The Nature of the Alzheimers Disease - Case Study Example

Alzheimer’s Disease Introduction To lose one’s memory seems like a plot twist out of a science fiction story, but for millions of people it is a reality. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common diseases in older people that effect the brain. The disease was named after the German psychiatrist and neuropathologist that discovered the disease, Alois Alzheimer. Alzheimer’s is considered a form of dementia as the memory and function of the brain are put at risk. Though the disease is most common in people over the age of sixty-five, there is still a possibility of early-onset Alzheimer’s in younger people. As of 2006, there were 26.6 million Alzheimer’s sufferers in the world; it is predicted that roughly one in every eighty-five people will suffer from Alzheimer’s by the year 2050 (“Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet”). Causes There is no definite cause of Alzheimer’s. Many scientists believe that the disease can be caused by genetics, environment, and lifestyle, though even these have not been definitely pinpointed. It is believed that whatever it is that does cause Alzheimer’s gradually happens over a long period of time, especially if the aforementioned factors are part of the cause of the disease. However, the effect that the disease has on the brain tissue, the starting point of the catalyst for the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, is very clear. The disease damages and kills brain cells and the brain tissue deteriorates. Since doctors and scientists have been unable to determine the exact cause of the disease, they instead focus on what happens before and after a person has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. There are two types of neuron damage that have been seen most in people with Alzheimer’s: plaques and tangles. Plaques are masses of a normally harmless protein known as beta-amyloid that has the ability to interfere with communication between brain cells (Feng et al). The abnormal processing of this protein has shown to effect functions of the brain. Tangles involve the protein known as tau. This protein is important for the brain to function properly, but when they undergo alterations they become twisted. During the twisting, the neurons become damaged, causing them to die. When these two proteins react the way they do, they slow down or completely destroy vital components of the brain, thus negatively effecting the functioning of the brain and the memory. Another possible cause of Alzheimer’s is a breakdown of myelin in the brain, an event that usually takes place as a person gets older. When myelin breaks down, there is a disruption to the transport of axons. This then leads to a loss of neurons that become useless (“What is Alzheimer’s”). Furthermore, iron that is released during the breakdown is known to cause further problems in the brain. All of the previously mentioned theories to the cause of Alzheimer’s involve vital parts of the brain failing and dying off, becoming entirely useless. These portions of the brain deal with the hippocampus, which is the main player in long term memory storage and access. The more of this part of the brain that a person loses, the more functions of the brain that become lost or else stop working properly. This then leads to memory failure, starting long term but eventually effecting short term, and general deterioration of tissue in the brain. The deterioration of the brain gets to the point where the sufferer is unable to retain any information or begins to store information that is inaccurate. Prevention Just as there are no definite causes of Alzheimer’s, there are no definite methods of prevention. There have been attempts at creating a vaccine against Alzheimer’s, but these were stopped being tested on humans due to the fact that they resulted in further brain damage, especially to parts of the brain that were not suffering from the effects of Alzheimer’s. Scientists and doctors have declared that the best ways to prevent Alzheimer’s are to consciously keep the brain as active as possible (“Staying Sharp”). As the mind is the sole organ that is effected by Alzheimer’s disease, it becomes vital to protect the brain, and not just physically. As aforementioned, environment and lifestyle seem to play important roles in the onset of Alzheimer’s, so people need to keep away from drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes as much as possible. Alcohol should be taken in moderation. Furthermore, staying physically fit and getting the required amount of sleep as often as feasible can help to keep the brain active and alert. And, of course, avoiding causing damage to the brain, such as wearing a helmet during sports, will prove beneficial. Another method to decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s is to always be working the brain, especially in memory and thinking processes. Puzzles, word problems, and keeping journals helps to keep the brain active. Writing down and reviewing facts and notes, or even the names and dates of certain people and events, allows the brain to function. The more the brain works, the more chance a person has at avoiding Alzheimer’s. Though these have not been directly proven to fight Alzheimer’s, they have been proven to fight memory loss in general, as well as to overcome the effects of amnesia. Just like exercise keeps a body physically fit, mentally pushing the brain can result in the same effect. Treatment and Cures Unfortunately, like the rest of the disease there is no definite treatment. Until a concrete cause of Alzheimer’s is discovered, doctors have been just treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s such as sleeplessness, wandering, anxiety, agitation, and depression. Other