Alzheimer’s Disease
B398: Brain Mechanisms and Behavior
29 April 2010
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disease that is the most common form of dementia (Alzheimer’s Association, 2010). Alzheimer’s disease counts for approximately 65 % of all dementias. Alzheimer’s disease affects one’s memory and allows them to forget important information that happened throughout their lifetime. Alzheimer’s disease is also called Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type (SDAT) and just Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease was first discovered by a German Psychiatrist and neuropathologist, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, whom the disease was named after. There are millions of people who are living with Alzheimer’s disease today. …show more content…
Sometimes they may accuse someone of stealing it. Alzheimer’s patients can also make poor judgment when dealing with money or anything financial. A person that has Alzheimer’s may also tend to be antisocial from others. They may not want to engage in any sports, social activities, or hobbies. Most of these patients tend to avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. The personalities and moods may also change with a person who has Alzheimer’s disease. They may become depressed, suspicious, fearful, or confused. They may get easily upset at others especially if they are out of their comfort …show more content…
Those who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and poorly controlled diabetes can increase their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Also, some studies believe that not only caring for your physical body, but exercising your mind mentally will also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (Mayo Clinic, 2010). Research also shows that people who have more education and uses their brain to create more synapses can also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. According to Brannon & Feist (2007), the most common psychiatric problem among Alzheimer’s patients is depression, with as many as 20% of patients exhibiting symptoms of clinical depression. Depression is a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Negative moods are common among people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Those that retain these moods find their deterioration distressing and respond with feelings of helplessness and major