Category: Alzheimer’s Disease

The phenomenon of Alzheimers disease (AD) was first explored and defined a bit more than a century ago. It is considered to be the most prevalent basis for dementia with an assessed incidence of more than 25 million individuals on the international scale (Barnes, 2012). What is more interesting, this number is projected to increase fourfold in the next four decades. Medicinal research shows that there presently is no efficient care that postpones the inception or decelerates the development of AD. Nevertheless, there were significant methodical developments in the different areas of biology, genetics, chemistry, and other sciences through the course of the prior two decades that were capable of altering the way we reflect on AD (Barnes, 2012). The scientists all over the world discuss some of the complexities of rendering these elementary biological and genetical findings into the medical treatment. The existing data proposes that if the illness is distinguished before the commencement of evident warning signs, it is probable that the treatments founded on the facts of fundamental pathogenesis will be of assistance in battling the Alzheimers disease (Barnes, 2012).

In the rummage around for the new DNA segments that would provide evidence of the cure for Alzheimers disease, definitive relation-based and individual-gene-based connotation studies have been displaced (Bettens, Sleegers, & Van Broeckhoven, 2013). Instead, a number of innovational methods of sequencing were incorporated into practice (such as exome and genome-wide) for mendelian types of AD, and genome-wide connotation revisions for non-mendelian types of AD. The discovery of new vulnerability genetic factor has unlocked the new extents for investigation of the fundamental disease prognosticators (Bettens et al., 2013). On top of distinguishing innovative risk aspects in large models, the revised sequencing methods can bring fresh perceptions with even an insignificant number of individuals suffering from AD. The change in emphasis towards rendering research and categorizing of specific patients makes each patients genetic material the essential component of genetic research (Bettens et al., 2013). The theoretical swing required to turn the patient into the central figure of the genetic studies will necessitate robust teamwork and contribution from medical experts in neurology.

Preclinical AD is dominant in mentally ordinary aged people and is connected to the impending perceptive deterioration and impermanence. Consequently, preclinical instances of AD could be the central clinical aspect in which the medical workers should be involved (McKhann et al., 2011). Recently, a group of researchers was given the task of reviewing the previously set norms for defining AD and dementia. The team of scientists wanted to guarantee that the reviewed conditions would be sufficiently flexible to be implemented into practice by both all-purpose healthcare workers without admission to neuropsychological examination, extended testing, and other important measurement procedures, and dedicated professionals taking part in research or medical experimental studies who ought to have these utensils accessible (McKhann et al., 2011).

These researchers offered the norms for all-inclusive dementia and Alzheimers disease dementia. They have also incorporated the universal background of feasible AD dementia from the 1984 conditions in their study. Using the past three decades of experience, the researchers have performed some modifications in the medical principles for the diagnosis. The researchers as well took the notion of probable AD dementia and restated it in a way more attentive to detail than before (McKhann et al., 2011). Biological identification evidence was also involved in the analytic designs for feasible and probable AD dementia for exploitation in research situations. The essential scientific measure for Alzheimers disease dementia will still be the keystone of the verdict in medical practice, but biological identification evidence is projected to improve the theoretical precision of the diagnosis. There is still research to be done in the area of confirming the biological identification diagnosis of Alzheimers disease (McKhann et al., 2011).

Since the discovery of Alzheimers disease, numerous research projects were conducted so as to recap the evidence concerning the key hypothetically adjustable risk influencers for AD  midlife corpulence, smoldering, despair, mental idleness or insignificant educational realization, diabetes, and corporal inoperativeness (Selkoe, 2012). Moreover, these studies predicted the influence of risk factor decrease on Alzheimers disease occurrence by calculating the populace characteristic risks (the percent of cases characteristic to a certain aspect) and the number of Alzheimers disease incidents that might be disallowed by a significant (from 10% to 25%) decrease in the ratio of risk influencers both in the United States and worldwide (Selkoe, 2012). Together, up to nearly 50% of Alzheimers disease cases internationally (18 million) and solely in the US (3.5 million) are hypothetically dependent on these aspects. More than two millions of Alzheimers disease cases could be prevented if the risk factors were carefully assessed and promptly evaluated (Selkoe, 2012).

Regardless of the rigorous test center and medical research over the past 30 years, an effectual treatment to suspend the commencement and development of Alzheimers disease is still not on the way. Current medical trial fiascos advocate that we must cure the disease earlier than in its minor to sensible phases, and serious advancement in authorizing presymptomatic biological indicators now makes subordinate deterrence trials probable (Stern, 2012). Medical experts have to find out more about the past of the disease so as to give at least a couple of incomplete treatment answers based on the comprehensive evaluation of the modern trial outcomes. This method will possibly settle the grounds for accomplishments, but only with a much bigger venture in all of the characteristics of Alzheimer investigation and with a watchful design of the upcoming studies and experiments (Stern, 2012).

There is no proper cure for Alzheimers disease but exists medicine that can assist in relieving numerous AD symptoms and hold back the development of the disorder in some individuals. Many other kinds of assisting methods are as well offered to help persons with Alzheimers live as self-sufficiently as possible. These challenges may be mitigated through transforming the patients home setting, so it is more laid-back to stroll through the house and recall the day-to-day household tasks (Vos et al., 2013). Emotional treatments such as mental stimulus therapy may similarly be presented to help sustain the patients remembrance, issue resolving capability, and verbal skills. Normally, individuals with Alzheimers disease live peacefully for almost seven to ten years after the AD symptoms begin to progress. Nevertheless, this can contrast significantly from individual to individual. Some persons with the illness will live more than, for instance, ten years, but others will not (Vos et al., 2013). Alzheimers disease is a life-restraining disease, even though many persons that were found to suffer from Alzheimers disease will pass away from another reason.

As Alzheimers disease is a reformist illness for the neurologists, it can be the reason for difficulties with swallowing. This can be the cause of aspiration (nutrition being breathed in into the lungs) which can be the root for recurrent upper body contaminations. It is as well prevalent among the individuals with Alzheimers disease to ultimately have trouble consuming food and have a reduced need to eat (Vos et al., 2013). There is a growing consciousness that persons with Alzheimers disease require a comforting care. This comprises support for relatives, in addition to the person with AD. As the precise basis of Alzheimers disease is not evident, there is no identified way to avert the disorder. Nevertheless, there are things that the person can do that may decrease the hazard or suspend the beginning of dementia, such as discontinuing smoking and completely refusing the consumption of alcohol, maintaining a vigorous, well-adjusted diet and sustaining a healthy body mass, staying in a good physical shape, and being rationally full of life (Vos et al., 2013). These actions also have additional health profits, such as cutting down the patients risk to be affected by a cardiac illness and refining their general psychological health.

Alzheimers disease is a critical issue due to the fact that more and more persons are exposed to this disorder. This distresses the general public wellbeing and sets the ground for further research on this crucial topic. Medical workers from all over the world should carefully assess the risks of AD and continue studying the phenomenon of this illness. Using the evidence from prior research, the experts should render the most certain predictors of Alzheimers disease and put the effort in elaborating the strategy that would prevent the illness or successfully hold it back for a decent period of time.

