy to remember is to get out and live life to the fullest. Many older adults realize their full potential by finding something meaningful to do. Some people find meaning by volunteering for a cause they believe in while other find going to classes at a nearby university or community college rewarding. Some seniors sit in their homes and never go out after a certain point in their life but others remain active in their community and in their general life. They continue to do exercise, create opportunities and move forward. The point of stopping Alzheimer's disease is to remain active in those activities that have brought pleasure to the individual so that their brains will stay sharp. It has also been shown that families that help their older members continue to be involved with the family will keep the older person feeling loved instead of isolated. As an individual gets older they may become a part of Senior programs that may have trips or other activities that an individual can take part in. Some people find that table games are another way to keep their mind sharp. Games like Chess, MahJong or other strategy games have created an opportunity for many seniors to keep their brains sharp. As we look into the future and the fact that statistics show that more people are being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease each year, it is important to take charge of overall health Although President Obama is attempting to change healthcare so that everyone can have it, this may not be the only thing necessary. Instead, more people need to be conscious about their health now and do what is necessary to stay fit and aware. It seems to me that Alzheimer's disease can be stopped or prevented if people are willing to take control of their health and get into better shape. Since they are finding that proper nutrition and exercise are also a way to keep the mind active and alert, it seems that everyone would start working towards a better way to live. In this paper many lifestyle changes and opportunities have been expressed that will help someone prevent Alzheimer's but it seems that these opportunities should be a part of overall health. References Bonner, Dede. The 10 Best Questions For Living With Alzheimer's: The Script You Need To Take Control Of Your Life. NY: Fireside, 2008. Crook, Thomas H. and Adderly, Brenda D. The Memory Cure: The Safe Scientifically Proven Breakthrough That Can Slow, Halt Or Eve Reverse Age Related Memory Loss. NY: Pocket Books, 1998. Fortanasce, Vincent. The Anti-Alzheimer's Prescription: The Science-Proven Plan To Start At Any Age. NY: Gotham, 2008. Gordeau, Bretten C. and Hillier, Jeffrey. Alzheimer's Essentials: Practical Skills For Families And Caregivers. Second Edition. FL: Carma Publishing, LLC, 2007. Hellen, Carly R. Alzheimer's Disease: Activity Focused Care. Second Edition. MA: Butterworth Heinemann, 1998. Jones, Kimberly C.G. "Alzheimer's Disease Vaccine Trials—So Far, So Good." Neurology Reviews, 8.9, 2000. 27 July 2009. . MacRae, Fiona. "Revolutionary Drug That Can Stop Alzheimer's And Restore Memory Trialled By Scientists". Mail Online. 09th February 2009. 27 July 2009. . Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1139322/Revolutionary-drug-stop-Alzheimers-restore-memory-trialled-scientists.html#ixzz0MZZlTUDC Shankle, William Rodman and Amen, Daniel G. Preventing Alzheimer's: Prevent, Detect, Diagnose, Treat And Even Halt Alzheimer's Disease And Other Causes Of Memory Loss. NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2004. Strassman, Mark. "Early Onset Alzheimer's on the Rise: A look At The Ten Percent Of Alzheimer's Patients Who Face The Disease Before The Age Of 65". CBS News. 8 March 2008. 23 July 2009. . Tappen, Ruth M. Interventions for Alzheimer's disease: a caregiver's complete reference. MD: Health Professionals Press, Inc., 1997. Time Magazine Editors. "Can You Prevent Alzheimer's Disease?" Time Magazine. 8 January 2006. 23 July 2009. < http://www.time.com/time/magazine/ article/0,9171,1147142,00.html>. Wentzel, Michael. "Vaccine triggers immune response, prevents Alzheimer's". University of Rochester Medical Center. 19-May-2008. 27 July 2009. . Whitehouse, Peter J. and George, Daniel. The Myth Of Alzheimer's: What You Aren't Being Told About Today's Most Dreaded Diagnosis. NY: St. Martin's Press, 2008. Read More