...Hook Introduction to Alzheimer What is Alzheimer? Who have an Alzheimer? There are two main types of Alzheimer namely, early-onset Alzheimer and late-onset Alzheimer. Early-onset Alzheimer What is it? Who have it? What are the factors that influence this types of disease? What are the symptoms, signs of this disease? How can a doctor treat this disease? Late-onset Alzheimer In United Kingdom, 800000 people have a dementia, and the most common dementia is Alzheimer Dementia is a set of symptoms which comprises of “loss of memory, mood changes, problems with community and reasoning”. 60000 people in United Kingdom die per year attributed to dementia. One third of aged people over 95 years old have dementia. Two third of dementia patients are women (Alzheimer’s society, 2014.a). http://alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=341 Alois Alzheimer, a German neurologist, first described Alzheimer as a physical disease affecting the brain. People with Alzheimer have a scarcity of certain vitals chemicals, which of these involve in the transmission of messages inside the brain. During the course of Alzheimer’s, protein called plaques and tangles develop inside the structure of the brain, leading to the death of brain cells. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, which means gradually more parts of the brain are damaged. As a result, the symptoms and impacts from Alzheimer ‘s are likely to become more severe over time...
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...Alzheimer’s Development Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, and it is the most common cause of dementia, but what is the stage of Alzheimer and how this affects on the patient’s life. Medical researchers classified the develop of Alzheimer to three major stages patients experience as the disease progress which are mild stage, moderate stage, and severe stage. Diagnosing Alzheimer can help patients and their families to understand the situation, also it helps all the family members to do early check, because Alzheimer could be genetic disease. Overall, as the disease develop the symptoms become more intense and severe, so it’s important to patients understand what they are going through. Alzheimer’s disease starts in the...
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...Shaiquan Williams SC 235 General Biology 1 Unit 9 Assignment Professor Travis Kibota Kaplan University Unit 9 Assignment After doing research I have finished combining my family history, I am predisposed to one specific genetic disease: Alzheimer’s. There is one case of this disease within my family tree. My father’s mother suffers from Alzheimer’s. I will be talking about this disease. I will discuss why I chose to talk about this disease, the signs and symptoms of the disease, the modes of inheritance of the disease, when to seek help, any problems I come across, and how I would explain this to my children. I chose Alzheimer’s because my aunt called and told me that my grandmother was diagnosed with it. Ever since that phone call it has been something I am wondering about getting in my later years. Because of this information, I know that it runs on my...
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...Amanda Farrington Research paper October 17, 2014 Despite the forgetfulness, we have of the seriousness of Alzheimer’s disease; the behind the scenes action is what we need to be taking a look at. Researcher is now choosing different routes of prevention, treatment and diagnostic studies to solve this serious illness. Which different stages of diagnosis it’s difficult to find the target of what triggers the disease. With the majority of patients being diagnosed being of the elderly stage of life, testing different options is risky because of old age. As many years and millions have gone on to find the cure to stop this tragic illness that overcomes thousands of loved ones every year, scientist have decided to step back and make a strategy. With so many failed attempts of curing this disease, they decided to find an attack approach before being diagnosed. Studies have gone into the smallest detail to find common traits that those diagnosed have. While this is an endless and tedious process, they continued. Scientist have discovered that there are ways to lower the risks of being diagnosed with the disease in the future. Although there is no cure once diagnosed, there have been studies found on how to lessen your chances of getting it. Multiple articles, including National Institute of Agings “alheimer’s prevention”, state that vitamins are always a natural and healthy route as well as anti inflammatory drugs. While a healthy diet and exercise can be effective...
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...more information.) Furthermore, new research, done by Jennifer Williamson, Jill Goldman, and Karen S. Marder, shows there to be a “genetic association between 2 genes, sorting-related receptor and GAB2, and AD” . However, “these associations have not changed the diagnostic and medical management of AD” . These researchers conclude that genetic testing though is limited “to symptomatic individuals and asymptomatic relatives” is helpful in detecting the early onset of AD...
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...using new technology has led to new ways of accurately identifying AD, an understanding of the mechanisms involved regarding the development of AD, and the damage it causes in the human brain. The general population is under the impression that AD is a result of the normal human developmental process of aging. The focus of this research is to dismiss this misconception by providing indisputable empirical evidence to the contrary. This paper looks at the various studies explored by researchers in an attempt to show the factors attributed to AD, a population over the age of 65 that do not suffer from AD, and a population of as young as 18 clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The author also addresses life style, environmental, and genetic risk factors attributed to the development of AD. Alzheimer's Disease and its Link to the Normal Human Developmental Process of Aging Contrary to popular belief, studies show that Alzheimer’s disease is not part of the normal human developmental process of aging. It is imperative that researchers acknowledge that AD is not part of the normal aging process. Researchers must keep an open mind during the research and experimental process, exploring all plausible arguments, in order to discover the cause(s) and/or cure to any disease. This would include having an interdisciplinary approach to the study. Currently, the cause(s) of AD is unknown (Nowrangi MA, 2011). Data collected from studies as early as ten years ago would suggest that...
