I. Alzheimer’s Disease
A. Pass out popsicle sticks; now, those of you with stars on your sticks raise your hand, that is how many of you in this room will get some form of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. B. Analysis: How many of you have grandparents? C. Credibility: My grandma has Alzheimer’s. D. Thesis Statement: Today, I am here to inform you about Alzheimer’s disease; the history of Alzheimer’s, the symptoms and effects of Alzheimer’s on the brain and treatment that is available for patients with Alzheimer’s. E. My first point is about the history of Alzheimer’s disease.
II. Body A. History/Cause 1. Discovery: The Alzheimer’s Foundation states that Dr. Alois Alzheimer, while performing an autopsy, discovered weird proteins growing around the brain- later named Alzheimer’s. 2. Cause: unknown
a. In a certain type of Alzheimer’s- like Familial Alzheimer’s disease- Alzheimer’s is caused by inheritance
i. According to the Washington Post, this affects an estimated 5 million Americans
b. The other type of Alzheimer’s- called Sporadic Alzheimer’s disease- is more mysterious to scientists.
Signpost: My next point is about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and the effect it has on the brain. B. Symptoms and effects on the brain 1. According to the Mayo Clinic Staff, symptoms of Alzheimer’s include:
a. loss of memory, loss of speaking and writing, unreasonable thinking, changes in personality, poor judgement, planning, and decision-making. 2. Effects on the brain:
Signpost: My last point is about how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed and treatment that is available for Alzheimer’s patients. C. Diagnosis and Treatment
1. Diagnosis: Medical News Today states that in order for diagnosis to be confirmed a series of steps must take place.
a. physical examination, take history about symptoms, testing balance, blood tests and urine samples, MRIs, CTs, and EEGs, genetic testing, questionnaire.
2. Treatment: According