Alzheimers Disease Essay -- Health Memory Diseases Essays

Alzheimers Disease, progressive brain disorder that pull ins a gradual and irreversible go down in memory, language skills, perception of time and space, and, eventually, the ability to sell for oneself. First described by German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer in 1906, Alzheimers disease was initially judgment to be a rare condition affecting only young peck, and was referred to as presenile dementia. Today late-onset Alzheimers disease is recognised as the most common cause of the loss of mental function in those aged 65 and oer. Alzheimers in people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, called early-onset Alzheimers disease, occurs much less frequently, accounting for less than 10 share of the estimated 4 million Alzheimers cases in the United States.Although Alzheimers disease is not a normal part of the aging process, the risk of developing the disease increases, as people grow older. About 10 percent of the United States population over the age of 65 is affected by Alzheimers disease, and nearly 50 percent of those over age 85 may have the disease.Alzheimers disease takes a devastating toll, not only on the patients, but also on those who love and manage for them. Some patients experience immense fear and frustration as they struggle with at once commonplace tasks and slowly lose their independence. Family, friends, and especially those who provide daily care suffer immeasurable pain and stress as they witness Alzheimers disease slowly take their loved one from them.The onset of Alzheimers disease is usually precise gradual. In the early stages, Alzheimers patients have relatively mild problems learning new information and remembering where they have left common objects, such as keys or a wallet. In time, they begin to have trouble recollecting recent events and finding the right words to express themselves. As the disease progresses, patients may have worry remembering what day or month it is, or finding their way around familiar surroundings. They may deve lop a tendency to wander gain and then be unable to find their way back. Patients often become irritable or withdrawn as they struggle with fear and frustration when once commonplace tasks become unfamiliar and intimidating. Behavioural changes may become more pronounced as patients become paranoid or delusional and unable to run in normal conversation.Eventually Alzheimers patients... ...be learned, but as scientists better understand the genetic components of Alzheimers, the roles of the amyloid precursor protein and the tau protein in the disease, and the mechanisms of nerve cell degeneration, the possibility that a treatment will be developed is more likely.The responsibility for caring for Alzheimers patients generally falls on their spouses and children. Care donors must constantly be on guard for the possibility of an Alzheimers patient wandering away or becoming agitated or confused in a manner that jeopardises the patient or others. Coping with a loved ones decline and inability to recognise familiar faces causes enormous pain.The increased burden faced by families is intense, and the life of the Alzheimers care giver is often called a 36-hour day. Not surprisingly, care givers often develop health and psychological problems of their own as a result of this stress. The Alzheimers Association, a national government activity with local chapters throughout the United States, was formed in 1980 in large measure to provide support for Alzheimers care givers. Today, national and local chapters are a valuable source for information, referral, and advice.