Part 3: Alzheimer’s Disease: A Doctors Secret Have you ever thought about how you will die, or what diseases you will get diagnosed with in you older age? Alzheimer’s disease is a “forgotten" thing in the younger generations, but its more present than we think. Many people 65 years and older have the disease without even knowing it until incidents like backing up out of the garage with the door still down, or falling asleep at the wheel, happen and they become utterly confused. So, is it wrong for doctors to not be telling their patients that they have the disease? Alzheimer 's Disease is the most common form of dementia (Slomski 1). Memory deteriorates, language functions are lost (Norrogard 31) as brain cells break down (Slomski), and
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In any Alzheimer 's patient, you would notice a dramatic shrinkage (Gale Encyclopedia 25) to the frontal regions of the brain, and would also disrupt the patients ability to use language. There are 4 main types of memory that would be lost: episode memory, semitic memory, procedural memory, and working memory (Memory of Biology 29) Alzheimer’s is also related to the Cerebrum, and there are two hemispheres(World of biology 5). The Corpus Collosum, which is the left hemisphere of the brain, is significantly larger than the right side of the brain and sensory information is transmitted within it. (World of Anatomy 10) and ultimately connects to the spinal cord. There are four types of memory: episodic memory, Semitic memory, procedural memory, and working memory. (Memory of biology) The hippocampus is where the memory cells are located (Talk of the Nation.) It also largely controls behavioral responses and is where show term memory is stored (World Anatomy 12). In the cortex, the memories that are long term and meaningful are stored (Talk of the Nation …show more content…
They attach small wires (Gale Encyclopedia) to specific parts of the brain and the patient is given flashing lights, pictures and images to look at as the doctor looks at their brain activity. EEGs also help diagnose seizures, tumors, and other mental disorders. Currently though, there is not cure for the disease of Alzheimer’s. (Seppa) There is a large controversy about doctors not telling their patients that they have cancer and diseases like Alzheimer’s. Over 55% (Morning Edition) of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s don 't know they have it even though it is the 4th leading cause of death (World of Health 28) . Doctors have said that they don’t tell because they don’t have a long enough appointment time to get in depth with the patient. Doctors are also scared (Morning Edition 11) that the patient will get very emotional and not want to accept the fact that they have
In any Alzheimer 's patient, you would notice a dramatic shrinkage (Gale Encyclopedia 25) to the frontal regions of the brain, and would also disrupt the patients ability to use language. There are 4 main types of memory that would be lost: episode memory, semitic memory, procedural memory, and working memory (Memory of Biology 29) Alzheimer’s is also related to the Cerebrum, and there are two hemispheres(World of biology 5). The Corpus Collosum, which is the left hemisphere of the brain, is significantly larger than the right side of the brain and sensory information is transmitted within it. (World of Anatomy 10) and ultimately connects to the spinal cord. There are four types of memory: episodic memory, Semitic memory, procedural memory, and working memory. (Memory of biology) The hippocampus is where the memory cells are located (Talk of the Nation.) It also largely controls behavioral responses and is where show term memory is stored (World Anatomy 12). In the cortex, the memories that are long term and meaningful are stored (Talk of the Nation …show more content…
They attach small wires (Gale Encyclopedia) to specific parts of the brain and the patient is given flashing lights, pictures and images to look at as the doctor looks at their brain activity. EEGs also help diagnose seizures, tumors, and other mental disorders. Currently though, there is not cure for the disease of Alzheimer’s. (Seppa) There is a large controversy about doctors not telling their patients that they have cancer and diseases like Alzheimer’s. Over 55% (Morning Edition) of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s don 't know they have it even though it is the 4th leading cause of death (World of Health 28) . Doctors have said that they don’t tell because they don’t have a long enough appointment time to get in depth with the patient. Doctors are also scared (Morning Edition 11) that the patient will get very emotional and not want to accept the fact that they have