References

Barnes, D. (2012). Risk Factor Reduction and Alzheimers Disease Prevalence: Projected Effect and Practical Implications. Alzheimers & Dementia, 8(4), 819- 828. Web.

Bettens, K., Sleegers, K., & Van Broeckhoven, C. (2013). Genetic insights in Alzheimers Disease.The Lancet Neurology, 12(1), 92-104. Web.

McKhann, G., Knopman, D., Chertkow, H., Hyman, B., Jack, C., Kawas, C.,& Phelps, C. (2011). The Diagnosis of Dementia due to Alzheimers Disease: Recommendations from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimers Association Workgroups on Diagnostic Guidelines for Alzheimers Disease.Alzheimers & Dementia, 7(3), 263-269. Web.

Selkoe, D. J. (2012). Preventing Alzheimers Disease.Science, 337(6101), 1488-1492. Web.

Stern, Y. (2012). Cognitive Reserve and Alzheimer Disease.The Lancet Neurology, 11(11), 1006-1012. Web.

Vos, S., Xiong, C., Visser, P., Jasielec, M., Hassenstab, J., Grant, E.,& Fagan, A. (2013). Preclinical Alzheimers Disease and Its Outcome: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.The Lancet Neurology, 12(10), 957-965. Web.

Summary

Dementia is an ailment that occurs mainly as a result of brain malfunctioning. In turn, memory shortage is likely to occur due to aging. However, excessive memory loss is not a normal situation and leads to Alzheimers disease.

Besides, Alzheimers disease remains the most frequent illness suffered by many people in their old ages. In most cases, when Alzheimers disease occurs the brain is affected first since the patient tends to suffer from loss of memory. However, the chances of the disease occurring can be reduced by preventing the risk factors.

Observing health matters is a requirement to help prevent the disease. In fact, keeping fit by engaging in physical exercises may help keep the patients brain relaxed and fresh. Feeding habits alongside diets should also be put into consideration. People suffering from the disease should eat food rich in iron, vitamins, and maintain healthy diets. The article recommends that spices should be used when cooking food for people suffering from Alzheimers. Patients must remain focused on realizing their life missions.

Besides, emotional support from close people like family members is healthy to help support a person suffering from dementia. Such support reduces the chances of being stressed, which may eventually lead to Alzheimers disease. The mind is also supposed to be put to rest to avoid straining. Once diagnosed with Alzheimers disease, the use of drugs such as alcohol and cigarettes should be avoided. A habit that subjects the heart to risks like smoking also subjects a person to the risk of getting Alzheimers.

Relating the article to personal experiences

A digital sabbatical is taking rest from the internet and all its applications. It is a time for one to clean the mind and take time to do what matters most in life. The sabbatical also helps one to stop being dependent on the internet. Despite the fact that the internet and computers are important for learning and communication, they need to be used wisely. A digital sabbatical in the house is very important. It gives you time to relax, think, and meditate as well as offers space for self-reflection.

People with dementia are better handled, naturally and digitally. While engaging them in physical activities to keep them healthy, dementia patients should also be encouraged to have a lot of rest. With an increased level of technological advancements, a digital sabbatical is mandatory to lower the level of Alzheimers disease. To help patients recall past events and people, engaging them in artworks such as sketching assists in distracting their minds and enable them to interact and express themselves.

When fatigue and dis-contentment set in a patients life, the person just wants to relax, learn new things or spend more time with his or her families. In fact, during this time, one just feels like going back to the past when life was simple with the limited rush to be online. Instituting a digital sabbatical would be a great way to escape the current era of technology that increases the level of Alzheimers illness.

A study conducted by Alexander and Larson (2014) indicated that lifestyles such physical activity, social connections, and constant mental engagement had increased the possibility of reducing incidences of AD. The main challenge of being digital is that it limits movements. Limited movements result in various health problem such as obesity. During a digital sabbatical, it will be an opportunity for movement, which helps in keeping the brain active for longer hours and facilitate blood circulation.

One can exercise at this time given that physical activities do not require electronics. During such times, the patient could visit old friends and relatives to have a conversation with them. Besides, a digital sabbatical would be a great opportunity to go camping or fishing and even find your purpose in life. Therefore, a digital sabbatical promotes a healthy lifestyle and reduces the chances of suffering from Alzheimers illness.

References

Alexander, M. & Larson, (2014). Patient information: Dementia (including Alzheimers disease) (beyond the basics). JAMA, 38(4), 302-341.

Introduction

The target population is the older generation. This is because scientific studies have demonstrated that the risk of developing the disease is positively correlated with age. The disease is highly prevalent among the older generation and has a great impact on quality of life that individual life and it further places so many demands on the healthcare system due to care involved in managing the patients.

Population Demographics

It is estimated that about 3% of men and women aged between 65 years and 74 years have Alzheimers disease and over 50% of the population over the age of 85 have the disease. At least one person out of ten people over 65 years has Alzheimer according to ADEAR. It is pertinent to note that having Alzheimers disease in old age is not part of the normal process of aging (Administration on Aging, 2003, p. 3). This is just the commonest dementia among older people.

Currently, the disease affects 5.3 million people of older population and slightly over 50% of them are receive their care from home while the rest are in different healthcare facilities across the country. Most of the Alzheimers patients are ages 65 years and above, though some patients can develop the disease early as in their 30s (Administration on Aging, 2003, p. 3).

After the 65 years, it has been found that the probability of developing Alzheimers disease doubles after every 5 years and as a result, by the age of 85 years, the risk of acquiring the diseases is about 50%. According to Alzheimers disease, the prevalence of the disease is expected to rise to between 12 and 16 million cases by 2050 in America (Sloane et al, 2002, p. 213).

General Impact of Changing Demographics on Health Market

With the number of older population having a steady rise because of improved healthcare system, many American get live up to the life expectancy of 70 years (Hebert et al, 1995, 1356). This has made AD to become number six on the leading causes of deaths in America today. Its expected that this trend with reach 1 million new cases of the disease per year by 2050.

The healthcare expenses are expected to increase considerably (three-fold) per person, for AD sufferers as well all patients of other dementias compared to other older people without this health condition (Administration on Aging, 2003, p. 4). The Medicaid payment has risen to nine times higher in 2050.

The out-of-pocket expenses have increased to 28% higher for the AD patient population that benefits from Medicare than those without the disease. Those patients who received health care from home record the highest expenses of up to an average of $16,689 per year.

These numbers underscore the potential increase in the US medical burden care burden. There is likely to be a knock-on impact with cost related to management of the disease especially the cost of drugs and hospital care services. These projections may draw federal government involvement, resulting into an initiative for AD that would address provision of extra care for the patients (Brookmeyer et al, 1998, p. 1339).

The numbers also indicate that the AD drug will increase in the market to cater for the growing numbers. So far, this sector has had high-value treatments that have the pursuit of pharmaceutical companies. The prediction of increase cases and cost includes drugs costs hence an opportunities for drug manufacturing firms (Brookmeyer et al, 1998, p. 1339). By 2009, the AD drug market had reached $5 billion.

