Alzheimer's Disease Research Paper
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, neurological condition that impairs the brain's functioning. The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not known. Early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are usually memory loss. There are other symptoms that include having problems with learning, paying attention, judgment and orientation. (Aronson 15) In general, people who have major personality and behavior changes might have Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's disease usually affects older people. There are many older people with memory problems that do not have Alzheimer's. It is natural to lose some memory when ageing. Loss of memory can result from many other disorders, including the side effects of drugs metabolic abnormalities, …show more content…
vitamin or hormonal deficiencies, and small strokes. People with anxiety or depression can also have symptoms that simulate a memory disorder.(Wilkinson 6) No one wants to admit that they are losing their memory. Some people with memory problems will say that they do not remember things because "they're not important." This may be an excuse. Trying to figure out the differences between normal age related memory changes and early
Kraemer 2
Alzheimer's disease can be very difficult.
Not one single test will prove whether a person has Alzheimer's disease or a related mind loss disorder Alzheimer's disease is named after a German doctor "Alois Alzheimer". He discovered things called "plaques and tangles" in the brain of his patients who suffered memory loss. The brain looked like tangled shoe laces or hair and the plaque resemble plaque on one's teeth. All of this interferes with brain functions. In the 1900 Dr. Alois began to seriously study the brain. He discovered that this disease is "progressive and irreversible". The disease was characterized by deteriorating brain cells and will commonly lead to dementia. (Wilkinson 7, …show more content…
8) Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is not easy because this disease has the same symptoms of another memory loss and related condition called dementia.
Alzheimer's disease is the most frequent cause of a dementia type illness. Dementia means a loss or impairment of a person's ability to use his mind. The main feature of dementia is the loss of the ability intellectually to perform with social or occupational functions. (Gruetzner 10) Such as a person with Alzheimer's will not be able to function in his job because of impairments in memory and reasoning. There are tests that are done on a patient to diagnosis Alzheimer's disease. This is done on the basis of getting a history of sicknesses that are compatible with this disorder, getting a mental status exam, physical exam, laboratory test that can rule out disorders that can be similar
Kraemer 3
to Alzheimer's disease, receiving a psychiatric evaluation and last a psychological test. (Aronson 18) There are three stages of Alzheimer's disease.
There is no point at which one stage of Alzheimer's moves to another stage. The stages seem to blend together, but it becomes more sever and more noticeable as time goes on. With stage one the onset of Alzheimer's disease is so gradual. It can go on unnoticed for a long period of time. The person can tell of stories of memories from long ago but they may not be able to tell you what happened the previous day. They may become absent minded, miss appointments or even forgetting to return phone calls from friends and family. They tend not to want to learn new things and going to different places such as dine out or go on vacation. Of course much of this behavior is not unusual for most people at some time or another in their lives. That is why slight changes in one's behavior, in the beginning of Alzheimer's disease, go unnoticed. In stage two people with the early stages of Alzheimer's become unpredictable. They are usually indifferent to the feelings of others. Keeping clean is not a priority, and the person may object or get angry to suggestions of a shower or a bath. They tend to get lost in a familiar place like a room in the house, in the neighborhood, or on family property. They will more frequently need supervision for eating and dressing. There are noticeable body changes in this stage also. The neck muscles of the Alzheimer's sufferer become weak, and their head may hang to one side. Sleep becomes very difficult and
night turns to day. They may wonder wandering about the house while family members sleep. In stage three the Alzheimer's disease accelerates Kraemer 4
and the losses are unmistakable. Their long term and short term memory has been completely destroyed. They are totally unaware of their surroundings. They do not even recognize their closest family members. Words are spoken over and over until any resemblance to speech disappears. They will begin to babble like a baby and this is eventually replaced by grunts and groans. Often yells and screams are their only way of expression. They become completely bedridden and incontinent. They will be unable to control their bladder or bowels. They will continue to decline until death. Death can be a long time from the beginning of the disease. Some people live twenty years or more from the onset of the disease. (Wilkinson 9, 10) In this stage most people can not remain at home unless they have a caregiver. A nursing home is usually the best place for good care. The cause of Alzheimer's still remains unknown. Some new information refers that some chemical and structural changes in the body may cause and be responsible for the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. This has not been proven yet so to date only three factors have been confirmed in Alzheimer's patients. They are age, genetic background which included heredity and possibly head injuries. Most people know that old age is a factor or known risk of Alzheimer's disease and the risk are much greater after the age of seventy five. (Aronson 34) Some scientists believe people are genetically designed to get Alzheimer's disease. There are plenty of studies that indicate that the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease is increased among people who have it in their family. Few scientists
