Exercise for Alzheimers Paper - Assignment Example

Exercise 4.2 Prior to coming up with my thesis on Alzheimer’s disease I did not believe that early detection of the condition would make a significant difference in treating it since there is no known cure. However I realized that I underestimated this importance. “An early diagnosis is crucial because that is when the most can be done to slow the progression of symptoms.” (Dwyer, n.d., p2)Some reasons for early diagnosis of AD include the ability of reversible symptoms to be treated quickly.

If the patient is showing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, agitation or psychosis early detection would help doctors correctly identify whether or not these symptoms are attributed to cognitive impairment. Early diagnosis also allows for treatments that slow its progression. (Dwyer) Since there is no cure an early diagnosis can help alleviate at least some of the symptoms.Before I began my research on Alzheimer’s disease I believed that it was primarily caused by a family history of the condition as well as age.

Age is a primary risk factor, However there is evidence only about 10% of cases result from gene mutations. (Insel & Roth) …… “family history may be consistent with autosomal dominant, familial, or sporadic AD.” (Goldman et. al) This uncertainty about what exactly causes Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the fact that an increasing number of people have the disease due to the aging baby boom population are two reasons why it is important to recognize symptoms earlier and get tested for it.

Alzheimer’s disease is a very complex condition that correlates with other conditions. For example there is evidence that indicates that a decreased ability of walking correlates with cognitive impairment. (Belluck) Some symptoms of AD are similar to symptoms of other diseases. For example the symptoms of depression are seen in Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions such as Crohn’s Disease, Hypoglycemia, Multiple Sclerosis and Seizure Disorders. Another example would be the symptom of hallucinations, which are also seen in alcoholism, brain cancer and hypothermia.

(Conditions with Similar Symptoms as: Alzheimers Disease)Because of the similarities of symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease with other conditions more people need to be aware of the importance of early detection. Research needs to be done on new procedures to simplify the process. This should include greater awareness of the importance of genetic testing for the condition. Recent research has indicated that most people would prefer to have advanced knowledge of whether or not they are at risk for the condition and take any steps needed to alleviate the effects of the disease.

(Goldman et.al.)Part 2: Thesis from Hypothesis:My research on testing for Alzheimer’s Disease seems to confirm my belief that early detection of the disease is crucial for coping and understanding it. References:Belluck, P. (2012, July 16). Footprints to Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Are Seen in Gait. Retrieved July 17, 2012, from The New York Times Web Site: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/17/health/research/signs-of-cognitive-decline-and-alzheimers-are-seen-in-gait.html?_r=3&adxnnl=1&src=recg&adxnnlx=1342634614-PDi0KkD/rY+lJLpV5x/5WgDwyer, K.

Early Detection of Alzheimers Disease. (n.d) retrieved July 25, 2012, from Todays Caregiver Web Site: http://www.caregiver.com/channels/alz/articles/early_detection_of_alzheimers.htm Goldman, J., Catania, J., Hahn , S., Eckert, S., Butson, M., Rubuagh, M., Strecker, M., Roberts, S., Burke, W. Mayeux, R. & Bird, T. Genetic counseling and testing for Alzheimer disease: Joint practice guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and the National Society of Genetic Counselors. Genet Med.

2011 June; 13(6): 597–605. doi: 10.1097/GIM.0b013e31821d69b8., 13(6). retrieved July 17, 2012, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3326653/pdf/nihms365764.pdfInsel P. & Roth W. (2008). Core Concepts in Health (Tenth Edition). New York: McGraw Hill Inc.Conditions with Similar Symptoms as: Alzheimers Disease. (n.d) retrieved July 31, 2012, from University of Maryland Medical Center Web Site: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/alzheimers-disease-000369.htm