Key challenges

The main challenge is the cost of care. In most cases AD can last for longs as its a chronic condition. Medicare does not pay for these longer healthcare services. It is only for the short-term cases that the Medicare advantage pays for the stay in a health facility (Brookmeyer et al, 1998, p. 1339). Medicare pays only for the first 20 days of stay and when the patient stays for more than these 20 days, the patient has to co-pays the balance of the days.

The second challenge is the prescription medication costs. Medicare usually pays for all the medications that are administered when the patient is admitted in the hospital of any health facility even when they are not AD patient. Medications that are given in the doctors office are also covered by the part B provision of Medicare (Sloane et al, 2002, p. 213).

However prescription drugs taken at home are a great challenge. The part D of Medicare provision only covers specific drugs prescribed for AD but still, that would depend on formulary  list of the covered drugs.

Market Needs for AD

The current medications are very costly and this has lead to poor adherences to medication as the patients or their families cannot afford these drugs. Medicare only pays for the drugs given in hospitals and a certain number of drugs for home prescription. This means that pharmaceutical have to develop cheaper alternatives to supplements the current drugs in the market (Brookmeyer et al, 1998, p. 1342).

Alternatively the government should step in and subsidized AD drugs to make them affordable. Moreover, the soaring numbers makes these drugs highly on demand hence the cost increased due to demand dynamics (Hebert et al, 2003, P. 1121).

The healthcare setting is very expensive while the current system is only appropriate for handling acute cases; this makes chronic care a challenge. It seems to disregard that the needs of AD patients require chronic care services, quality service, cost-effective and provide social support (Hebert et al, 2003, P. 1121).

AD patients can be best cared for at home, however, the current programs do not provide adequate funding for ensuring there is safety and proper welfare of AD patients is socially support setting (Brookmeyer et al, 1998, p. 1342). Furthermore, there are very limited alternatives to offer AD patient the psychological and social stimulation needed for symptoms management and slowing disease progression.

Chronic Wellness Program

Considering that AD is a chronic and degenerative medical condition, a chronic wellness program would be very appropriate for handling the disease (Sloane et al, 2002, p. 211). This will allow access to educational support, and care providers will be able to learn best practice, identify products and services to enhance in-home care and allow patient to be serviced by professional care givers who are well conversant with the disease challenges (Hebert et al, 2003, p. 1122).

Individual and Community Support

With the escalating cases of the diseases are portrayed by the demographics, Medicare alone cannot be able to deal within the needs of these patients. Besides, over 70% of the AD patients depend on their families for daily care and the condition has extraordinary financial and emotional burden on the care providers (Meagher et al, 2009, p. 86). This therefore means that all the stakeholders must get involved, from individual patient to the society at large. This is a holistic approach to handle the problem and requires collective effort.

The combined effort would therefore include identification of mutual interests, development of new relationships and forming partnership to pursue these interests (Meagher et al, 2009, p. 86). This will form a network where individuals help in expansion of the objective and the impact of the collective responsibilities for the diseases. The goal should not be anything leas that finding the best cure and management strategy and making it accessible to all those in need of it (Meagher et al, 2009, p. 89).

Reference List

Administration On Aging, (2003). Statistics On The Aging Population. Rockville, MD: US Department Of Health And Human Services; U.S. Bureau Of The Census

Brookmeyer, R., Gray, S., & Kawas, S. (1998). Projections Of Alzheimers Disease In The United States And The Public Health Impact Of Delaying Disease Onset. Am J Publ Health, 88,13371342.

Hebert, L. E., et al., (1995). Age-Specific Incidence Of Alzheimers Disease In A Community Population. Jama 273:1354-59.

Hebert, L.E, et al, (2003). Alzheimer Disease In The US Population: Prevalence Estimates Using The 2000 Census. Arch Neurol; 60:11191122.

Meagher, B., Penfield, S., & Lee, R. (2009). Commentary On A Roadmap For The Prevention Of Dementia II: Leon Thal Symposium 2008. The Megacommunity Approach To Alzheimers Disease. Alzheimers Dement. 5 (2), 85-92

Sloane P. D., et al. (2002). The Public Health Impact Of Alzheimers Disease, 20002050: Potential Implication Of Treatment Advances. Annu Rev Publ Health, 23, 213231

Alzheimers disease is a neurological condition that develops predominantly in people over 65 years old. According to the Alzheimers Association (2011), this condition is the sixth leading cause of lethal outcomes in the United States (p. 208). Alzheimers is also the main cause of dementia, which leads to cognitive problems, including memory loss and difficulties with day-to-day activities.

Nature and Causes

Named after the doctor Alois Alzheimer, Alzheimers disease is a condition that affects brain function. It is the most widespread cause of dementia. However, the disease may start developing unnoticed, and the symptoms might become visible at an advanced stage, i.e. difficulties with memory, reasoning abilities, and overall cognitive function. Alzheimers might even affect certain personality traits, as well as modify the behavioral patterns. Certain patients might experience troubles with routine tasks, as this condition may exert a negative influence on their habitual skills. The quality of life of patients suffering from Alzheimers disease is gravely affected.

The causes of the condition are of a complex nature. It was established that an array of factors might lead to Alzheimers disease. A combination of environmental, congenital, and lifestyle factors might contribute to the condition. According to the Mayo Clinic Staff (n.d.), nearly five percent of Alzheimers patients underwent certain genetic mutations that led to them developing the disease (par. 13). Although the causes of the condition are not fully established, researchers identify several risk factors.

These factors include age over 60, family history, Down syndrome, head trauma, and lifestyle choices. The latter include risk factors that are usually determined as contributing to the development of a heart condition, such as high blood pressure, high level of cholesterol, unbalanced diet, obesity, and a passive lifestyle lacking in exercise.

Signs and Symptoms

The most frequent symptoms of Alzheimers disease include problems with memory, reasoning, thinking processes, perception, and communication. At an early stage, the disease may manifest through memory lapses (Alzheimers Society, n.d., par. 6). A patient can experience difficulties recalling recent events or processing recently received information. These problems occur due to the damaged hippocampus that regulates the daily memory processes.

As the disease progresses, a patient might start forgetting where they put their things. It may also be difficult for them to find the right word when talking to somebody, or else they might find themselves lost while taking a familiar route. Certain dates that have special importance to the patient may be unexpectedly forgotten.

Difficulties concerning language, speech, perception, and communication can also prove to be vivid. Such problems include impaired visuospatial skills, speech articulation, language, difficulties with concentration or organization of daily tasks, or making long-term plans (Alzheimers Society, n.d., par. 10).

As the disease progresses, some patients may start behaving in an unusual way, including aggressive behavior, excessive irritability, or the loss of focus in the middle of a task. Increasing problems with memory and overall confusion are a considerable burden for Alzheimers patients. Multitasking can prove especially difficult, and even routine tasks may be challenging. Changes in sleep patterns, aimless wandering, withdrawal from the family members or social groups, apathy, and depression can manifest in people suffering from this condition.

