Alzheimer s Disease A Slow Progressing...

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a slow-progressing neurodegenerative disease that has no cure and most often affects people over the age of sixty-five. Neurodegeneration is characterized by the loss of function in the central nervous system due to degeneration of neurons found mostly in the brain. The most recent data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that AD is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. The cause of Alzheimer’s is still not completely understood, but the current theory is that it appears to be genetic in which many genes are involved. AD is also the most common form of dementia and accounts for 60-80% of cases (Alzheimer’s Association 2016). Dementia is not a disease itself, but instead is characterized by a group of symptoms that is caused by brain disease or injury in which memory, personality, and reasoning skills are affected. Alzheimer’s disease was discovered in the early 20th century by Alois Alzheime r. Alois was a German neurologist and psychiatrist who first identified the symptoms of AD in a 51-year-old patient of his who was known simply by the name Auguste D. This patient was brought to him in 1901 by her family who could no longer care for her due to her changed personality traits including aggression, memory loss, language, and other behavioral deficits. Alois followed the patient for 5 years (until her death) and noted how she had developed severe memory loss, unreasonable suspicions about her family, andShow MoreRelatedThe Mystery Of Alzheimer s Disease1537 Words   |  7 Pagesthinking, and behavior. The purpose of this paper is to discuss medical definition, etiology, signs and symptoms, stages of disease progression, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is Ultimately fatal. Medical Definition. Alzheimer s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain s nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes. These neuronsRead MoreSymptoms Of Alzheimer s Disease2043 Words   |  9 PagesAlzheimer’s disease. It took an emotional toll on me and my family members. I believe Alzheimer is much harder on me and my loved ones than on my grandfather; because he was unaware of what was going on. It’s painful watching my grandfather degrade and get worse each and every day. The worst thing is that he doesn’t even know who I am anymore. In this paper I will discuss certain risk factors, background of Alzheimer’s, Background of Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s disease was first identifiedRead MoreOutline Of Alzheimer s Disease2765 Words   |  12 PagesShammai Topper Dr. Milton Schiffenbauer Research Topics in Biology GSB 493 CA Alzheimer’s disease Introduction Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that accounts for sixty to seventy percent of Dementia cases. It is characterized by the development of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the loss of connection between neurons in the brain and the death of nerve cells. There are two types of Alzheimer’s Early on-set Alzheimer’s which occur from the ages of thirtyRead MoreLong Term Facilities And Their Levels Of Service, And Financing For Individuals Who Are Facing The Challenge Of2902 Words   |  12 Pagespaper will be to explore available long-term services, long-term facilities and their levels of service, and financing for individuals who are facing the challenge of Alzheimer s disease. This is an important topic that affects me personally and professionally as well as having lasting effects on our community. Alzheimer s disease currently ranks as the #6 leading cause of death in the United States and with the Baby Boomer generation currently standing as the largest aging population in theRead MoreAlzheimers Essay2484 Words   |  10 PagesAlzheimer’s Disease Kathryn Hardcastle, PSY 340 February 5, 2012 Chris Garwick-Foley Alzheimer ’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes a gradual and irreversible decline of cognitive abilities (Feldman, 2010, p. 325). Informally known as â€Å"old timers† disease, it strikes more than half of the elderly community greater than age 85 (Feldman, 2010). In addition to the loss of memory there are also major neurological, functional, and behavioral changes asRead MoreParkinson Disease : A Progressive Disorder That Affects The Nervous System2652 Words   |  11 PagesParkinson disease is known as a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system. Some of the main symptoms of the disorder include tremor, muscular rigidity and slow imprecise movement. On the other hand Alzheimer s disease is the most common cause of dementia. The disorder includes memory loss along with difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. Both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s have many similarities but evidence may suggest they are separate disorders. Both Parkinson’s and