By: Azadeh Myers Period 2

Definition A common form of dementia of unknown cause usually beginning in the late middle age, characterize by progressive memory loss and mental deterioration associated with brain damage. It means that as people get older (depending on their family history/blood line) they will develop the disease. It usually happens in the late middle ages for some and for others, it might happen in the late ages.

Associated Features Some behaviors are: Memory loss Disorientation Decline of judgment Deterioration of social skills Extreme flatness or changeability of affect

Associated Features (cont.) Other symptoms include: Agitation Wandering Hallucinations Delusions Aggressiveness Insomnia An inability to adapt to new routines or surroundings.

Associated Features (cont.) Researchers and clinicians have devoted their time and energy to the development of the behavior test for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease in its initial stages. A diagnose can only be made in an autopsy by studying the changes that was happening in the brain tissues. Alzheimer’s disease based on the NINCDS/ADRDA criteria involves thorough medical and neuropsychology screenings in order to diagnose it. Brian screenings are being made in order to diagnose Alzheimer’s

Etiology Some of the causes of Alzheimer’s are: Substance induced persisting dementia Pick’s disease Parkinson’s disease Lewy body dementia Frontotemporal dementias Huntington’s disease Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease Vascular dementia

Prevalence The prevalence rises among those over 85 to about 29 percent. Analyses of data from the United States as we as U.S mortality records, place the prevalence at 1.7 to 1.9 million cases, which is closer to 5 to 7 percent of the over-65 population. Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent cause of dementia, accounting for between 55% to 65%.

Treatment There are 2 types of medication that can be used for this disorder: Tacrine Aricept

Treatment (cont.) There is a great deal of optimism in the scientific community that this treatment, when it is found, will also benefit those who suffer from other degenerative diseases of the brain. Tacrine can produce toxic effects in the liver, and the required doses are too high for some people. Aricept is an effective as tacrine in targeting cognitive symptoms, although it has gastrointestinal side effects relate to the effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors ( diarrhea and nausea). However, it required dose is lower, and is does not interfere with liver function. Alzheimer’s disease consist of medication that is not based on non- medication.

Prognosis The average life expectancy is for someone with Alzheimer’s is 8 to 10 years after the onset symptoms. Some individuals live up to 20 years after the first signs emerge. The disease might be fatal for some based on their health history and their age. Those with a bad health record, will die sooner than what the one’s with a good health record. People with Alzheimer’s disease often die of a medical complication such as pneumonia or the flu.

References Halgin, R. P., & Whitbourne, S. K. (2005). Abnormal psychology: clinical perspective on psychological disorders. New York, NY: McGraw Hill. Hill, C. (March 4,2009). Prognosis for People With Alzheimer's Disease. Crystal, H. (n.d.). Alzheimer’s diseases causes, stages, and symptoms. ymptoms/page7.htm#tocj ymptoms/page7.htm#tocj

Discussion How does it affect you and you family/friends?