Diagnostic Tests and Results

Diagnostic tests required to diagnose Alzheimers disease are multifaceted, as they include taking the necessary medical history, conducting a physical exam, neurological exam, mental status test, as well as performing brain imaging procedures (Alzheimers Association, n.d., par. 1). Laboratory tests are performed to determine the level of certain substances, chemicals, and minerals. These laboratory tests are supposed to help rule out certain conditions, such as liver and thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, and overall nutritional issues. The tests include a thyroid test, glucose and electrolyte levels test (sodium, potassium, creatinine, calcium), vitamin B12 test, testing liver function, HIV test, as well as a complete blood count test (Alzheimers disease  exams and tests, n.d., par. 5).

In people with Alzheimers disease, cerebral atrophy is often identified in parietal, frontal, and temporal areas (CND degenerative diseases, n.d., par. 5). A typical feature of Alzheimers test results is the presence of a high number of neuritic plaques in the cerebral cortex. In the periphery areas of these plaques microglia and reactive astrocytes may be discovered. However, the number of these plaques increases with age, which is why a correlation with the patients age must be made in order to reach a consistent diagnosis. Among other histopathology results, granulovacuolar degeneration is distinguished, as well as neurofibrillary tangles, and amyloid angiopathy (CND degenerative diseases, n.d., par. 5).

Nissl Staining

Nissl staining helps identify the signs of neuronal loss. Most often performed with cresyl violet, this test helps determine that the ribosomic RNA is negatively charged in the rough endoplasmic reticulum ribosomes (Serrano-Pozo, Frosch, Masliah, & Hyman, 2011, p. 10). The latter presents a dark blue color in the neurons perinuclear area. This histological staining technique helps identify certain changes in neuron structures that can help diagnose Alzheimers Disease, as well as other neurological conditions.

Prevention and Treatment

Alzheimers prevention measures are yet to be established. Since in some cases the condition appears to be inherited, changes in certain genes guarantee an eventual onset of the disease. However, by making specific choices regarding ones lifestyle, it is possible to minimize the risks involved. Among the possible ways that can reduce the risk is staying fit, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, and leading an active social life (Leonard, 2016, par. 1).

These measures can help protect the brain from neurological damage and sometimes even slow down the development of Alzheimers. Regarding diet, it is recommended to keep to a Mediterranean-style regime, as it also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes development (Alzheimers disease  causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, n.d., par. 16). Such a diet excludes red meat and centers around fruit and vegetables, nuts, olive oil, fish, and various healthy fats (Leonard, 2016, par. 5).

Leonard emphasizes the importance of mental activities. The latter may include cognitive activities, such as puzzles, visiting museums, reading books and newspapers, learning a foreign language, or mastering a new skill. Social activities can also prove beneficial, such as traveling, spending time with others, or simply engaging in daily conversation that may contribute to ones brain health. Moreover, smokers are demonstrated to be at a higher risk than non-smokers. Leonard (2016) also indicates the importance of lowering the level of homocysteine, which can be done by eating more food that is the source of folates, such as broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and parsley (par. 11).

An efficient Alzheimers disease treatment is yet to be developed. However, the existing methods of treatment focus on managing the symptoms of the condition. There exist certain medications that help manage cognitive difficulties, including donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, and memantine (Current Alzheimers treatments, n.d., par. 2). These medications employ the memantine mechanism that is supposed to decrease the rate at which the neurotransmitters degenerate.

Conclusion

Alzheimers disease is a challenge nowadays, as there is no cure for this condition. Symptoms can be managed, and the mentioned medications may help slow down the neurological degeneration. An array of lifestyle choices can be made to ease the difficulties experienced by Alzheimers patients. However, an efficient treatment method is yet to be developed.

References

Alzheimers Association. (n.d.). Tests for Alzheimers disease and dementia. Web.

Alzheimers disease  causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention. (n.d.). Web.

Alzheimers Society. (n.d.). What is Alzheimers disease? Web.

Alzheimers Association. (2011). Alzheimers disease facts and figures. Alzheimers & dementia: the journal of the Alzheimers Association, 7(2), 208-220.

Alzheimers disease  exams and tests. (n.d.). Web.

CNS degenerative diseases. (n.d.). Web.

Current Alzheimers treatments. (n.d.). Web.

Leonard, W. (2016). Alzheimers disease prevention. Web.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Alzheimers disease. Web.

Serrano-Pozo, A., Frosch, M. P., Masliah, E., & Hyman, B. T. (2011). Neuropathological alterations in Alzheimer disease. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine, 1(1), 1-20.

Alzheimers disease is a serious condition affecting the lives of millions of people. Its symptoms and consequences worsen with age. The disease can be caused by numerous factors, and cannot be cured. This paper will provide the background information on the possible reasons leading to the development of this condition and possible ways of preventing it.

Alzheimers disease is characterized by a gradual decline in memory and other cognitive functions and neuropathologically by gross atrophy of the brain and the accumulation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (Karch et al. 11). In simple words, it is the condition caused by the negative changes in the human brain that, as the end result, leads to memory loss and some behavioral issues that worsen the quality of patients life. Among other primary symptoms, there are initial memory lapses that later evolve into losing things around the house, facing difficulties in expressing ones thoughts, e.g., problems with finding the necessary word, concerns with forgetting recent events, hardships in making decision, judging situations or with sequential tasks, losing orientation etc. (What is Alzheimers disease par. 9, 11).

This condition has a robust genetic component behind it, as it has been proved that mutational in genes are the ordinary cause of the disease. What should be stressed on about the genetic background of the disease is that these are the mutations in proteins that lead to its development, namely amyloid precursor protein (Karch et al. 11).

Except for genetic aspects of the disease, there are is also a strong environmental component that adds to it. What is meant by the word environmental is not only what surrounds the patient but also the way of life he/she leads and the habits he/she has. For this reason, they can be divided into two groups  solely environmental and so-called habitual.

As of the first group of causes leading to Alzheimers disease, it includes exposure to pesticides and toxins and electromagnetic fields and high aluminum intake with water. Speaking of the lifestyle habits that may provoke the disease, they are little physical exercises, excess consumption of alcohol, imbalanced diet often resulting in obesity, etc. There are also some external factors that have to do with the state of health but cannot be controlled by those in the risk group, for example, diabetes, inflammation processes, high blood pressure, and serious head traumas (Campdelacreu 541).

Unfortunately, nowadays, there is no cure to Alzheimers. That means that nobody can be absolutely safe from it. However, there are some basic steps that can help prevent the development and worsening of the diseases. The primary prevention tool of the Alzheimers disease is leading a healthy way of life including enough physical exercise, balanced diet, and cognitive activities. What is also of crucial importance is enough mental activities and social interactions. In the case if the patient knows that he/she is in the risk group, the decision to fight possible inflammations, the formation of neurofibrillary tangles and further protein mutations can be made (DeKosky 14).

