Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (pronounced AHLZ-hi-merz) is one of some disorders that cause the stepwise decrease of mind cells. The infection was first described in 1906 by German physician Dr. Alois Alzheimer. Alzheimer's disease improvement at widely distinct rates. The length of the illness may often alter from 3 to 20 years. The areas of the brain that control memory and thinking skills are affected first, but as the disease progresses, cell die in other regions of the brain. Eventually, the individual with Alzheimer's will need entire care. If the individual has no other serious illness, the loss of brain function itself will cause death (Vitaliano et al, 2000).

The more common late-onset Alzheimer's disease usually affects people over the age of 65. The utmost risk component for developing late-onset Alzheimer's is increasing age. Aindividual furthermore has a greater risk if he or she has an direct parent or sibling with the disease. Researchers have discovered one gene that is affiliated with an advanced risk of late-onset Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's infection is a mortal disease. It starts with the destruction of cells in districts of the mind that are significant for memory. However, the eventual decrease of units in other regions of the brain directs to the malfunction of other essential systems in the body. Also, because many people with Alzheimer's have other illnesses common in older age, the actual cause of death may be no single factor (Cotrell, 2002).

Background

Dementia is a brain disorder that acutely influences a person's capability to accomplish every day activities. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent form of dementia among older citizens. It concerns the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. Every day scientists discover more, but at present the basis of AD are still unknown, and there is no cure (Wolinsky & Johnson, 1999).

Scientists believe that up to 4 million Americans experience from Alzheimer's disease. The disease frequently commences after age 60, and risk goes up with age. While younger people also may get AD, it is a great deal less frequent. About 3 percent of men and women ages 65 to 74 have publicity, and almost half of those age 85 and older may have the disease. It is significant to note, however, that AD is not a normal part of aging (Arno et al, 1999).

Alzheimer's infection is entitled after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German doctor. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer observed modification in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an atypical mental illness. He found abnormal clumps (now called amyloid plaques) and tangled packages of fibers (now called neurofibrillary tangles). Nowadays, these plaques and tangles in the brain are considered hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (Vitaliano et al, 2000).

Source: http://www.crystalinks.com/alzheimersbrain.jpg

Scientists also have discovered other brain transformations in people with Alzheimer's disease. There is a loss of nerve cells in areas of the brain that are fundamental to memory and other mental abilities. There also are lesser levels of chemicals in the brain that transmit composite ...