Alzheimer s A Progressive Neurodegenerative Disease

Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that steadily destroys the memory and other important mental functions such as social skills, intellect, and memory (4). Although the exact cause of Alzheimer’s is not known, most cases of the disease are caused by genetic mutations passed from the parent to the child (1). There are several genes associated with Alzheimer’s one in particular is apolipoprotein E (1). The presence of one or more of these genes does not necessarily mean that the person will develop Alzheimer’s however; it does increase the risk (5). Several environmental factors and lifestyle choices responsible for damage to blood vessels in the brain also contribute to the development of the disease (4). These factors include, past trauma to the head, cardiovascular disease, smoking, diabetes, or a poor diet (4). Cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease occurs when synapses, which transmit information from one neuron to another, become interrupted and communication ceases (7). The result is death of the nerve cell within the brain, also referred to as synaptic failure (6). Synaptic failure takes place when amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangles develop (7). Amyloid plaque develops from amyloid beta proteins, which are released by enzymes from the amyloid precursor protein that is located on the surface of the neuron (7). The amyloid beta proteins are normally cleared within the body once they are released however, inShow MoreRelatedAlzheimer s Disease : A Progressive Neurodegenerative Disease2372 Words   |  10 Pagesdementia is brought forward. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a brain disease, is the most common type of dementia, and affects majority of people 60 years or older (1,14). It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, which only continues to w orsen over time. Each individual is affected differently with symptoms and the progression. As of right now there is no cure for it (14). Biology of Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, which attacks the brain. It is not knownRead MoreAlzheimer s Disease : A Progressive Neurodegenerative Disease947 Words   |  4 PagesAlzheimer’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that results in dementia, disorientation, problems with speech, and behavioral issues within a person. This disease is detrimental and has no cure. Almost every single person knows someone that has this disease, or has known someone that has had this disease. That is the reason that I chose to research this particular topic. In 2013, my great uncle was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was the most down to earth man you would everRead MoreAlzheimer s Disease : A Progressive And Neurodegenerative Form Of Dementia2437 Words   |  10 PagesAlzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative form of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, reasoning, judgement and decision-makin g, recognizing, as well as behavior, and is serious enough to interfere with daily life and activities, that eventually leads to profound physical as well as mental disabilities, resulting in the need for institutional care (Hoyer Roodin, 2009). AD is most widespread in senior population aged 65 and over, which constitutes approximatelyRead MoreAlzheimer s Disease : A Progressive And Fatal Neurodegenerative Condition2426 Words   |  10 PagesAlzheimer’s disease is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative condition that is characterized by a decline in the individual’s memory and cognition, problems with carrying out daily living skills. There are no exact imaging tests or laboratory tests we can use to diagnose Alzheimer’s. The only way to 100% diagnose Alzheimer’s are when the person dies and has a brain biopsy. The best treatment we have now is medication to help slow the progression and different types of therapy. Caregivers willRead MoreAlzheimer s Disease And Its Effects On The Lives Of Millions Americans Essay1714 Words   |  7 Pages â€Æ' Introduction Neurodegenerative diseases continue to affect the lives of millions Americans each year, with incidence and prevalence rates ever increasing. These diseases cause degeneration or death of nerve cells in the brain. These diseases can cause a financial and emotional burden on not only patients themselves, but also family members and care givers as well. Molecular mechanisms that underlie these diseases have remained relatively unclear, despite much research. Understanding the mechanismsRead MoreHealth Care and Stage Dementia Support Essay example1302 Words   |  6 Pagesin Australia every year. Harris, Nagy and Vardaxis (2006) stated  ¡Ã‚ ®dementia is a progressive organic mental disorder characterised by chronic personality disintegration, confusion, disorientation, stupor, deterioration of intellectual capacity and function, and impairment of control of memory £Ã‚ ¬ judgement and impulses. ¡Ã‚ ¯ (p.501) Brown Edwards (2005) noted that the decline in cognitive functions affec t individual ¡Ã‚ ¯s ability to work and therefore they are not able to complete the tasks. In an aetiologyRead MoreAlzheimer s Disease : A Common Neurodegenerative Disease1110 Words   |  5 PagesAlzheimer’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease. It is the most common form of dementia which is a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life (Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia). Dementia and Alzheimer’s have been around for centuries, but Alzheimer’s disease wasn’t first described until 1906 by Dr. Aloysius Alzheimer. In the past, there was a stigma for elderly people with the disease. People with dementia and Alzheimer’s wereRead MoreAlzheimer s Disease : A Progressive Disease925 Words   |  4 PagesAlzheimer s disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other vital mental functions. Alzheimer s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a group of brain di sorders that cause the loss of intellectual and social skills. AD can eventually render a person unable to function in society and to even care for themselves. Since the disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States constant research is being done to try to prevent it and to find a cure. Alzheimer s diseaseRead MoreMedical Management Decisions And The Plan Of Care Decisions Essay1102 Words   |  5 PagesAlzheimer’s is a chronic medical neurodegenerative disease, therefore is a neurological illness which departures the brain cells, causing it to act in memory loss and mental failure. Early-onsets Alzheimer’s can be noticed in an individual beginning from ages 40-50s. Statistics show that of the 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer s, an estimated 5.2 million people are age 65 and older, and approximately 200,000 individuals are under age 65 (Alzheimer’s Association, n.d.). The course of this disorderRead MoreEffects Of The Brain On Alzheimer s Disease1467 Words   |  6 PagesChanges in the brain may a play role in Alzheimer’s disease Introduction â€Å"Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks individuals with AD may start having symptoms their mid-60s† (nih.gov). AD is a multifactorial and progressive neurodegenerative disease. â€Å"Parts of AD, for example, increased oxidative state, amyloid plaque deposition, and neurofibrillary tangle of tau