That said, Alzheimers disease is a serious illness caused by a wide range of factors. It is the condition that cannot be controlled or cured once it started evolving but it can be prevented or slowed down by following a simple set of recommendations centering on enough physical and mental activities and balanced diet.

Works Cited

Campdelacreu, Jaume. Parkinsons Disease and Alzheimer Disease: Environmental Risk Factors. Neurologia 29.9 (2014): 541-549. Print.

DeKosky, Steven T. Alzheimers Disease: Current and Future Therapies. 2014. Web.

Karch, Celeste M., Carlos Cruchaga, and Alison M. Goate. Alzheimers Disease Genetics: From the Bench to the Clinic. Neuron 83.1 (2014): 11-26. Print.

What Is Alzheimers Disease. n.d. Web.

Alzheimer is a mental complication that results from progressive impairment of the memory (Small, Rabins & Barry, 1997). This complication results into difficulties in communication, ability to recall as well as personality and behavioral related disorders. In most cases, these difficulties are used for diagnosing the disease.

There are several factors such as aging, heredity, blood pressure and head trauma that may make an individual to be susceptible to the illness. Research evidences illustrate that Alzheimer has no specific cure. Nevertheless, there are measures that can be taken to control and manage the symptoms.

These include cognitive, pharmacological and other alternative control measures. This paper seeks to compare and contrast the three therapeutic interventions on the basis of their effectiveness, validity, efficacy, symptom, behavior management and recidivism.

It is apparent that pharmacological treatment is widely used to treat Alzheimer. Nonetheless, researchers recommend that non-pharmacological therapies should be tried first. Natural therapy entails numerous treatments such as aroma therapy, dieting and taking mineral supplements such as vitamins (Cummings, Frank & Cherry, 2002).

This implies that cognitive and natural therapies are highly perceived to be effective as opposed to pharmacological treatments. It is on this ground that these non pharmacological therapies are considered to be more varied since they are both ancient and traditional. Research has shown that the level of efficacy obtained in both cognitive and natural therapy is very promising.

Multiple studies have thus shown that these therapeutic measures are highly beneficial and reliable to treat Alzheimer than the pharmacological measures. Moreover, random surveys have shown that their efficacy level is widely recognized by both patients and healthcare providers. Therefore one cannot deny the fact that cognitive and natural therapies have high level of recidivism as opposed to pharmacological treatment.

One cannot ignore the fact that both cognitive and natural therapies have become widely accepted in treating identified signs and symptoms of Alzheimer as opposed to pharmacological therapy. It is also imperative to note that symptoms such as personality problems, delusions, agitation, mood disorder and aggression may not be treated by medications.

Instead, it is cost effective to apply cognitive and natural therapy to manipulate abnormal signs that are associated with behavior and personality. Health providers highly recommend that cognitive and natural therapies are very essential in managing behavior as opposed to pharmacological therapy. This is based on the fact that behavior can not be treated. Instead, it can be manipulated to the desired manner.

However, despite the fact that cognitive and natural methods are highly effective, to some extent, they are unable to control common non-cognitive/natural symptoms such as constipation, irritation and other physical illnesses. For this case, non-behavioral symptoms prompt individuals to use pharmacological interventions in order to treat the disease (Small, Rabins & Barry, 1997).

It is evident that despite the huge contrasts that exist between pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, they have slight differences. For instance, research has shown that the efficacy rate is almost the same. Clinical trials have shown that all the measures have equal placebo in terms of response frequency. This implies that patients respond to the measures relatively the same manner.

For instance, study has shown that miss-application of such therapeutic measures can be problematic to patients. Moreover, evidence has shown that there is no specific treatment that is appropriate on its own. In this case, prescription of a single method only might trigger substantial effects that might be harmful to the patients health (Cummings, Frank & Cherry, 2002).

Besides, all the treatment measures have common side effects such as falls and sedation. Nevertheless, it is imperative to note that the side effects for pharmacological therapy have more adverse effects on patients health as opposed to the other treatment measures. Finally applications of such methods require adequate clinical knowledge in order for one to be able to manage behavior and the indentified symptoms.

References

Cummings, L., Frank, C. & Cherry, D. (2002). Guidelines for managing Alzheimers disease: part II treatment. Am Fam Physician. 65, 2525-2534.

Small, W., Rabins, V. & Barry, P. (1997). Diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer disease and related disorders. Consensus statement of the

American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, the Alzheimers Association, and the American Geriatrics Society. JAMA, 278, 1363-1371.

Alzheimer disease is a form of dementia which grows severely as it progresses. It is a fatal disease which was named after Alois Alzheimer. The latter was the first scientist who explored and fully described the existence of the disease among human beings (Brill 34).

The ailment usually develops with multiple symptoms that may be easily confused with those of other similar or closely related complications. The most remarkable feature of the disease is the loss of ability to remember events in an individuals life. Thinking abilities of patients are significantly compromised.

As a result, it becomes quite cumbersome for them to maintain a regular mental sequence. It is also worth to mention that the malady advances with more evident symptoms such as total memory loss, confusion and irritability (Green 90). The affected persons begin to move away from family members and they also develop some kind of aggressive and repulsive behavior which makes it difficult to control them.

The most specific causes of this condition have not been fully established in the past medical records and diagnoses. The most reliable sources argue out that the disease is caused by tangles and plague in the brain (Harris 102). The two factors are yet to be studied in detail in terms of whether they are indeed responsible for this kind of ill-health or not.

Currently, there are still wide array of opportunities through which more specialized studies can be undertaken to examine the etiology, prevalence, treatment and cure of the disease. It is true that there is no particular cure for this disease.

It has proven to be quite difficult to reverse its occurrence which usually culminates into full blown Alzheimer (Lau and Berg 163). It is worth noting that exercises conducted with the aim of stimulating the mind remain as a major way of helping victims. It is clear that patients have to depend on the care of others.

As pointed out earlier, the exact cause of Alzheimer is not clear yet. There are many hypotheses which have been put across in an attempt to explore dominant cause or causes of Alzheimer. It is important to look in to each of these studies in a bid to come up with a significant and conclusive understanding of the condition.

The oldest known hypothesis that attempted to examine the cause of Alzheimer claim is that of the neurotransmitter agent in neurons (Warner 198). The latter explains that a problem in acetylcholine which is the neurotransmitter between neuron synapses is responsible for breakdowns towards the smooth flow of communication. This condition has not been able to receive any amicable repair and hence remains a protracted medical and health challenge (Warner 123).

Another hypothesis on the etiology of this disease is that which relates amyloids to Alzheimer. According to the latter hypothetical medical study, it has been exemplified that the presence of deposits of amyloidal cells is the major cause of Alzheimer.

This postulation is equally supported by the fact that amyloidal deposits lead to the creation of excess gene copies (Brill 78). Some of the genes include the mutant and trilogy communication genes which often cause plagues right inside the brain. Oxidative stress is also linked with the perpetration of dementia.