Kraemer 5
believe head injuries can be a factor of Alzheimer's but there has to be more studies on this theory. (Aronson35) Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease is done on the basis of getting a history of sicknesses that are compatible with this disorder, getting a mental status exam, physical exam, laboratory test that can rule out disorders that can be similar to Alzheimer's disease, receiving a psychiatric evaluation and last a psychological test. (Aronson 18) Because there is no cure of Alzheimer's disease different treatments are being tried. Such as drug treatments and treatments without drugs. There are only three approved drugs, and the remainder is still in the experimental stage. The approved drugs are called TACRINE, ARICEPT, and EXELON. Tacrine was approved in 1993. This drug only helps some patients for a short period of time. This period ranges from a few months to a few years. About forty percent of the patients have shown a tiny amount of improvement but no improvement in the functions in patients that would affect quality of life. Aricept was approved in 1996. It is the most commonly used drug for Alzheimer's disease. Aricept helps patients with mild to moderate symptoms. Seems to only help for only a few months to a few years. Exelon was approved in April 2000. Tests show improvements in the patient's ability to carry out normal day to day activities. (Burns internet article) Some families prefer to use treatments with out using drugs. There is not a lot of proof that these non drug treatment work but they do help with the quality of life for the patients. One such non drug treatment is called Reality Orientation. "Reality Orientation involves anyone that has normal contact with the patient. They need to Kraemer6
provide orientating clues when they are with the patient as much as possible. One can do this in group and individual basis. Individuals can give the patient hints verbally by using clocks, calendars, pictures, signposts and memory boards. Where there are groups of people like in hospitals and nursing homes Reality Orientation are simple discussions involving everyone. Try discussing things like current affairs, the dinner menu and what they had done that particular day. (Burns internet article) Another type of non drug therapy is called Reminiscence therapy and this is used to improve the mood of patients by being exposed to photographs, films, food and music that help them remember past experiences. Usually this will occur in small groups. (Burns internet article) Which ever therapy is used, drug or non drug, the patient as of now will never regain their brain functions. It is usually friends and family members that suffer the most, not the patient. Caring for an Alzheimer's patient takes a lot of time, work and patients. They will eventually need full time supervision. This means having to bathe, dress, and feed them. Many patients will have to wear adult diapers because they will not remember or be able to use it the usual way. Having to change an adults diaper is not an easy task and it takes a very special person to do this. Most family members are not able to cope with these tasks and a caregiver may have to be hired to come into the home. Some communities have day care centers for Alzheimer's patients to go to. These centers are very helpful for people who have to work but can still care for their family member in the evenings. Some may not even be able to care for the patient at home any more and may have to put them
Kraemer7
into alternate care such as foster care or a nursing home to care for them full time. This is a very hard personal decision to make but for some it is a must. Looking for a care facility has to be a family decision because the family and patients needs need to be met. There are a few different options on care facilities. For patients that are less impaired there are residential programs such as foster care, board and care, and adult homes. This type of care provides a home for the patient in a smaller and more personalized setting. For the patient who is more severely impaired a nursing home may be the best choice. There are different types of nursing homes around. They provide two levels of care such as skilled nursing and intermediate care. The choice is based on the patients needs. A skilled nursing facility (SNF) provides continuous care around the clock. This is for patients who are chronically ill. The other type of nursing home is called an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) or sometimes called Health Related Facilities (HRF). These facilities provide social, medical and rehabilitation services. They also provide room and board. This type of facility is for the patient that is not fully capable of independent living but able to participate in some of their own care. (Aronson230, 231) Many families will need some type of support group. A group of people who understand what they are going through. It is much easier to cope if there is some type of support around. There is the Alzheimer's disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center. This service is funded by the Federal Government. This service offers information and publications to the public. Information can be found on diagnosis, Kraemer8
treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, long-term care, education, training, and research about Alzheimer's disease. Another support group called the Alzheimer's Association is funded by the Federal Government. This service offers information and referrals to respite care. Also offers information on other home and community services offered by State and Area Agencies on Aging. (ADEAR internet article) It is encouraged for families with an Alzheimer's disease to contact a support group because it will help give them peace of mind. Alzheimer's disease can affect anyone. Many people will face this non curable disease. It does not matter if one is rich or poor or what part of the earth they live they can be affected by Alzheimer's disease. Hopefully research scientists will find a cure for Alzheimer's disease in the near future so this generation can have hope for themselves and their family.
Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, neurological condition that impairs the brain's functioning. The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not known. Early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are usually memory loss. There are other symptoms that include having problems with learning, paying attention, judgment and orientation. (Aronson 15) In general, people who have major personality and behavior changes might have Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's disease usually affects older people. There are many older people with memory problems that do not have Alzheimer's. It is natural to lose some memory when ageing. Loss of memory can result from many other disorders, including the side effects of drugs metabolic abnormalities, …show more content…
vitamin or hormonal deficiencies, and small strokes. People with anxiety or depression can also have symptoms that simulate a memory disorder.(Wilkinson 6) No one wants to admit that they are losing their memory. Some people with memory problems will say that they do not remember things because "they're not important." This may be an excuse. Trying to figure out the differences between normal age related memory changes and early
Kraemer 2
Alzheimer's disease can be very difficult.
Not one single test will prove whether a person has Alzheimer's disease or a related mind loss disorder Alzheimer's disease is named after a German doctor "Alois Alzheimer". He discovered things called "plaques and tangles" in the brain of his patients who suffered memory loss. The brain looked like tangled shoe laces or hair and the plaque resemble plaque on one's teeth. All of this interferes with brain functions. In the 1900 Dr. Alois began to seriously study the brain. He discovered that this disease is "progressive and irreversible". The disease was characterized by deteriorating brain cells and will commonly lead to dementia. (Wilkinson 7, …show more content…
8) Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is not easy because this disease has the same symptoms of another memory loss and related condition called dementia.
Alzheimer's disease is the most frequent cause of a dementia type illness. Dementia means a loss or impairment of a person's ability to use his mind. The main feature of dementia is the loss of the ability intellectually to perform with social or occupational functions. (Gruetzner 10) Such as a person with Alzheimer's will not be able to function in his job because of impairments in memory and reasoning. There are tests that are done on a patient to diagnosis Alzheimer's disease. This is done on the basis of getting a history of sicknesses that are compatible with this disorder, getting a mental status exam, physical exam, laboratory test that can rule out disorders that can be similar
Kraemer 3
to Alzheimer's disease, receiving a psychiatric evaluation and last a psychological test. (Aronson 18) There are three stages of Alzheimer's disease.
There is no point at which one stage of Alzheimer's moves to another stage. The stages seem to blend together, but it becomes more sever and more noticeable as time goes on. With stage one the onset of Alzheimer's disease is so gradual. It can go on unnoticed for a long period of time. The person can tell of stories of memories from long ago but they may not be able to tell you what happened the previous day. They may become absent minded, miss appointments or even forgetting to return phone calls from friends and family. They tend not to want to learn new things and going to different places such as dine out or go on vacation. Of course much of this behavior is not unusual for most people at some time or another in their lives. That is why slight changes in one's behavior, in the beginning of Alzheimer's disease, go unnoticed. In stage two people with the early stages of Alzheimer's become unpredictable. They are usually indifferent to the feelings of others. Keeping clean is not a priority, and the person may object or get angry to suggestions of a shower or a bath. They tend to get lost in a familiar place like a room in the house, in the neighborhood, or on family property. They will more frequently need supervision for eating and dressing. There are noticeable body changes in this stage also. The neck muscles of the Alzheimer's sufferer become weak, and their head may hang to one side. Sleep becomes very difficult and
night turns to day. They may wonder wandering about the house while family members sleep. In stage three the Alzheimer's disease accelerates Kraemer 4
and the losses are unmistakable. Their long term and short term memory has been completely destroyed. They are totally unaware of their surroundings. They do not even recognize their closest family members. Words are spoken over and over until any resemblance to speech disappears. They will begin to babble like a baby and this is eventually replaced by grunts and groans. Often yells and screams are their only way of expression. They become completely bedridden and incontinent. They will be unable to control their bladder or bowels. They will continue to decline until death. Death can be a long time from the beginning of the disease. Some people live twenty years or more from the onset of the disease. (Wilkinson 9, 10) In this stage most people can not remain at home unless they have a caregiver. A nursing home is usually the best place for good care. The cause of Alzheimer's still remains unknown. Some new information refers that some chemical and structural changes in the body may cause and be responsible for the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. This has not been proven yet so to date only three factors have been confirmed in Alzheimer's patients. They are age, genetic background which included heredity and possibly head injuries. Most people know that old age is a factor or known risk of Alzheimer's disease and the risk are much greater after the age of seventy five. (Aronson 34) Some scientists believe people are genetically designed to get Alzheimer's disease. There are plenty of studies that indicate that the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease is increased among people who have it in their family. Few scientists