methods have been implemented to continue to keep the brain working, such as exercising the brain with various puzzles and activities, as previously mentioned. Throughout the entire treatment process, the condition of the brain is the most important to doctors and scientists. However, there are two known medications that are being used that have proven to slow the cognitive deterioration of Alzheimer’s. Cholinesterase inhibitors, which consists of a variety of different medications, help to improve the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain (Simon). Memantine was the first drug created and approved to treat the further stages of Alzheimer’s. Memantine protects the brain cells from damage caused by the chemical messenger known as glutamate (Grossberg). Oftentimes, Memantine is coupled with a cholinesterase inhibitor. These medications help to maintain thinking, memory, speaking skills, and some behavioral problems linked with Alzheimer’s. Bluntly put, there is no cure to Alzheimer’s, so the most promising thing to do is to work on the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Alzheimer’s is a disease that is still very understood, which causes a problem when trying to put an end to it. So until the whole can be comprehended, the most intelligent thing to do is to tackle the disease at its various parts such as the individual symptoms. Furthermore, as these drugs prove to work in sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease, scientists can use the methods behind them to continue the search for a cure or a more definite treatment plan. Future Implications and Management The greatest implication that a sufferer of Alzheimer’s can face is the inability to continue taking care of themselves, which can lead to the obtainment of illnesses and other diseases that can prove deadly in people of old age. Falling is also very common in people that suffer from Alzheimer’s, which can result in injury or even death. Pneumonia and urinary tract infections become increased risks in people with Alzheimer’s. These can be developed due to Alzheimer’s sufferers being unable to take the proper steps to avoiding these illnesses; many Alzheimer’s sufferers have difficulty in swallowing food and liquids, which can be sent into their lungs and airways, causing pneumonia. Management of Alzheimer’s and its implications usually involve the help of a caretaker. Support needs to be given not only to the sufferer, but to the family. The loss of memory is a very unsettling concept and needs to be treated as such. Currently Effected and at Risk As previously mentioned, the people that are currently effected by Alzheimer’s disease are those of old age. Currently, 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s (Halpern) and this number is tripled in a worldwide perspective. Likewise, the older that someone is, the more they increase the risk of developing the disease. It is rare for people under the age of forty to develop Alzheimer’s. Less than 5 percent of people between 65 and 74 have Alzheimers. For people 85 and older, that number jumps to nearly 50 percent. Alzheimer’s can also be passed genetically, especially if immediate family members have had the disease. Mutations in the genes have been found to be in common with family members that have had the disease. Another risk factor is gender; women are more likely to develop the disease, which is mainly due to the fact that women live longer, therefore increasing their chance at developing it. Education is another risk factor. Studies have shown that people with less education have an increased risk at developing Alzheimer’s (Chen & Fernandez). One of the theories behind this is that the more a person uses their brain, the more synapses that are created, which enables a greater reserve as a person ages. Similarly, people with healthier lifestyles decrease their risks at developing Alzheimer’s. Previous cognitive damage is yet another risk factor. Simply put, the less damage to a person’s brain, or the more that it is exercised and taken care of, can help to determine the possibilities of developing Alzheimer’s. Conclusion Alzheimer’s is a disease the effects the memory of a person. There are no definite causes of Alzheimer’s, though it is believed to be caused by the breaking down of important elements of the brain, as well as genetic and environmental factors. Prevention methods include using and exercising the mind and staying physically healthy. There are no cures, though there are medications that have been created as treatment. These medications help to slow down the deterioration of the brain. Due to the inability of Alzheimer’s sufferers to properly take care of themselves, they risk developing other diseases or illnesses. Management methods involve having a caretaker help attend the person with Alzheimer’s. Works Cited "Alzheimers Disease Fact Sheet." National Institute on Aging. N.p., 19 Feb. 2010. Web. 16 Oct. 2010. . Chen, Ming, and Hugo Fernandez. "How Important Are Risk Factors in Alzheimers Disease." Journal of Alzheimers Disease 2.2 (2000): 119-121. Print. Feng, Zhongling, Lei Yu, and Gang Zhao. "Neural Stem Cells and Alzheimers Disease." American Journal of Alzheimers Disease & Other Dementias 24.1 (2009): 52-57. Print. Grossberg, George. Alzheimers: The Latest Assessment & Treatment Strategies. Boston: Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2009. Print. Halpern, Sue. "Memory: Forgetting Is the New Normal." Time 8 May 2008: 74-79. Print. Simon, Harvey. "Alzheimers Disease." University of Maryland Medical Center. N.p., 24 June 2009. Web. 16 Oct. 2010. . "Staying Sharp: Can You Prevent Alzheimers Disease?" Time 8 Jan. 2006: 27-30. Print. "What is Alzheimers?." Alzheimers Association. N.p., 20 Sept. 2010. Web. 16 Oct. 2010. . Read More