This creates a path for the pathogenesis of the disease. Loss of brain cells has also been associated with the condition (Green 218). Degeneration of glial cells (brain cells) also culminates into increase in chances of the disease condition. This might be as a result of faulty phagocytosis or accumulation of bi products of oxidation. The latter products are largely considered to be toxic to the brain and may cause long term health complications.

The diagnosis of Alzheimer

This disease is diagnosed by following the history of victims in terms of their past health records. It may entail all clinical observations of relatives of the identified patient. This is normally aimed at noticing any features which may be a proof of the disease. The screening techniques used in this case help in identifying all traces of malfunctioning cells in the brain (Harris 68).

Moreover, cerebral scans help in auditing all cases of impairments as well as cognition abilities. On top of this, the intellectual functioning of an individual is also assessed. In most cases, the occurrence of a total diagnosis is only possible during post mortem activities. This is useful in standardizing the procedures of diagnosis (Lau and Berg 203).

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been able to give clear guidelines on how this malady can be identified and managed thereafter (Warner 134).

It entails testing of all neuropsychological impairments together with microscopic examination of biopsy brain tissues. The final definitive stage of diagnosis is the examination of all cognitive aspects of a suspected victim. These include problem solving abilities, functional ability, orientation, construction ability, attention, perpetual skills and overall strength of a patients memory (Green 245).

The most reliable technique used in examination is referred to as the mental state examination (MSE). This has been optimized in order to ensure that results are reliable. It gives a combination of both normal and neurological examinations.
Defensive mechanisms against this disease are yet to be put in place. Work towards the establishment of a specific particular measure is still under way.

Studies in the current medical practices have indeed offered some promising results in establishment prevention of Alzheimer disease (Harris 146). This entails balancing of factors that are linked with the occurrence of the disease. They include intellectual exercises, diet and proper individual care in the use of pharmaceutical products. If balance is maintained in the above areas, it becomes possible to curb the likelihood of the occurrence of Alzheimer.

Behavioral and vascular related factors such as smoking and hypertension also have a large part to play in this disease (Warner 102). It is possible to stop the risk factors by being careful of ones health. In addition, uptake of cholesterol should be controlled. It is important for individuals to take healthy diets regardless of what they are used to. Alcohol should also be minimized although there is no particular limit which can be regarded to be completely safe.

At this point, it is worth to mention that people who are very active in terms of social interactions and playing brain games have a reduced risk of Alzheimer (Brill 243). This is explained by the theory of cognitive reservation. It is definite that mental activities tend to play around with an individuals brain in order to keep it sober enough in readiness to face challenges in life.

Pharmaceutical treatment is done to control the disease. There are several medications which are used to treat manifestations of Alzheimers disease. They are either based on correcting the fault of acetylcholine or receptors of boosting the mental activities of a patient (Warner 225). When the disease is full blown, there is no particular drug which can manage it. Reducing the effect of failing acetylcholine is the main significant activity known to affect this disease significantly (Lau and Berg 197).

Death of neurons is detected early enough to ensure that corrective measures are put in place before irreparable damage occurs in the brain. When a sufferer reaches high level of cognition impairments, medication is directed towards delaying the possible onset of the disease. Psychosocial interventions are also done. These are administered together with the above mentioned pharmaceutical treatments.

They include stimulation approaches, cognition boosters, emotional activators and behavioral modification (Brill 253). They are focused on rehabilitating the patient back to their normal lifestyle. Behavioral interventions reduce occurrences of abnormal behavior. This approach becomes successful when it is incorporated with aids of causing overall improvement of ones condition. Most psychosocial therapies are based on the data obtained about a give customer.

On the other hand, emotional treatment is based on validation of lost sensory system. It is used to rehabilitate a persons lost ability to define presence according to normal conditions. The treatment is aimed at helping such patients to call past events by comparing them with current ones. The validation therapy gives a patient an experience of what is true based on his or her senses. All these therapies are believed to be helpful although there is no enough proof of their working mechanisms.

The main aim of managing the disease is to bring back ones ability to realize what is happening at a given period of time (Green 213). It includes providing information on the time and other realities which surround the capacities of a patient suffering from Alzheimer. Efficacy of improving cognition has recorded desirable results which are useful to both caregivers and the patient.

Giving care is essential to patients suffering from this health complication. It is evident that Alzheimer has no specific cure or treatment. This condition makes people unable to take care of themselves. It incapacitates individuals as time goes by. There are instances when a person becomes totally unable to do anything for themselves.

Given the effects of the disease, care giving is not optional here. Family members must ensure that the sufferer gets consistent care throughout their life time. This is done in all stages of the disease. The major goal of care giving is ensuring the safety of the patient. This is done through modification of the environment in which the person lives (Wagner 211). It reduces the burden of taking care of the person who has this particular disease.

Environmental modification entails the use of safety padlocks, placing important objects strategically and simplifying routine activities of the victim. In some cases, people are unable to feed themselves. Ethical issues crop up in the whole exercise of caring for a victim of Alzheimer.

These persons are highly vulnerable to being implicated by caregivers who may have ill motives. It is therefore important to come up with a good criterion for selecting a reliable care giver for your victim. Research reveals that individuals should be taught to take care of their own relatives because they have close links with them.

It is not easy to identify or rather diagnose the disease when it is at its early stages of development. The most reliable time to tell whether the disease has reached a critical stage is when cognitive impairments are noticed (Green 167).

At first, a person lives a normal life and it cannot be easy to explain the medical condition that a patient has gone through. In addition, symptoms progress towards a period of memory loss is indeed a mark of fatal Alzheimer. At the stage when it is impossible to live independently, everyone is convinced that the patient who suffers from Alzheimer needs total attention.

Life expectancy of persons living with the disease is always below 15 years of age (Brill 234). The disease is characterized by very low chances of survival for any person regardless of the choices they make in life. Medication is done to make sure that patients remain stable.

In other words, chances of survival beyond fifteen years are very minimal. Men will often have a shorter lifespan when diagnosed with the malady compared to women (Lau and Berg 254). The disease usually has a death risk of 70% among all the affected patients.
There are several future prospects in relation to this disease.

The efficacy of medical treatment of Alzheimer is yet to be made stable. More clinical trials need to be done in accordance with the developmental stages of the sickness. One of the most promising paths to take is that of pursuing immunotherapy. Clinical research ought to be focused towards the area of halting the pathogenesis of the disease. Besides, step by step inventions have to be followed in order to ensure that Alzheimer does not continue to incapacitate the population.

Works Cited

Brill, Marlene. Alzheimers Disease. New York: Benchmark Books, 2005. Print.

Green, Robert . Diagnosis and Management of Alzheimers Disease and Other Dementias. New York: Professional Comunications, 2005. Print.

Harris, Phyllis. The Person with Alzheimers Disease: Pathways to Understanding the Experience. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2002. Print.

Lau, Lit-Fui and Stefan, Berg. Alzheimers Disease. Berlin: Springer, 2009. Print.

Warner, Morton. Alzheimers Disease: Policy and Practice Across Europe. Abingdon: Radcliffe Medical Press, 2002. Print.

