Alzheimer’s: Brain Retrogression

Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease that affects the elderly. Alzheimer's disease is also characterized by memory loss as well as cognitive dysfunction, according to scientists, scholars, and medical professionals. As a result, progressive brain disease is said to be a reasonably normal condition in individuals who are getting older. Latest medical publications, however, suggest that Alzheimer's disease is not only limited to the elderly, it can also affect people even younger. It is estimated that 5% of the more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer's are under the age of 65. To understand how such statistics are prevailing among the young, it is best to follow the physiology of the disease. With this in mind, the research aims to analyze Alzheimer’s by facts surrounding the disease, diagnosis, risk factors as well as treatments available.

Research Findings

Studies to understand the origin of Alzheimer’s describes it as a mutual type of dementia which is a collective word for recollection damage as well as cognitive disabilities. Previously, it was reported that Alzheimer’s was a result of aging with the majority of people above the age of 65 would be diagnosed with the illness (Dubois et al. 620). However, with the current statistics, it is shown that Alzheimer’s is becoming an increasing issue among young people with approximately 200,000 young-ones diagnosed with the illness. In this case, it is known as early-onset dementia (Jack et al. 210).

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease and gradually worsens with an increase in age. The first set signs include mild memory loss and the inability of a person diagnosed with the illness to carry out a conversation as well as retort to their setting. According to reports, Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading source of demise in America. Other signs include the inability to finish any simple habitual tasks. It may consist of driving a vehicle or remembering rules of a typical game. It may lead to confusion which means losing track of dates, seasons as well as passages of time. Other signs include problems associating with pronouncing words as well as writing. Issues of retracing steps become an inherent problem especially with unusual places (Alzheimer’s).

Hazard Factors for Alzheimer’s

Experts and researchers have recognized specific issues that surge risks of Alzheimer’s. One such element is the age which is determined to be an onset factor. Family history nonetheless, can contribute to the onset of Alzheimer’s. It is particular because familial illness can impose a genetic risk factor but, there are instances of environmental factors can contribute to the start of Alzheimer’s. When it comes to genetics, scientists indicate that the likelihood of developing the disease based on risk genes is highly indicative compared to environmental factors. Based on studies done on risk genes, it is reported that several genes such as apolipoprotein E-e4 increase the elements of Alzheimer’s (Dubois et al. 622). Other genetic factors include deterministic genes which directly cause the disease which guarantees the development of the disease.

Other factors documented to influence Alzheimer’s include head injuries and heart-head connection. Based on studies done to determine risk factors for Alzheimer’s, researchers concluded that head injuries could be an active link between muscular injuries of the head and impending risk of Alzheimer’s. It is most particularly for shock caused by loss of consciousness. Also, the heart-head connection is predicted to be substantial evidence that links brain health to heart health. In this argument, it does make sense because the brain nourishes the heart and its blood vessels and thus, the connection between Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia can occur (Dubois et al. 622).

Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

To diagnose Alzheimer’s, there are a series of diagnosis steps an individual has to go through. These include a detailed therapeutic past, cerebral status, in addition disposition testing, physical and neural exam as well as tests such as blood assessments as well as brain imaging. The reason for making the preliminary diagnosis to eliminate other illnesses that may cause memory loss and loss of cognitive thinking. For instance, some form of dementia-like signs is caused by curable situations that include downheartedness, drug relations, thyroid difficulties and excessive use of alcohol. Nonetheless, it is estimated through research that a professional and skilled doctor may diagnose Alzheimer’s with 90% accuracy. To reach such accuracy, coupling with specialists such as neurologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists (Jack et al. 212).

Conclusion

Presently, there is no approved treatment for Alzheimer's. Though, there are medication and non-drug treatments that aid with the intellectual and social symptoms. Scientists report that there are studies underway to develop a treatment for altering the disease and improving the quality of life (Dubois et al. 623). Alzheimer’s is a well-known aging disease, but with the recent statistics, the disease is progressively becoming a disorder in the young-aged individuals. Therefore, literature puts it that there are different types of Alzheimer’s dementia which may aid in diagnosing the illness. Regardless, there are risk factors that are documented to influence the occurrence of dementia.

Work Cited

Alzheimer’s, Association. “2015 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.” Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, vol. 11, no. 3, 2015, p. 332.

Dubois, Bruno, et al. “Advancing Research Diagnostic Criteria for Alzheimer’s Disease: The IWG-2 Criteria.” The Lancet Neurology, vol. 13, no. 6, 2014, pp. 614–629.

Jack, Clifford R., et al. “Tracking Pathophysiological Processes in Alzheimer’s Disease: An Updated Hypothetical Model of Dynamic Biomarkers.” The Lancet Neurology, vol. 12, no. 2, 2013, pp. 207–216.