Alzeimer's Disease - Research Paper Example

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Tawana Burrell BIO206 - Disease of the Human Body Stephanie List January 31, Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer’s disease is a brain complication that is commonly reported in adults than other age groups (American Health Assistance Foundation, 2011). The disease whose existence was first noted a century ago is progressive in nature. Upon its onset in an individual, the disease worsens with time to its eventual fatal stage. Though the disease has been in existence for a long period, no approved research has explained its causes and possible treatments.

This paper seeks to discuss the disease. The paper will explore basic description of the disease, its possible causes, symptoms, and treatment.Description of the DiseaseAlzheimer’s disease, also known as Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type is a brain complication, which results in deteriorated brain functionality (American Health Assistance Foundation, 2011). It is the most reported case of dementia complication and develops gradually in a victim. The main effects of the disease are a permanent damage on neurons, which leads to intellectual incapacitation through loss of memory and rationality.

As the disease develops in a person, it impairs brain related functionality leading to poor judgment and rationale in making decisions (Nordqvist, 2009), (American Health Assistance Foundation, 2011)EtiologyThe two major causes of Alzheimer’s disease are family history and age (Crystal, n.d.). Although developing Alzheimer’s disease is not a part of normal aging (Crystal, n.d.), it has been proven that age increases the risk of developing this disease (Crystal, n.d.). Family history also plays a major role in Alzheimer’s disease and having a close blood relative such as mother, sister, a brother; etc who has developed Alzheimer’s disease increases the risk of developing this disease.

Other unproven causes of this disease include a history of head trauma, long-standing high blood pressure, and female gender (Nordqvist, 2009). There are two major types of Alzheimer’s disease, which have been identified according to the age of the patients:Early Onset Alzheimer’s not very common and is said to occur when a patient displays symptoms of the disease before reaching the age of 60 (Kantor, 2010). Late Onset Alzheimer’s is however very common and is said to occur when a patient aged 60 years or higher displays symptoms of the disease.

The two types are both fatal (Kantor, 2010).Signs and SymptomsThe basic symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are language and memory problems (forgetting familiar names, words, routes etc), flat moods, and personality changes (Kantor, 2010). A more in-depth discussion about the signs and symptoms can be found under the next heading.Diagnostic ProceduresMany medical professionals use a seven stage diagnostic framework to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease because no particular diagnosis criterion has been developed (Nordqvist, 2009).

The framework is as follows:1st Stage - No Impairment: The first stage of Alzheimer’s shows almost no symptoms of the disease i.e. no cognitive and memory problems appear on the surface (Nordqvist, 2009).2nd Stage – Minimal Impairment:The second stage of Alzheimer’s begins when the patient begins to show very mild cognitive decline such as occasionally forgetting very familiar words or forgetting where he/she kept a certain object etc (Nordqvist, 2009).3rd Stage – Early Confusional:The third stage of Alzheimer’s begins when the decline in the patient’s memory and cognitive ability start impacting his/her everyday functioning such as planning, remembering recent information, and learning among others.

The patient may also start to remain depressed and become moody. (Nordqvist, 2009)4th Stage – Moderate Cognitive Decline:The fourth stage of Alzheimer’s disease begins when the patient displays a reduced memory of personal history along with an evidently decreased memory of recent events. At this stage, the patient is still able to identify familiar names and people but has difficulty in performing sequential tasks such as driving, shopping alone, reading, and selecting what is in a menu at a restaurant among others (Nordqvist, 2009).

5th Stage – Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline:The fifth stage of Alzheimer’s disease begins when the patient’s cognitive decline becomes a serious problems and he has problems remembering personal history such as where they used to work, telephone numbers etc. The patient also faces many problems in performing calculations and is even confused about what month, year, or day it is (Nordqvist, 2009).6th Stage – Sever Cognitive Decline:The sixth stage of Alzheimer’s disease begins when the patient displays a considerable change in personality and cannot survive without help.

