Late onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of cognitive function that interferes with daily activities [38](Holtzman et al., 2011). The neuropathology involves neurofibrillary tangles, composed of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins, and β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques which obstruct proper synapse function and lead to neuronal cell loss and atrophy [5](Ballard et al., 2011). The most crucial risk factor is age; the risk doubles…
Because the most significant cause of Alzheimer’s disease is age, a sufferer is likely to have inherited the disease if they develop it at a particularly young age, even though these gene mutations are rare. Alzheimer’s disease has also shown to be inherited through a more complex pattern rather than a single gene mutation. For example, the gene ‘apolipoprotein E’ (which is found in chromosome 19) transports lipoproteins, vitamins and cholesterol into the lymph system and consequently into the…
although he was not the first to describe the clinical features nor was he the first to describe the plaques. He was, however, the first to describe the fibrils. This disease was named after him by his senior colleague because of his statement that he was describing a new disease entity. (Hardy 2006). Alzheimer Disease (AD) is the fourth leading cause of death in adults. Once considered rare, AD is now recognized as the most common form of dementia. The cognitive impairments…
interfere with daily functioning (Mayo, 2016). This disease is so much more than normal age-related changes. Dementia itself is not a disease, but a general term for loss of memory and other mental abilities that impact daily life. Diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Lewy body Dementia, Vascular Dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease, are a few examples of diseases that cause dementia. Education is key when finding out a loved one is diagnosed with a disease that causes dementia. This paper will discuss…
What are all of the components an individual should know about Alzheimer’s disease? This is a question not many people ask or even understand too much. I feel that a lot of people are curious to what alzheimers disease really is and what a person living with this disease or even a loved one goes through. Sure, knowing that it’s a type of dementia is key, but alzheimers disease is so much more than that. We live our lives one day at a time and in those days we make memories we cherish the rest of…
Alzheimer’s disease and its Effects on Senior Citizens “The number of Americans with Alzheimer 's disease and other dementias will grow each year as the size and proportion of the U.S. population age 65 and older continues to increase.”(2015 Alzheimer’s disease) There are so many senior citizens in the world that are struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. Some senior citizens are aware of it, but most aren’t. The senior citizens that are aware that they have Alzheimer’s are lost, and confused…
shift the mindset from the immune system is flawed in the fact that a number of people contract the herpes virus and do not develop Alzheimer’s disease in their lifetime. Virus infections can be taken out with the simple use of anti-biotics and over the counter medications. Typically when people show symptoms, this is not a guarantee that they have contracted the disease that is suspected. The statement that “Around two-thirds of people will contract the viral infection herpes at some point in…
Alzheimer’s is a form a dementia where the brain begins to deteriorate, causing the decline of memory in middle to older aged individuals. Although there are treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and soften the symptoms of the disease, there are still no cure. Alzheimer’s only continues to worsen as a person diagnosed with the disease continues to grow older. Approximately 4.5 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s disease at the current date (Alzheimer 's Disease Center).…
not a disease, the origin of the word dementia is from a Latin word “demeans” meaning insane or being out of one’s mind. Dementia includes damage of nerve cells in the brain and the general breakdown of vital human functions; depending on how this damage is caused, dementia may affect people differently. There is more than one classified form of dementia;…
go wrong with his or her health. Diseases not only affect our health but also our every aspect of our daily life. Alzheimer’s is a common form of dementia that leads to memory loss that affects our intellectual abilities. Huntington’s disease on the other hand is a brain disorder caused by a defective gene in our chromosome. If I had a choice between the two diseases I would choose Alzheimer’s and here is my rationale for choosing this disease. Huntington’s disease is an inherited progressive…