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...of patients with this disease. In fact, it is the presence of these psychotic symptoms can lead to early institutionalization (Bassiony, et all, 2000). Learning about Alzheimer’s disease and realizing that it is much more that just a loss of memory can benefit the families of those with the disorder as well as society as a whole. The purpose of this paper is to look at the disorder, as well as to discuss the history, symptoms, diagnosis and hopes of a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. History Around the turn of the century, two kinds of dementia were defined by Emil Kraepin: senile and presenile. The presenile form was described more in detail by Alois Alzheimer as a progressive deterioration of intellect, memory and orientation. As a neuropathologist, Alzheimer studied the case a 51 year-old woman. When she died, Alzheimer performed an autopsy and found that she had “cerebral atrophy” (deterioration of the brain), “senile plaques” (protein deposits) and “neurofibrillary tangles” (abnormal filaments in nerve cells) in her brain -- three common pathological features of those who have...
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...patients with this disease. In fact, it is the presence of these psychotic symptoms can lead to early institutionalization (Bassiony, et all, 2000). Learning about Alzheimer’s disease and realizing that it is much more that just a loss of memory can benefit the families of those with the disorder as well as society as a whole. The purpose of this paper is to look at the disorder, as well as to discuss the history, symptoms, diagnosis and hopes of a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. History Around the turn of the century, two kinds of dementia were defined by Emil Kraepin: senile and presenile. The presenile form was described more in detail by Alois Alzheimer as a progressive deterioration of intellect, memory and orientation. As a neuropathologist, Alzheimer studied the case a 51 year-old woman. When she died, Alzheimer performed an autopsy and found that she had “cerebral atrophy” (deterioration of the brain), “senile plaques” (protein deposits) and “neurofibrillary tangles” (abnormal filaments in nerve cells) in her brain -- three common pathological features of those who have Alzheimer’s Disease (Ramanathan, 1997). Today, as research on Alzheimer's disease progresses, scientists are describing other abnormal anatomical and chemical changes associated with the...
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...with this disease. In fact, it is the presence of these psychotic symptoms can lead to early institutionalization (Bassiony, et al, 2000). Learning about Alzheimer’s disease and realizing that it is much more that just a loss of memory can benefit the families of those with the disorder as well as society as a whole. This paper is to look at the disorder, as well as to discuss the history, symptoms, diagnosis, current researches and hopes of a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. History Around the turn of the century, two kinds of dementia were defined by Emil Kraepin: senile and presenile. The presenile form was described more in detail by Alois Alzheimer as a progressive deterioration of intellect, memory and orientation. As a neuropathologist, Alzheimer studied the case a 51 year-old woman. When she died, Alzheimer performed an autopsy and found that she had “cerebral atrophy” (deterioration of the brain), “senile plaques” (protein deposits) and “neurofibrillary tangles” (abnormal filaments in nerve cells) in her brain -- three common pathological features of those who have...
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...adults” (Hahn, Payne, and Lucas 2011), this disease is known as Alzheimer’s disease. The first topic that will be discussed will be symptoms and diagnosing the disease. Secondly how it progresses and the stages associated with it, along with the two main types of Alzheimer’s disease. The last topic will be the possible causes, risk factors and medications available to the sufferer. “Alzheimer’s disease dementia is a progressive degenerative brain disease and has no known cure. It is the most common form of dementia and eventually leads to death. Alzheimer’s disease significantly impacts the patient’s ability to function cognitively, which is the most apparent symptom of the disease.“ (http://www.alzheimersdisease.com/info/what/what-is-alzheimers-disease.jsp?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=+causes%2Bof%2B+alzheimer's%2B%2B%2B&utm_campaign=Unbranded%2BSigns%2Band%2BSymptoms%2B5/11&gclid=CIrGwvG9l6wCFYpb7AodaSjuUA). There are several symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease listed on the website www.alzheimersdisease.com[->0] including misplacing things. Objects are not just being misplaced but being placed in areas they should not be an example of this is instead of placing a purse on the counter when a person walks into the house they may place it in the freezer or refrigerator. Everyone may lose something for a short amount of time but when the object is placed somewhere completely out of the ordinary there may be reason for concern. Another symptom mentioned in the...