His memory of recent experiences is virtually non-existent and he loses the ability to remember the names of family members (although usually patients still remember their own name) (Nordqvist, 2009).7th Stage – Very Severe Cognitive Decline:The seventh stage of Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a complete loss of functioning abilities by the patient. The patient loses his ability to respond to the environment, to speak, and to control his own movement. At this stage, the bodily functions start to fail as well and the patient becomes almost completely bedridden.

Patients in the 7th stage of Alzheimer’s disease require round the clock care (Nordqvist, 2009).A new method for diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease has recently been discovered which helps diagnose the disease even when the symptoms have not surfaced (Reilly, 2011). This method utilizes a new compound called Flutemetamol. This compound highlights the affected areas of the brain when scanned (Reilly, 2011).Treatment:Alzheimer’s is unfortunately a terminal disease, up until now it has no cure (Nordqvist, 2009).

Different medications can however be used to slow down the progression of the disease, to improve the different symptoms of the disease such as depression, anxiety, insomnia etc. The following medications are used to treat Alzheimer’s disease:Cholinesterase inhibitors:This form of medication contains a special chemical, which inhibits the cholinesterase enzyme from breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine - resulting in an increase in both the neurotransmitters level and duration of action.

The purpose behind prescribing cholinesterase inhibitors is to deal with memory, language, and thought process related problems. Different cholinesterase inhibitors include:Donepezil (Aricept) Galantamine (Razadyne)Rivastigmine (Exelon) (Nordqvist, 2009)Memantine:The purpose of prescribing memantine is to limit the damage caused by glutamate, a chemical messenger. Memantine also improves attention, memory, and language. (Nordqvist, 2009)Ace Inhibitors:ACE inhibitors that affect the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier may reduce inflammation that could contribute to the development of Alzheimers disease (Nordqvist, 2009).

Prognosis and Prevention:Alzheimer’s disease is a terminal disease and once diagnosed it can only be controlled in order to prolong the life of the patient. This disease is still an enigma and there is no sure short way to prevent it. The following steps however are worth taking if someone has a history of dementia in the family:1. Consume a low-fat diet2. Watch your blood pressure and make sure it stays normal3. Increase intake of antioxidants4. Stay mentally and socially active throughout your life.

Even in old age.5. Consider taking Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Sulindac (Clinoril), or Indomethacin (Indocin). Statin drugs, a class of medications normally used for high cholesterol, may help lower your risk of AD(Kantor, 2010).ConclusionAlzheimer’s is a class of brain related complications known as dementia (Nordqvist, 2009). The disease is commonly reported among the elderly and has a gradual progression as it advances to its final deadly stage.

Its major effects are deterioration of the brain and its associated functions. The major factors that have been associated with the complication are age and genetic history. It has been classified into two types, early onset Alzheimer and late onset Alzheimer. Major and most common symptoms of the complication include impaired speech and memory. Though no diagnosis criterion has been established for the disease, its distinct stages have been outlined and are used to identify the disease among victims.

Its seven stages that start with mild impairment to severe conditions have been used as an indicator. Though there is still no cure for the disease, a number of medications have been outlined for its control. Cholinesterase inhibitors have particularly been developed to counter the chemicals that are associated with degeneration of neurons, a factor to the complication.ReferencesAmerican Health Assistance Foundation. (2011). About Alzheimers Disease. Retrieved from: http://www.ahaf.org/alzheimers/about/Crystal, H. (n.d.). Alzheimers Disease.

Retrieved from: http://www.medicinenet.com/alzheimers_disease_causes_stages_and_symptoms/article.htmKantor, D. (2010, April 10). Alzheimers Disease. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001767/Nordqvist, C. (2009). What Is Alzheimers Disease? What Causes Alzheimers Disease? Retrieved from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159442.phpReilly, R. (2011). Red glow test that could catch Alzheimers before it strikes. Mail Online .