1. Alzheimer’s Disease

2. What is it?
Alzheimer‘s is a serious disease that starts with the loss of short term memory and gradually affects other mental functions. It is a progressive disorder that attacks the brains nerve cells. The effect of it attacking the nerve cells is loss of memory, loss of thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes.

3. How do you get it?
The cause of Alzheimer’s is still unknown. Scientists think it might be triggered multiple factors which include age, genetic make up, oxidative damage to neurons(brains nerve cells) from overproduction of toxic free radicals, severe head injuries, brain inflammation, and environmental factor. They assume age is the most important known risk factor.

4. Signs and symptoms Signs:
Memory loss, particularly of recent events, names, placement of objects, and other new information
Confusion about time and place
Difficulty completing everyday actions, including brushing teeth or getting dressed
Bad judgment when making decisions
Difficulty finding the right words, using full sentences, following directions, having conversation
Changes in mood/personality like mood swings
Trouble completing complex/mental tasks such as balancing and assignments involving numbers
Symptoms: two categories (Cognitive/intellectual and Psychiatric)
Cognitive/intellectual symptoms are amnesia, apraxia, and agnosia
Psychiatric symptoms are personality changes, depression, hallucinations, and delusions

5. How does it get treated?
There is no cure currently. Scientist are testing various drug therapies that can control the symptoms. Some medications can be used alone or in combination that may slow down symptoms and make life quality better. Scientists say they can prevent and effectively treat by 2025.

6. Treatments and Side effects
Cholinesterase Inhibitors: drugs by increasing levels of a cell-to-cell communication chemical that forms in the brain by Alzheimer’s Disease. Side Effects: nausea, diarrhea, sleep disturbances
Memantine(Namenda): This drug works in a different brain cell communication network and slows the development of symptoms with mild to serious Alzheimer's Disease. Side effects: constipation, dizziness, headache
Antidepressants: To control behavioral symptoms. Side effects: confusion and risk of falling
Anti-anxiety medications: To control behaviors. Side effects: confusion, risk of falls, dizziness
Creating a safe and supportive environment

7. How can you prevent it?
There are new programs aimed for people at high risk, recommending physical activity, cognitive simulation, social involvement, and a healthy diet. These programs teach memory compensation techniques that help optimize daily function even if brain changes develop. Keeping active physically, mentally, and socially is important to make your life more enjoyable and could also help lessen the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

8. Is it hereditary?
Yes it is hereditary, because multiple other studies show that the gene or genes on chromosome 10 may increase individual’s risk of getting a later on set AD. Also several research studies show that passing down of a specific one of the three forms, or alleles, of Apo lipoprotein E (apoE) gene on chromosome 19 increases the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.

9. Important facts
It is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the US
Alzheimer’s typically gets worse from 2 to 20 years
People live on average for 8 to 10 years from diagnosis
People who get Alzheimer’s are likely to get co-existing sicknesses and most commonly die from pneumonia
It is estimated that about 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease
It is also estimated one in four family members take care of each person with Alzheimer’s

10. Review questions Does it involve short term or long term memory loss?
Is it hereditary?
Yes
What are the 2 categories or symptoms?
Cognitive/ Intellectual and Psychiatric
What is the cause of Alzheimer’s
The cause is unknown

11. Work Cited
"About Alzheimer's." Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Alzheimer's Foundation of America, Web. 15 Sept <
Alzheimer's Disease. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Web. 15 Sept < conditions/alzheimers-disease/basics/definition/con >.
"Alzheimer's Disease Health Center." Webmd. WebMD, LLC, Web. 15 Sept <
Branca, Barbara. abscess-blisters. Ed. Bryan Brunch and Jenny Teaser. Third ed. Danbury: Scientific Publishing Inc., Print.