Alzheimers disease (AD) is a common brain disease that attacks elderly people, especially those above 60 years. AD advances the victims gradually and the process is irreversible. The disease slowly destroys the parts of the brain that are responsible for cognition and thinking.

The disease may result in a serious situation in which the patient cannot even undertake the simple chores that he or she used to carry out (Green, 2005). Mrs. C in the case study is gradually developing AD and as a result, she requires medical intervention to prevent her condition from getting worse.

Mrs. Cs condition is likely to deteriorate as the disease advances to higher stages (Green, 2005). This is likely to have various effects on her close relatives, who include her husband, and their two daughters. Her husband is likely to bear the greatest burden if Mrs. Cs condition gets worse. Mrs. C carries out all the duties in their home; however, this is likely to stop because in the next few years, she might be unable to carry out her usual household chores such as preparing meals.

She will not be able to move around on her own and her cognition is also expected to deteriorate. Her husband will have to take over the duties Mrs. C used to perform in their house. Mrs. Cs husband will have to move her around, and prepare special meals for her. He will also have to understand the changes that come with AD; he will have to learn how to take care of her even after these changes have taken place.

The daughters, like her husband, will be forced to design their daily schedules to ensure that they create time to see her on a regular basis. Mrs. Cs husband is old and is not in a position to take care of the house and the sick wife at the same time.

This is why his daughters have to help him take care of their mother. After a few years, Mrs. C will not be able to wash her clothes or prepare food for her husband and herself. Their daughters will be responsible for these basic duties. They will also have to spend a lot of time with the patient to reduce the rate at which her condition is expected to advance.

Mrs. Cs condition is not likely to affect the relationship between her and her relatives if they are sensible toward her. The relatives may choose to keep the patient at home or take her to a nursing home.

If they decide to keep her at home, then they will need to set up a number of security measures such as: using secure locks on all the windows and doors, installing carbon monoxide detectors, use of smoke alarms, and ensuring no drugs, weapons, plastic bags or equipment are within her reach (Green, 2005). However, the best safety measure in the case of Mrs. C is to take her to a nursing home for the elderly. If her husband refuses, he should be convinced that it is best option for his safety.

If Mrs. C was my grandmother, then her sickness would affect my family as well. It would force my family to set a lot of time aside to attend to her. We would ensure that she does not become extremely affected by her condition. I would make sure that she gets the basic services that she requires, which may include: special food that is prescribed by a physician and improved personal hygiene. I would also ensure that we install safety measures for the sake of her security and that of other family members.

Reference

Green, R. C. (2005). Diagnosis and management of Alzheimers disease and other dementias. New York, NY: Professional Communications.

Attention Getter

Alzheimers disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, accounting for more than 70% of dementia cases in the country, and it currently affects about 500,000 people in the United Kingdom. Most people suffering from Alzheimers disease are above 65 years old, and around 6% of patients experienced the early onset of the disease between the age of 40-60 years (Cummings, Isaacson, Schmitt, & Velting, 2015).

Thesis Statement

Despite the fact that there is no effective treatment for Alzheimers disease, scientists discovered that dancing could help reduce the severity of the disorder as this activity involves simultaneous brain functioning, which helps to affect damaged nerve cells in the brain and predict the cognitive decline.

Introduction

Alzheimers disease is one of the dementia types that affect older peoples memory, thinking, communication, and behavior. Possible causes of this disorder are the death of brain cells. Symptoms progress slowly, they become chronic, and at the last stages, peoples cognitive function becomes greatly affected, preventing them from carrying out daily routines (Byrd, 2014). Although there is no complete cure for the disease, social dancing is viewed as a therapy for activating the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus, enabling their cells to regenerate.

What Is Alzheimers Disease?

• Alzheimers disease is a specific neurodegenerative disorder that is known for causing dementia, and it results in memory loss and problems in thinking, communication, and problem-solving (Wolfe, 2016).
• The disease specifically leads to the inadequacy of essential chemicals, which are responsible for transmitting signals in the brain, performing their functions, and connect nerve cells (Klimova & Kuca, 2015).
• Most people who have Alzheimers disease are over the age of 65, although younger people can also suffer from the disease (Cummings et al., 2015). This disorder is progressive, which means the failure of cognitive performance develops gradually, and more symptoms develop as the brain damage increases.

What is the Cause of Alzheimers Disease?

• Alzheimers disease results from the accumulation of proteins in the brain, forming some plaques that cause synaptic and neuronal impairments or the breakage of links between nerve cells (Klimova & Kuca, 2015).
• The actual cause of Alzheimers disorder is not found, but scientists agree that the disease affects brain performance and psycho-behavioral function.
• People with Alzheimers disease live about five years after diagnosing the disorder, but physical exercising and social dancing can contribute to improving the state (Wolfe, 2016).

Is Dancing a Cure?

• Currently, Alzheimers disease cannot be treated completely, but research projects to develop effective interventions are organized in different countries.
• Dancing is a physiotherapy treatment that facilitates the neuroplasticity of the brain. The reason is that dancing requires quick decision-making that leads to the development of new neural pathways (Klimova & Kuca, 2015).
• Similar to physical exercising, dancing trains the body and brain. However, what is more important is that dancing stimulates different brain functions, including thinking, kinesthetic function, social function, and emotions (Poirier & Gauthier, 2014).

Summary

Alzheimers disease usually affects people who are aged 40-60 years old. Memory loss, difficulties with thinking, decision making, and problem-solving are among its typical symptoms. The brain disorder starts slowly but progresses to cause cognitive decline. No effective cure exists for the disease, but dancing is viewed as a physical activity that can relieve its symptoms.

Memorable Statement

In spite of the fact that no treatments are discussed as effective enough to address Alzheimers disease, dancing is an easy way to slow down its progress, make patients happier, and contribute to their social interactions.

References

Byrd, L. (2014). Alzheimers disease: Prevention strategies and ways to slow progression. New York, NY: Pesi Incorporated

Cummings, J. L., Isaacson, R. S., Schmitt, F. A., & Velting, D. M. (2015). A practical algorithm for managing Alzheimers disease: What, when, and why? Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, 2(3), 307-323.

Klimova, B., & Kuca, K. (2015). Alzheimers disease: Potential preventive, non-invasive, intervention strategies in lowering the risk of cognitive declineA review study. Journal of Applied Biomedicine, 13(4), 257-261.

Poirier, J., & Gauthier, S. (2014). Alzheimers disease: The complete introduction. Toronto, Canada: Dundurn.

Wolfe, M. S. (Ed.). (2016). Developing therapeutics for Alzheimers disease: Progress and challenges. New York, NY: Academic Press.

Introduction

• Alzheimers  a dementia type affecting memory, thinking and behavior.
• A progressive degenerative disease.
• Usually affects elderly (over 65) (Alzheimers Association, n.d.).
• Prevalence is 5.7 million in the U.S.
• No cure present as of 2019.
• Paramount to research to enhance living conditions, delay symptoms progression, find cure.

