Possible Psychological Effects of Alzheimer's Disease to the Family of Bedan Financial Management Students
Chapter 1
The Problem and Its Backgrounds
Rationale
Mild forgetfulness and memory delays are often part of the normal aging process. Older individuals simply need more time to learn a new fact or to remember an old one. We all have occasional difficulty remembering a word or someone's name; however, those with Alzheimer's disease will find these symptoms progressing in frequency and severity. Everyone, from time to time will forget where they placed their car keys; an individual with Alzheimer’s disease may not remember the purpose of the keys. Its starts in memory problems that interfere with daily living and steadily worsen and gradually aggravates with having difficulty managing money, driving, orientation, shopping, following instructions, abstract thinking and finding the right words. There may also be other problems, such as poor judgment, emotional instability and apathy. Most people whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease provide support to their loved ones.
The major risk factors for AD areag e and family history. Other possible risk factors include a serious head injury and lower levels of education. Scientists are also studying additional factors to see if they may cause the disease. Some of these factors include:
• Genetic (Inherited) Factors: Scientists believe that genetic factors may be involved in more than half of the cases ofAD. For example, a protein called apolipoprotein E (ApoE) may be important. Everyone has ApoE, which helps carry cholesterol in the blood. However, the function of ApoE in the brain is less understood. The ApoE gene has three forms. One form seems to protect a person from AD, and another form seems to make a person more likely to develop the disease. Scientists still need to learn a lot more about ApoE and its role in AD.
• Environmental Factors: Scientists have found aluminum, zinc, and other metals in the brain tissue of people with AD. They are studying these metals to see if
The Problem and Its Backgrounds
Rationale
Mild forgetfulness and memory delays are often part of the normal aging process. Older individuals simply need more time to learn a new fact or to remember an old one. We all have occasional difficulty remembering a word or someone's name; however, those with Alzheimer's disease will find these symptoms progressing in frequency and severity. Everyone, from time to time will forget where they placed their car keys; an individual with Alzheimer’s disease may not remember the purpose of the keys. Its starts in memory problems that interfere with daily living and steadily worsen and gradually aggravates with having difficulty managing money, driving, orientation, shopping, following instructions, abstract thinking and finding the right words. There may also be other problems, such as poor judgment, emotional instability and apathy. Most people whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease provide support to their loved ones.
The major risk factors for AD areag e and family history. Other possible risk factors include a serious head injury and lower levels of education. Scientists are also studying additional factors to see if they may cause the disease. Some of these factors include:
• Genetic (Inherited) Factors: Scientists believe that genetic factors may be involved in more than half of the cases ofAD. For example, a protein called apolipoprotein E (ApoE) may be important. Everyone has ApoE, which helps carry cholesterol in the blood. However, the function of ApoE in the brain is less understood. The ApoE gene has three forms. One form seems to protect a person from AD, and another form seems to make a person more likely to develop the disease. Scientists still need to learn a lot more about ApoE and its role in AD.
• Environmental Factors: Scientists have found aluminum, zinc, and other metals in the brain tissue of people with AD. They are studying these metals to see if