Kraemer 5
believe head injuries can be a factor of Alzheimer's but there has to be more studies on this theory. (Aronson35) Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease is done on the basis of getting a history of sicknesses that are compatible with this disorder, getting a mental status exam, physical exam, laboratory test that can rule out disorders that can be similar to Alzheimer's disease, receiving a psychiatric evaluation and last a psychological test. (Aronson 18) Because there is no cure of Alzheimer's disease different treatments are being tried. Such as drug treatments and treatments without drugs. There are only three approved drugs, and the remainder is still in the experimental stage. The approved drugs are called TACRINE, ARICEPT, and EXELON. Tacrine was approved in 1993. This drug only helps some patients for a short period of time. This period ranges from a few months to a few years. About forty percent of the patients have shown a tiny amount of improvement but no improvement in the functions in patients that would affect quality of life. Aricept was approved in 1996. It is the most commonly used drug for Alzheimer's disease. Aricept helps patients with mild to moderate symptoms. Seems to only help for only a few months to a few years. Exelon was approved in April 2000. Tests show improvements in the patient's ability to carry out normal day to day activities. (Burns internet article) Some families prefer to use treatments with out using drugs. There is not a lot of proof that these non drug treatment work but they do help with the quality of life for the patients. One such non drug treatment is called Reality Orientation. "Reality Orientation involves anyone that has normal contact with the patient. They need to Kraemer6
provide orientating clues when they are with the patient as much as possible. One can do this in group and individual basis. Individuals can give the patient hints verbally by using clocks, calendars, pictures, signposts and memory boards. Where there are groups of people like in hospitals and nursing homes Reality Orientation are simple discussions involving everyone. Try discussing things like current affairs, the dinner menu and what they had done that particular day. (Burns internet article) Another type of non drug therapy is called Reminiscence therapy and this is used to improve the mood of patients by being exposed to photographs, films, food and music that help them remember past experiences. Usually this will occur in small groups. (Burns internet article) Which ever therapy is used, drug or non drug, the patient as of now will never regain their brain functions. It is usually friends and family members that suffer the most, not the patient. Caring for an Alzheimer's patient takes a lot of time, work and patients. They will eventually need full time supervision. This means having to bathe, dress, and feed them. Many patients will have to wear adult diapers because they will not remember or be able to use it the usual way. Having to change an adults diaper is not an easy task and it takes a very special person to do this. Most family members are not able to cope with these tasks and a caregiver may have to be hired to come into the home. Some communities have day care centers for Alzheimer's patients to go to. These centers are very helpful for people who have to work but can still care for their family member in the evenings. Some may not even be able to care for the patient at home any more and may have to put them
Kraemer7
into alternate care such as foster care or a nursing home to care for them full time. This is a very hard personal decision to make but for some it is a must. Looking for a care facility has to be a family decision because the family and patients needs need to be met. There are a few different options on care facilities. For patients that are less impaired there are residential programs such as foster care, board and care, and adult homes. This type of care provides a home for the patient in a smaller and more personalized setting. For the patient who is more severely impaired a nursing home may be the best choice. There are different types of nursing homes around. They provide two levels of care such as skilled nursing and intermediate care. The choice is based on the patients needs. A skilled nursing facility (SNF) provides continuous care around the clock. This is for patients who are chronically ill. The other type of nursing home is called an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) or sometimes called Health Related Facilities (HRF). These facilities provide social, medical and rehabilitation services. They also provide room and board. This type of facility is for the patient that is not fully capable of independent living but able to participate in some of their own care. (Aronson230, 231) Many families will need some type of support group. A group of people who understand what they are going through. It is much easier to cope if there is some type of support around. There is the Alzheimer's disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center. This service is funded by the Federal Government. This service offers information and publications to the public. Information can be found on diagnosis, Kraemer8
treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, long-term care, education, training, and research about Alzheimer's disease. Another support group called the Alzheimer's Association is funded by the Federal Government. This service offers information and referrals to respite care. Also offers information on other home and community services offered by State and Area Agencies on Aging. (ADEAR internet article) It is encouraged for families with an Alzheimer's disease to contact a support group because it will help give them peace of mind. Alzheimer's disease can affect anyone. Many people will face this non curable disease. It does not matter if one is rich or poor or what part of the earth they live they can be affected by Alzheimer's disease. Hopefully research scientists will find a cure for Alzheimer's disease in the near future so this generation can have hope for themselves and their family.