Alzheimers disease is a progressive degenerative disorder that causes a deterioration of mental and cognitive abilities. Its usual onset begins at senior age and with time makes a person more and more dependent. As of now, there is no way to avert the disease and available treatment options can only slow down its progression and relieve a patient from symptoms. It is pivotal to review and research this disorder further in order to acquire more knowledge about its mechanics and finally cure it.

Diagnostic Procedures

• Medical History Review.
• Neurological examination.
• Mental status evaluation (MMSE, Mini-Cog) (Karin et al., 2014).
• FDA-Cleared computerized examination (Cantab Mobile, Cognigram, and so on).
• Genetic Testing (APOE-e4).
• MRI and CT scans.

Present research and practice offers a vast variety of techniques to diagnose Alzheimers disease and proneness to its development. Currently, the abnormal loss of cognitive ability (such that is not part of a normal aging process) may be revealed by tests such as mini-cog or MMSE. They combine tasks on remembering and reproducing meaningful information to uncover signs of impairment. Among other diagnostic procedures there are brain scans, and electronic memory assessment tools such as Cantab. Genetic testing, despite some controversy can also be a valid method of confirming an Alzheimers diagnosis.

Diagnostic Assessment Scales

• ADAS-Cog  drug response measurement.
• Neuropsychological Test Battery  drug response measurement.
• Global Deterioration Scale (7 stages)  general progression measurement.
• Wechsler Memory Scale  assessment of different memory functions.

When the presence of Alzheimers is established, there is also a need to continuously evaluate the progression of the disease and monitor its stage. The latter can be achieved through Global Deterioration scale that helps care providers and family elicit a proper response. Other diagnostic interventions mentioned on the slide are designed chiefly for health care professionals to adjust treatment and control disease progression. ADAS-Cog, as well as neuropsychological test battery (which is a combination of tests), is frequently used in research and testing of new medicine designed to relieve Alzheimers symptoms. There multiple other assessments for professional to choose from and they are mostly assigned individually to suit a particular patient and the peculiarities of his or her condition.

Genetic Variables

• APOE-e4 gene = higher risk of developing Alzheimers (late onset).
• APOE-e4  unreliable and somewhat controversial marker.
• Early Alzheimers is heritable.
• Gene mutations affecting early Alzheimers  APP, PSEN1, PSEN2.
• Further studies required.
• More than one gene is at interplay in Alzheimers development (National Institute on Aging, 2017a).

There is certain evidence that a presence of certain genes such as APOE could predict the development of Alzheimers. Yet, NIA suggests that there might be other genes besides APOE-e4 that might also be responsible for the disease onset. This does not allow to use APOE-e4 as a 100% standalone marker of Alzheimers. Scientists have established that early Alzheimers is heritable and there is a certain number of genes that can predict it. Despite the convincing evidence of the latter, there is still ongoing research that will allow to enhance genetic tests precision and uncover the nature of this condition.

Treatment

Treatment goal: deter symptoms, set back cognitive deterioration, improve life quality.

• Pharmacological interventions:
  • Cognitive symptoms treatment (cholinesterase inhibitors, donepezil)
  • Behavioral symptoms treatment (citalopram, psychostimulants, antidepressants) (Rabins, Rovner, Rummans, Schneider, & Tariot, 2014).
• Psychosocial interventions:
  • home-based exercise
  • group exercise
  • walking program
  • reminiscence therapy (Duan et al., 2018)
  • No conclusive evidence on best method, every case is individual (Rabins et al., 2014).
• Alternative interventions:
  • Combinatory treatment.

As it was mentioned earlier, there is no medication or procedure that could 100% avert the symptoms and stop the onset of the disease. Therefore, all presently available treatments focus on symptom relief, and quality of life preservation. Among pharmacological interventions, there are cholinesterase inhibitors and donepezil which are moderately effective against cognitive deterioration. Yet, they prove to be effective at earlier stages (Rabins et al., 2014). There is also a minor effect of medications on behavioral symptoms of Alzheimers. Academics note that the regular intake of these drugs could induce severe heart conditions and a range of other unpleasant side-effects.

Apart from pharmacological interventions scholars suggest that there is an effect from psychosocial treatment. As such, the ones listed on the slide are found to be demonstrating positive results in terms of symptom relief, but their application depends heavily on individual properties of Alzheimers progression. Nonetheless, there is evidence of psychosocial interventions to improve social functioning, adaption, and cognitive function maintenance. Unfortunately, their usefulness for later stage Alzheimers is at the very least questionable. Combinatory treatment presently is a prominent study branch that researches the effectiveness of several interventions including both pharmacological and psychosocial ones. Yet, notions of uncertain efficacy are still present.

Care Delivery

• Focus on reduction of frustration and agitation (National Institute on Aging, 2017b).
• Pay attention to Family and close individuals.
• Create safe environment.
• Exercise a tailored approach to care.

Care procedures for patients suffering from Alzheimers are usually centered on reducing frustration and agitation. Due to the fact that easy tasks became more difficult and required more physical and emotional resources from a patient, there is a need for scheduling changes and allocation of additional time for them. The safe environment needs to be established to prevent accidents as the motor functions may deteriorate as well. Symptoms experienced by each individual are dissimilar, and the use a tailored approach is paramount to address the specific needs of a patient. Along with the growing dependency of an individual suffering from Alzheimers, there is also a need for family education that would communicate the basic care needs and ways to tend to them.

Conclusion

• Primarily old-age disease.
• A variety of accurate diagnosis procedures.
• Treatment options serve mostly as symptom relief.
• Pivotal role of a nurse in delivering care.
• Need for further research.

All things considered, Alzheimers disease is a frustrating condition that is often seen in the senior population. Its causes are not largely known, and the genetics cannot yet explain its nature. Despite that fact, there is plenty of health care instruments to make the life of an Alzheimers patient as comfortable as possible. They include medications, psychosocial and combinatory interventions that can help relieve symptoms. Nurses are essential personnel in the process of Alzheimers management as they can offer mental and physical aid to patients and their families. Hopefully, continuous research will shed light upon this condition and uncover a cure for it.

References

Alzheimers Association. (n.d.). What Is Alzheimers? Web.

Duan, Y., Lu, L., Chen, J., Wu, C., Liang, J., Zheng, Y., & Tang, C. (2018). Psychosocial interventions for Alzheimers disease cognitive symptoms: A Bayesian network meta-analysis. BMC Geriatrics, 18, 175.

Karin, A., Hannesdottir, K., Jaeger, J., Annas, P., Segerdahl, M., Karlsson, P., & Miller, F. (2014). Psychometric evaluation of ADAS-Cog and NTB for measuring drug response. Acta NeurologicaScandinavica, 129(2), 114122.

National Institute on Aging. (2017a). What is Alzheimers disease? Web.

National Institute on Aging. (2017b). Managing personality and behavior changes in Alzheimers. Web.

Rabins, P., Rovner, B., Rummans, T., Schneider, L., & Tariot, P. (2014). Guideline watch: Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with alzheimers disease and other dementias. Web.