By Graham Maione ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE:ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: A Comprehensive LookA Comprehensive Look

“ Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain's nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes” (Alzheimer’s Foundation of America). It is the most common form of Dementia in individuals above the age of 65. What is Alzheimer’s?What is Alzheimer’s?

Cause # 1 – Beta-Amyloid plaques – these are abnormal lesions within one’s brain that are basically sticky clumps of proteins and extra cellular material that form around the neurons Cause # 2 – Neurofibrillary tangles – these are abnormal lesions within one’s brain that are essentially twisted fibers composed of protein that accumulate inside the nerve cells. To put it simply these two causes disrupt the communication between neurons that is so necessary for us to think, remember, and function. Physiological CausesPhysiological Causes

Amyloid Plaques &Amyloid Plaques & Neurofibrillary TanglesNeurofibrillary Tangles

There is no one particular profile for Alzheimer’s Disease, however there are some characteristic symptoms that most will possess : Significant memory problems in immediate recall, short-term, or long-term memory. Significant thinking deficits in at least one of four areas: expressing or comprehending language; identifying familiar objects through the senses; poor coordination, gait, or muscle function; and the executive functions of planning, ordering, and making judgments. Decline severe enough to interfere with relationships and/or work performance. Alzheimer’s patients may also suffer from emotional polarity, language confusion, warped perception and impairment in cognitive judgment.Symptoms

Alzheimer’s gets progressively worse at different rates depending upon the individual, though there is a somewhat conventional process: The Progression of SymptomsThe Progression of Symptoms heflin/ad- progression.jpg

It is important to remember that there are other causes of Dementia that may appear to be Alzheimer’s, but are in fact not. They include: Anemia Brain tumor Chronic infection Intoxication from medication Severe depression Stroke Thyroid disease Vitamin deficiency Other Medical ConditionsOther Medical Conditions Appearing as Alzheimer’sAppearing as Alzheimer’s

People may be more at risk for developing Alzheimer’s when: Are over the age of 65 Have an immediate family member with Alzheimer’s Disease Have a certain genetic disposition for Alzheimer’s Disease Being female Having high blood pressure for an extended period of time Repeated injuries to the head (i.e. concussions) Incidence and Risk FactorsIncidence and Risk Factors

Early onset AD: Symptoms appear before age 60. This type is much less common than late onset. However, it tends to get worse quickly. Early onset disease can run in families. Several genes have been identified. Late onset AD: This is the most common type. It occurs in people age 60 and older. It may run in some families, but the role of genes is less clear. The Two Types of AlzheimersThe Two Types of Alzheimers medhealth/PMH /

While there is no one test that can accurately diagnose AD, doctors use a combination of methods to formulate a diagnosis. They include 1. Physical and Neurological Exam – reflexes, muscle tone/ strength, sense of touch and sight, coordination and balance 2. Blood Tests – may help to rule out other causes for memory dysfunction (i.e. vitamin deficiencies) (continue to next slide) Testing for Alzheimer’sTesting for Alzheimer’sDisease

3. Neuropsychological Testing - awareness, orientation, short term memory, ability to complete short tasks, basic math, copying images, following two step processes, following written instruction, safety judgement and assessing patient’s insight into their condition 4. Brain Imaging – Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Testing for Alzheimer’sTesting for Alzheimer’s Disease (cont.)Disease (cont.)

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease so the goals of treatment are as follows: Slow the progression Manage the behavioral symptoms and adjust environment for optimum functioning Support from family member or other caregivers Treatment GoalsTreatment Goals

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease through the use of prescription drugs, though they may help to slow symptoms. The drugs used include: Donepezil (Aricept) Rivastigmine(Exelon) Galantamine (Razadyne) Memantine (Namenda) Pharmaceutical TreatmentsPharmaceutical Treatments

The progression of Alzheimer’s disease differs from person to person, however the more quickly it develops the more quickly it will worsen People diagnosed with AD usually die earlier than normal, though they can live anywhere from 3-20 years after diagnosis The final stage of Alzheimer’s Disease usually lasts a few months to several years where the person is completely disabled and usually passes away from infection or organ failure. The PrognosisThe Prognosis

g/plaques-and-tangles.html g/plaques-and-tangles.html / / ml ml ymptoms_stages.htm ymptoms_stages.htm progression.jpg progression.jpgREFERENCES