Alzheimers Disease Essay -- Diseases Research Essays

Alzheimers Disease The affection called Alzheimers is the fourth in the lead cause of death in the United States (Weiner, 1987). It is estimated that the olden population will double between now and 2030. During this period, the number of hoary will grow by an average of 2.8% annually (U.S. Census Bureau, 2001). By 2050, the number of mass with Alzheimers is estimated to range from 11.3 one thousand thousand to 16 million (Alzheimers Association, 2005). These startling numbers should prompt an examination into one of the leading causes of death among this group of people. Understanding what Alzheimers is and the known causes of the disease are a good starting point. For those who have aging family members, knowing the lay on the line factors and warning signs of Alzheimers can be beneficial to both the diligent and his family. Finally, once the patient has been diagnosed as having Alzheimers, a plan for treatment as well as providing the family and caregivers with a support s ystem can befriend ease those involved by a very challenging, heartbreaking meter.The Alzheimers Association (2005) defines the disease as a progressive brain inconvenience oneself that gradually destroys a persons memory and ability to learn, reason, launch judgments, communicate, and carry out daily activities. Contrary to popular belief, Alzheimers is non the result of normal aging, although it normally occurs more frequently in people who are over the age of 65 (Gruetzner, 1988). Studies performed on the brains of deceased Alzheimers patients show several irregularities. The most obvious abnormality is in the signal-transmitting chemicals, where a 40-90% decrease in the enzyme CAT is found. This enzyme lies in the cerebral cortex and genus Hippocampus regions of the brain. When CAT is decreased, it causes cholinergic or acetylcholine-releasing nerve terminals to diminish. These chemicals are important for discourse between nerves. Also found during these autopsies were do uble strands of neurofibullary tangles, senile plaque (decayed spooky material), and granulovacular degeneration-all which are associated with mental impairment. Neurofibullary tangles normally do increase with age, except Alzheimers patients show a very high density of the tangles. The brain has similarly been found to contain abnormally high concentrations of aluminum (Weiner, 1987).While frequently is known about the end results of Alzheimer... ...illick, 1998).While at the present time little is known about the causes of Alzheimers and there is no mankind of a cure, current research combined with the latest in engineering science is hopeful for a breakthrough. Not only are new drugs existence developed, but also the possibility of vaccines are on the horizon. Keeping up with the latest clinical trials, findings and treatment options can be a challenge, but doing so can arm patients and caregivers with a powerful tool. Only through education and progress in research can t his deadly disease become extinct.Works CitedAlzheimers Association. (2005). What is Alzheimers disease? Retrieved March 30, 2005, from http//www.alz.org/AboutAD/WhatIsAD.aspGillick, Muriel R. (1998). tortuous minds understanding Alzheimers disease and other dementias. New York Penguin Group.Gruetzner, Howard. (1988). Alzheimers a caregivers guide and source book. New York Stephen Kipper.U.S. Census Bureau. (2001). 65 plus in the United States. Retrieved March 30, 2005, from http//www.census.gov/population/socdemo/statbriefs/agebrief.htmlWeiner, Michael A. (1987). Reducing the fortune of Alzheimers. New York Stein & Day.