Signs, Symptoms and Risk Factors of Alzheimer Disease - Coursework Example

Alzheimer Diseases

Introduction

The first case of the Alzheimer disease occurred in the year 1906. When Dr. Alois Alzheimer conducted a medical examination on a patient who had suffered memory loss, he discovered some unusual stuff on her brain. The doctor had never come across such a scenario before (Berger, 2014). In the confusion that followed, some even named it after him, hence the name Alzheimer disease. It has become a prevalent condition in highly populated nations. In China, for example, around 5.7 million of the population had Alzheimer in 2013 (Berger, 2014). As Dr. Alzheimer discovered, the disease mostly affects the elderly. Plaques and tangles proliferate around the neurons, leading to hitches in communication between the neurons (Berger, 2014). The after effect is a loss of memory.

Research has shown that the disorder can be down to several causes. One, it can be inherited. Two, it can be caused by a stroke. A stroke means that a blood vessel in the brain is blocked, which translates to oxygen deficiency in that part of the brain. Repetitive strokes lead to a condition referred to as Transient Ischemic Attacks. This condition is the one responsible for the destruction of part of the brain given the alarming frequency of the strokes (Berger, 2014). The effects include having blurred vision, unrecognizable utterances, paralyzed limbs and a confused mind. Different scientists have offered insight on how the condition comes to be. There are some similarities as well as differences in the different accounts. The purpose of the paper is to establish the cause of the condition, symptoms and control methods based on the similar perspectives of the various researchers as well as outline differences if any.

Cause

Alzheimer is a type of dementia. Dementia refers to a loss of memory associated with dead brain cells. Alzheimer is said to be the most common form of dementia universally. In America alone, the number of patients with the disease stood at 5.3 million in 2016 (MacGill, 2016). Upon categorizing this population according to age, one thing stands out. Alzheimer mainly affects the elderly. Of the 5.3 million individuals, only two hundred thousand are below the age of sixty-five years. On average, one new person gets the disease after every sixty-seven seconds in the United States. It has also entered the top ten causes of deaths in the states. The bad thing about it is that unlike the other nine, it has no known cure.

Alzheimer starts as mild but gets stronger with time. During the latter stages, the affected cannot even be able to converse (Alz.org, 2017). It has been proven that Alzheimer, like all other types of dementia, is caused by the death of brain cells (Alzheimer.ca, n.d.). Though not possible to establish in living patients, postmortems have shown the existence of some material around the nerve cells of the brain in dead tissues. These materials are what are known as plaques and tangles (Alzheimer.ca, n.d.). Plaques result from the excessive growth of the beta-amyloid protein whereas tangles occur due to a breakdown of the tau protein. Both Proteins clump around the brain in quantities not suitable for the proper functioning of the nerve cells. The ultimate result is the death of these cells.

Signs and Symptoms

Alzheimer has several symptoms. However, the most obvious of them is forgetting recent information (Alz.org, 2017). At its early stage, patients find it hard to retain something just learnt. The reason as to why this is the earliest of signs is because the condition begins with that segment of the brain that is responsible for learning (Alz.org, 2017). As the disease becomes more and more severe, other signs start to manifest themselves. One of them is not being able to remember plans and events (Alz.org, 2017). Such people find themselves regularly skipping events. They constantly need to be reminded of things they ought to do or have to depend on memory aids such as reminders in electronic devices. One also finds themselves not at ease with trustworthy people such as family members and friends as well as professionals interacted with on a frequent basis such as doctors, teachers and workmates (Wells, 2016). The suspicions are mental and emotional deficiencies. Physical defects include difficulties in speaking and walking.

Alzheimer leads to hardships in carrying out basic and routine activities. Driving oneself to old destinations becomes a challenge (Alz.org, 2017). Even one’s ability in their favorite game diminishes. Simple things usually at one's fingertips such as the rules of a contest are quickly forgotten (Alz.org, 2017). Vision is likely to become a problem once Alzheimer sets in (Alz.org, 2017). Confusion of colors, inability to make out words as well as judging proximity becomes a challenge. If disregard for minor but important aspects such as hygiene is noted, then that person may likely be suffering from the predicament. Miscalculations often occur even for sensitive things such as money (Wells, 2016). Individuals with the condition often show withdrawal from their hobbies as well as social activities (Alzheimer.ca, n.d.). They begin wanting to keep to themselves. One develops a particular irritability towards most people with mood swings becoming a norm (Wells, 2016). Constant repetition is a trait that is also associated with the disease. Even though all these signs and symptoms are related to the changes that come with old age, there are slight differences between the two situations. For example, forgetfulness as a result of age is followed by remembrance later.