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...Final Essay Katie Beauchamp COM/155 June 16, 2013 Dr. Andrews Many people know someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. It is confusing how some people use these names interchangeably. While Alzheimer’s disease and dementia have similar characteristics, the treatment for the disease is based on symptoms as well as how the diseases are acquired. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia so they are very closely related. (Fraller, 2013) Knowing the slight differences between the two diseases could, in some cases, mean a cure. Both Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are caused by a dysfunction in the brain. In Alzheimer’s disease, there is a loss of brain cells brought on by age. Studies have shown that 10% of all people over the age of 65 and 50% of people over the age of 85 have Alzheimer’s. Out of all those people, only 1% of them inherited the disease. Someone who has experienced multiple head injuries or high insulin levels are also at a greater risk of acquiring Alzheimer’s. On the other hand, dementia is caused by changes to the brain. These changes may be caused by a stroke, brain tumors, or even head injuries. Diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, hyperthyroidism, B12 deficiency, and fluid build-up on the brain have also been known to cause dementia. (Healthwise Incorporated, 2011) Once the causes of the two diseases have been determined, it is important to discuss the symptoms. The similarities between the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease...
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...SOURCES: http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/alzheimers-history#3 http://www.dnalc.org/view/794-Background-to-Alzheimer-s-Disease.html http://www.nndb.com/people/217/000165719/ http://www.alz.co.uk/alois-alzheimer http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159442.php http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE * Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Bottom of Form * Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. But Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Up to 5 percent of people with the disease have early onset Alzheimer's (also known as younger-onset), which often appears when someone is in their 40s or 50s. * Alzheimer's worsens over time. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Those with Alzheimer's live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years...
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...Pathophysiology The brain is made up neurons that are interconnected to form a vase network. These connections known as synapses enable the transmission of information from one neuron to another. In Alzheimer’s disease, ten to fifteen years before the appearance of the symptoms, two main lesions form in the brain, which are senile plaque’s that are composed of Beta-Amyloid protein, and neurofibrillary tangle’s that are composed of Tau protein. On the surface of a neuron is a large protein called APP. Normally, APP is sectioned by enzymes on the surface of the neuron and it frees a protein called Amyloid-Beta. The amyloid-beta protein is then cleared in the body. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease there is an imbalance as the amyloid-beta protein is no longer regulated and is found in two greater quantities. The protein is assembled to form insoluble fibrils and create Senile Plaques. When a neuron communicates with another a signal goes from the body known as soma to the synapse to transfer the information. The signal passes through the skeleton of the neuron composed of microtubules. These microtubules are stabilized by normal towel protein. In Alzheimer’s disease, Tau protein becomes defective and detaches from the microtubules. Thus, the skeleton of the neuron dissociates, as it is no longer maintained. Defective tau protein is then assembled to form filaments in the neuron. Without the skeleton the neurons degenerate and connections between the neurons are lost. The abnormal...
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...Alzheimer’s disease is a wholesale loss of synapses, contact points via which nerve cells relay signals to one another and a parallel deterioration in brain function, notably in the ability to remember. Amyloid beta (Aβ) denotes peptides of 36–43 amino acids that are crucially involved in Alzheimer's disease as the main component of the amyloid plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer patients. The peptides result from the amyloid precursor protein (APP), which is being cut by certain enzymes to yield Aβ. Study has shown that Beta amyloid begins life as a solitary molecule but tends to bunch up , initially into small clusters that are still soluble and can travel freely in the brain, and finally into the plaques that are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s. The study showed for the first time that in this clustered form, beta-amyloid can bind strongly to a receptor on nerve cells, setting in motion an intercellular process that erodes their synapses with other nerve cells. Further looking into this protein and the information regarding it in various databases, the following was sequence was found out for the Beta amyloid A4 protein in Homo sapien in SWISSPROT. >sp|P05067|A4_HUMAN Amyloid beta A4 protein OS=Homo sapiens GN=APP PE=1 SV=3 MLPGLALLLLAAWTARALEVPTDGNAGLLAEPQIAMFCGRLNMHMNVQNGKWDSDPSGTK TCIDTKEGILQYCQEVYPELQITNVVEANQPVTIQNWCKRGRKQCKTHPHFVIPYRCLVG EFVSDALLVPDKCKFLHQERMDVCETHLHWHTVAKETCSEKSTNLHDYGMLLPCGIDKFR GVEFVCCPLAEESDNVDSADAEEDDSDVWWGGADTDYADGSEDKVVEVAEEEEVAEVEEE E...
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...Alzheimer’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 “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 as well. There are a few risk factors including age, family history, and head injuries. There is no definitive way of predicting that a person will get Alzheimer’s, but there are genetic markers and neurological tests that can signify a person’s chances at acquiring Alzheimer’s later in life (Association, 2012). Although there is no cure at this time there are methods to treating symptoms, and leading a healthy lifestyle, eating right, and staying fit both mentally and physically can help with prevention. Defining Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is neurological and affects short-term memory, behavior, the ability to match words with familiar objects, and attention span. The disease is degenerative with the gradual loss of neurological function. Alzheimer’s is distinguished from other dementias by the presence of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (Swaminathan, 2011). These create a disruption in the synapses responsible for critical thinking and changes in...
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