Alzheimers Disease Essay -- Diseases Research Essays

Alzheimers Disease The complaint called Alzheimers is the fourth leading cause of death in the unify States (Weiner, 1987). It is estimated that the elderly population will double between now and 2030. During this period, the outlet of elderly will grow by an average of 2.8% annually (U.S. nose count Bureau, 2001). By 2050, the number of people with Alzheimers is estimated to range from 11.3 million to 16 million (Alzheimers Association, 2005). These startling numbers should prompt an examination into angiotensin-converting enzyme of the leading causes of death among this group of people. Understanding what Alzheimers is and the known causes of the ailment are a good starting point. For those who have aging family members, discriminating the risk factors and warning signs of Alzheimers layabout be beneficial to some(prenominal) the patient and his family. Finally, once the patient has been diagnosed as having Alzheimers, a plan for interference as well as providing the fami ly and caregivers with a support system can help ease those involved through a very challenging, serious time.The Alzheimers Association (2005) defines the disease as a progressive intelligence disorder that gradually destroys a persons memory and capacity to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate, and carry out daily activities. Contrary to popular belief, Alzheimers is not the result of normal aging, although it normally occurs more frequently in people who are over the age of 65 (Gruetzner, 1988). Studies performed on the cards of deceased Alzheimers patients show several irregularities. The most obvious abnormality is in the signal-transmitting chemicals, where a 40-90% decrease in the enzyme CAT is found. This enzyme lies in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain. When CAT is decreased, it causes cholinergic or acetylcholine-releasing nerve terminals to diminish. These chemicals are meaning(a) for communication between nerves. Also found during these autopsies were double strands of neurofibullary tangles, senile boldness (decayed neural material), and granulovacular degeneration-all which are associated with mental impairment. Neurofibullary tangles normally do increase with age, provided Alzheimers patients show a very high density of the tangles. The brain has also been found to contain abnormally high concentrations of aluminum (Weiner, 1987). eyepatch much is known about the end results of Alzheimer... ...illick, 1998).While at the evidence time little is known about the causes of Alzheimers and there is no existence of a cure, current research combined with the latest in technology is hopeful for a breakthrough. Not only are smart drugs being developed, but also the possibility of vaccines are on the horizon. safekeeping up with the latest clinical trials, findings and treatment options can be a challenge, but doing so can arm patients and caregivers with a powerful tool. lonesome(prenominal) through education and p rogress in research can this hurtful disease become extinct.Works CitedAlzheimers Association. (2005). What is Alzheimers disease? Retrieved walk 30, 2005, from http//www.alz.org/AboutAD/WhatIsAD.aspGillick, Muriel R. (1998). Tangled minds understanding Alzheimers disease and other dementias. New York Penguin Group.Gruetzner, Howard. (1988). Alzheimers a caregivers guide and source book. New York Stephen Kipper.U.S. enumerate Bureau. (2001). Sixty-five plus in the United States. Retrieved March 30, 2005, from http//www.census.gov/population/socdemo/statbriefs/agebrief.htmlWeiner, Michael A. (1987). trim down the risk of Alzheimers. New York Stein & Day.