Risk factors

Various factors make one more susceptible to Alzheimer. They are referred to as risk factors. One who happens to be associated with these factors is more likely to suffer from Alzheimer than those who are not. One of them is old age. As earlier said, the elderly are more apt to suffer from the condition. In fact, the disease is mostly linked to the older generations. Another risk factor is genetics (CDC, 2015). If one hails from a family that has a history of members having Alzheimer, then they stand a higher probability of also suffering the same fate. In short, the condition can be inherited. People who often suffer from complications such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart-related ailments and excessive cholesterol levels are more likely to contract the illness (CDC, 2015). Another one is being of the female sex (Wells, 2016). Females have a higher life expectancy than men, meaning that they live longer. Since it is a condition usually connected to age, then it means that women are more likely to be on the receiving side than men. Smokers, the malnourished as well as those who have diabetes are more exposed.

Stages

As earlier indicated, the Alzheimer disease does not begin and reach the full blown stage at once. It is a gradual process. It starts with a mild stage that is hardly noticeable and progresses to the complex phases where everybody can see it. There are seven stages of the disease in total, each with its indicators (WebMD, n.d.). The first step entails normal behavior. In this phase, it is challenging to note that one is suffering from the predicament. Only a brain scan can help detect. There are no external signs. The second phase involves very mild changes. Here, the signs exist but are easy to pass unnoticed. They include misplacing items or forgetting some words of speech. One might even mistake this for old age. The third stage is whereby people’s heads begin to turn at the behaviors shown. It is referred to as a stage of mild decline where more visible signs such as constant repetition, forgetting recent activities and poor organization are seen. The fourth step is one of moderate decline. More severe signs such as forgetting personal details, dates or figures are observed. The fifth chapter is moderately severe decline. The patient cannot put together simple facts such as their address, choice of clothing and even the phone number. The sixth phase is one of severe decline where the affected cannot recall the names of people and might as well mistake one individual for another. Finally, we have the stage of very severe decline where the affected cannot perform basic functions such as eating, talking or walking by themselves.

Treatment and Prevention

Till date, there is no cure for Alzheimer. There is no bringing back lost memory. However, there is the medication that can be taken to alleviate the symptoms. This medicine also minimizes the rate at which the disease grows. Three types of drugs can be ingested for this purpose: Donepezil, Rivastigmine, and Galantamine (Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d.). There are others that regulate the amount of chemical released in the brain. These chemicals, when released in large quantities, are responsible for the memory loss. Therefore, such drugs work to reduce the amount. They include Memantine and Namzaric (Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d.). Medication can also be given to suppress symptoms such as depression. These drugs do of course have side effects such as dizziness, headache, insomnia, high blood pressure, fatigue, constipation and difficulties in breathing. Besides medication, some therapies can be used to ensure that those suffering from the illness are independent. They include the use of memory aids such as reminders, motion aids such as rails and bars and assistive technology that may minimize things such as movement (NHS, n.d.). The lifestyle conducted can also help manage some of the symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and agitation. Lifestyle therapy involves activities such as listening to music, engaging in art or physical exercises (NHS, n.d.). They help relax one’s mind.

They say that prevention is better than cure. If something can be done to prevent this disease, or delay its onset, the better. Prevention measures encompass factors such as diet. The tips to keep the brain healthy for a long time are referred to as anti-Alzheimer prescription. One of the strategies involves eating a lot of fruits and vegetables (Prevention, 2013). Berries also come in handy in preserving memory, owing to compounds called anthocyanosis (Prevention, 2013). Another strategy is consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and folic acid. Taking red wine or purple juices is also beneficial because some of the components are antidotes against intoxication of the brain cells (Prevention, 2013). Engaging in exercises that control blood pressure is necessary (Helpguide, n.d.). Avoiding foods rich in sugars and starch curbs diabetes, which is one of the predisposing factors for Alzheimer. At the same time, engage in social activities such as social networking, gymnastics, dates, games, movies, sports, and clubbing, to relax the mind and avoid depression.

Conclusion

After exploring the various sources written about Alzheimer disease, it became apparent that lifestyle can help reduce the chances of getting this disease. Some circumstances such as old age are unavoidable. Therefore, humans ought to use what they have in their control to fight against this monster. The type of food taken is a choice. Therefore consume the right foods. Avoid stress and depression, two things that result in stroke. Take medication that slows down the rate at which the disease grows once it sets in. However, I would emphasize prevention over treatment, hence the choice of lifestyle being the most crucial topic in the fight against Alzheimer.