The Many Aspects of Alzheimers Disease - Free Essay Example

In general, dementia is defined as a category of brain conditions that cause the individual to gradually lose his or her ability to effectively communicate and think properly (Alzheimers Disease, 2017, p. 1). Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia and affects approximately one out of every eight Americans over the age of 65 (A. W. Lerner, A. C. Lerner, 2009, p. 15). As the years progress, more treatments are being found, and researchers are hopeful that a cure will be found one day. While focusing on the several aspects and struggles that an Alzheimers patient experiences both past and future, possible treatment plans and cures can also be evaluated. While many aspects of Alzheimers disease exist, many statistics have been gathered by researchers in the United States about this disease. In general, dementia is defined as a category of brain conditions that cause individuals to gradually lose their abilities to effectively communicate and think properly (Alzheimers Disease, 2017, p. 1). It is the fifth leading cause of death for elderly individuals over the age of 65 in the United States, and in 2007, it was estimated that about 5.1 million people were living with Alzheimers disease (A. W. Lerner, A. C. Lerner, 2009, p. 15). Alzheimers was named after a German doctor named Alois Alzheimer because he first detailed the characteristics of the disease in 1906 (A. W. Lerner, A. C. Lerner, 2009, p. 15)(Perry, 2006, p. 6). Alzheimers didnt receive a lot of attention until Emil Kraepelin released his book called Textbook of Psychiatry in 1910, so he is also commonly thought of as its cofounder (Perry, 2006, p. 410). It was officially r ecognized as a disease in the 1970s (Lock, 2013, p. 49). Some risk factors make certain types of people more susceptible to the development of Alzheimers than others. In general, the older an individual is, the more likely they are to experience Alzheimers disease (A. W. Lerner, A. C. Lerner, 2009, p. 49). In fact, each decade after age 65, the risk for Alzheimers disease doubles for the general population (Alzheimers Disease, 2017, p. 4). Another risk factor is the presence of high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease because these conditions can lead to damaged blood vessels which can lead to Alzheimers (New Hope for Alzheimers, 2013, p. 2). Other individuals at risk include those whove experienced a head injury, those who are considered to be obese, and those who smoke (Alzheimers Disease, 2017, p. 6). A well-known fact is that if an individuals parent or sibling has been diagnosed with Alzheimers, then the individuals chance of also developing this disease increases depending on the specific case (p. 5). A gene called APOE is linked with late-onset Alzheimers which is categorized as any form of this disease found after age 65 (Alzheimers Disease Fact Sheet, 2016, p. 4). Several forms of this gene exist, and one of them is known as APOE e4 which increases the likelihood that the individual carrying the gene will experience early-onset Alzheimers, which is diagnosed between ones 30s to early 60s. Many Down Syndrome individuals also develop Alzheimers because they have an extra twenty-first chromosome, which is the same gene that creates substances called amyloid plaques which then form the basis for Alzheimers disease (Alzheimers Disease Fact Sheet, 2016, p. 4). Alzheimers disease cant be prevented altogether, but certain methods may help some individuals reduce their risk of developing this disease. One way to hopefully prevent the disease is by engaging in aerobic exercise because it improves peoples ability to effectively complete tasks which involve thinking and analyzing (Setti, Hunsberger, Reed, 2017, p. 351). One study supporting this assertion is one in which older rodents were allowed to run on an exercise wheel, and it was discovered that those that exercised, experienced an increase in neuron production compared to the rodents that didnt. Another method known as the Mediterranean diet has been discovered to lower the risk of cardiovascular issues and Alzheimers disease (Alzheimers Disease, 2017, p. 7). The Mediterranean diet is beneficial because it helps individuals increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in their bodies which support the upkeep of cell membranes and overall brain activity (Setti, Hunsberger, Reed, 2017, p. 352). This diet includes: fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy oils, nuts, and many other foods similar to the ones listed (Alzheimers Disease, 2017, p. 7). Lastly, in order for an individual to prevent or slow down the progression of this disease, one must maintain a consistent and healthy environment with caregivers who know the specialized communication techniques needed for these unique patients (L. Walsh, personal interview, April 2, 2018).