Danger of Alzheimer’s Disease Essay Example

breakdown of another protein called neurofibrillary or tau and are situated within brain neurons. Although the cause of this condition is still unidentified, age is considered a major risk factor for its development.

Mangialasche et al. (p.710) found that the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease increases by two times every five years after turning 65. However, individuals under 65 also have a potential risk, with a ratio of 1 in 20 experiencing early onset Alzheimer's as young as 40. Family history is another factor associated with the disease, although the increase in risk for close relatives is minimal.

Down's syndrome can be inherited and increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's. This is due to an increased likelihood of amyloid plaque accumulation in the brain, which leads to Alzheimer's for some individuals. Severe head injuries also contribute to this risk. Additionally, certain lifestyle factors and conditions associated with cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking, are linked to a higher probability of developing Alzheimer's.

By maintaining a balanced diet, managing weight, limiting alcohol consumption, attending regular health check-ups as one ages, leading an active life physically and mentally, and quitting smoking cigarettes, the risk of these diseases can be reduced. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the gradual onset and progression of symptoms over several years, affecting multiple brain functions and initially manifesting as mild memory problems.

Alzheimer's disease is associated with memory issues, such as the inability to remember new tasks, conversations, and the names of people, places, or objects. These memory problems worsen as the disease progresses and additional symptoms emerge. These symptoms can occur at any stage of the disease and are

evaluated after diagnosis to determine appropriate care. The National Institute of Aging and the Alzheimer's Association state that cognitive decline involves experiencing at least two out of five mentioned symptoms. The initial symptom is a decline in the ability to learn and remember new information. This includes becoming lost on familiar routes, misplacing personal items, forgetting appointments or events, and engaging in repetitive conversations or asking repetitive questions.

The second symptom of dementia affects multiple tasking, reasoning, and exercising judgment. This includes the inability to plan sequential or complex activities, manage finances, make decisions, and understand safety risks.

The third symptom involves impaired visual skills, which is not typically due to vision problems. This includes the inability to perform simple tasks, dress oneself properly, recognize faces or everyday objects, and locate items in plain sight.

The fourth symptom is impaired reading, speaking, and writing. This includes difficulty recalling common words, hesitations in speech, spelling mistakes, and errors in writing.

The fifth symptom is changes in behavior and personality. This includes exhibiting compulsive or socially unacceptable behaviors,
a loss of empathy,
and mood changes such as decreased motivation,
interest,
or initiative.
Other symptoms include social withdrawal
and apathy.

Once the number and severity of these symptoms confirm dementia,
a strong indication that it may be Alzheimer’s disease is a significant decline in the person’s cognitive abilities over a period of months to years rather than days or weeks.
The most common presentation of Alzheimer’s dementia is prominent memory loss,
particularly in the area of learning
and remembering new information.

However, the initial presentation may involve language difficulties, with the main symptom being a struggle to find the right word. On the other hand, if there are noticeable visual impairments, these might include

difficulty identifying objects and faces, comprehending multiple aspects of an event simultaneously, and reading words. Lastly, executive dysfunction primarily affects problem-solving abilities, reasoning skills, and judgment (Lyketsos et al., p.537).

The Diagnosis process for Alzheimer’s disease

Nurses utilize various methods and tools to help determine whether an individual experiencing memory challenges is suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed by doctors through a series of tests that assess various cognitive functions such as memory, attention, problem solving, and language. They also consider the individual's overall health, ability to perform daily tasks, medical history, and changes in personality and behavior. Interviews with both the individual and a relative or friend are conducted to gather information. Additionally, brain scans like computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to identify other potential causes for the symptoms. These tests can be repeated over time to monitor changes in memory and practical abilities. In some cases, confirmation of Alzheimer's disease can only be obtained postmortem by clinically measuring and examining brain tissue.

Individuals with cognitive and memory concerns should consult their doctors to determine the cause of their symptoms, whether it is Alzheimer's disease or other factors like a tumor, drug side effects, stroke, infection, sleep disturbances, Parkinson's disease, or non-Alzheimer's dementia (Carrilo et al., p.598). Some of these conditions can be treated and reversed. However, if the diagnosis is Alzheimer's disease, early treatment is crucial in maintaining daily functioning for a period of time. Unfortunately, the underlying condition cannot be reversed or stopped.

An early diagnosis not only helps families plan for the future by addressing safety issues and managing finances but also allows them

to create support networks and explore living arrangements. Furthermore, an early diagnosis gives individuals the opportunity to participate in clinical trials studying new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other research studies.

Treatment and Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease

Although there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease as it is not possible to stop or reverse the death of brain cells, there are various therapeutic interventions available to help individuals with this condition live more independently. The Alzheimer’s Association highlights several crucial principles of dementia care, including support group and health services, effective management of coexisting conditions, and adult day care programs or activities. It is important to note that Alzheimer’s disease is a medical priority in the United States, addressed in the national plan (Schelterns, Phillip, and Howard, p.547).

Psychological treatments, such as cognitive stimulation therapy, can improve memory, language skills, and problem-solving abilities. Although there are no medications specifically created for Alzheimer's disease, a few drugs exist that can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. In the United States, four drugs (Alantamine [Reminyl], Donepezil [Aricept], Tacrine [Cognex], and Rivastigmine [Exelon]) have received approval for symptom relief.

Memorylant (Namenda), a drug that blocks NMDA receptors, can be used alone or in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor (Mangialasche et al., p.715). There is no known way to prevent Alzheimer's disease, but certain steps can help reduce the risk or delay its onset. These steps include quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption, staying socially and physically active, and maintaining a balanced diet and healthy weight. Furthermore, these measures not only provide these benefits but also enhance overall mental health and decrease the risk of cardiovascular

disease.

Conclusion

It is increasingly acknowledged that individuals with Alzheimer's disease require palliative care, which provides support for both families and patients.

On average, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease typically live 8 to 10 years after the onset of symptoms. However, this timeframe can vary from person to person, with some living longer and others not. While Alzheimer's is a life-limiting illness, most people diagnosed with the disease will ultimately die from another cause.

Works Cited

• Carrillo, Maria C., et al. "Revisiting the framework of the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association diagnostic criteria." Alzheimer's & Dementia 9.5 (2013): 594-601.
• Lyketsos, Constantine G., et al. "Neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease." Alzheimer's ; Dementia 7.5 (2011): 532-539.
• Mangialasche, Francesca, et al."Alzheimer's disease: clinical trials and drug development."The Lancet Neurology9.l(2010):702-716.