Alzheimers

Link: [] This is one of the topics that is close to my heart as my grandfather passed away from Alzheimer’s. Since this disease can be passed on in families, I decided to learn more about it as one day this might affect me too. ** __ What is Alzheimers? __ **  It is one of the most common forms dementia diseases that cause brain disorder and it represents about 70% cases of all forms of dementia. It affects the brain by causing confusion, memory loss, impaired judgment, personality changes, disorientation and ability not to be able to talk to others. Alzheimer’s usually starts after 60 years of age and risks increase with age. It is also important to note that young people as young as 30 years can get the disease even though it’s rare. *There are currently not cures for Alzheimer’s. ** __ Statistics. __ **  Ø Research and studies carried out by the American Health Assistance Foundation show that more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and this number is expected to reach 15 million in 20 years while the World population of 6 billion, 26 million people affected now is expected to grow to more than 106 million in the same 20 years.  Ø This year alone, 454 000 new cases will recorded in the United States alone.  Ø By 2048, 1 in 45 people may be living with Alzheimer’s and half the people aged 85 years and above suffer from this disease.  Ø 2 in 10 people in America believe they know someone who has Alzheimer’s but have not received treatment or a diagnosis. ** __ Causes. __ **  There are 2 types of causes namely Known Causes and Potential Contributing Causes. __ Known causes __ are 1. Age and 2.Genetics: Research and studies have shown that age is the single greatest risk of Alzheimer’s as 5% of the people aged between 65 and 74 have the disease. Half of people 85 years and older are said to have the disease. Genetics: research has shown that a child has 50/50 chance of developing Alzheimer’s if one of the parents has it, which is a very high odd. This is mainly due to a gene that mutated inherited from one parent. According to the American Health Assistance Foundation,5% cases of Alzheimer’s thought to be from genetics, the symptoms usually appear between the ages of 30 to 60 years. __ Potential Contributing causes __ : There are 4 potential contributing factors namely cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, oxidative damage and inflammation. Cardiovascular disease includes things like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain and high cholesterol prevents blood to clear protein from the brain which also damages the brain. Inflammation- insulin does not convert blood sugar into energy, which causes high blood sugar in the brain that damages it. Oxidative is caused by unstable molecules or energy bonds from chemical reactions. These molecules end up seeking stability by looking for other molecules and attaching with them causing tissues and brain cells to damage thus affecting the brain. Also other factors include severe head injuries and lower education level. ** __ Symptoms and Stages. __ **  Some common symptoms of Alzheimer’s are memory loss, problems paying attention, confusion, unexplained mood swings, talking difficulties and changes in personality. Symptoms also include daily living difficulties living driving, finding the right words and following instruction.As the AHAF organization, people on average live 8 to 10 years after diagnosis of Alzheimer’s but it can last up to 20 years. __ Stage 1(Mild): __ Can last between 2 to 4 years and those with the disease have less energy, some memory loss and are slow to learning or reacting to things. Examples of this stage include getting lost when walking, repeating questions and conversations, losing and misplacing things and at times taking longer finishing daily tasks like brushing teeth or eating. __ Stage 2: __ Lasts 2 to 10 years and at this stage the disease is more visible because the person needs some help doing things. This person is more familiar with their problems and has trouble recognizing familiar faces. __ Stage 3: __ This is the final stage and last 1 to 3 years. Whoever is at this stage lose the ability to talk, recognize people and feed themselves. They also have bladder and bowel control problems and can contract other diseases too. ** __ Diagnosis. __ **  The only way of effectively diagnosing Alzheimer’s is by brain autopsy. Doctors can accurately diagnose the disease by testing mental and behavioral signs, physical examination, neuropsychological and laboratory tests. Physical tests help rule out other forms of dementia and include brain scans, blood and urine tests. They also perform what is called EEC for electroencephalogram that measures the electrical brain activity. Right now they are many new inexpensive tests being researched to accurately diagnose Alzheimer’s. Scientists are also developing brain imaging systems that can pick up the slightest change in brain activity or structure. ** __ Treatment. __ **  There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, only treatment for the symptoms. These treatments are grouped into three categories namely common treatment, potential treatment and Clinical trials. There are 5 drugs approved by FDA to slow Alzheimer’s progress which are: It is also important to note the side effects of these drugs that include nausea, diarrhea, liver damage, vomiting, weight loss, upset stomach, weakness, headaches and dizziness. Clinical trials are also taking place to treat and cure Alzheimer’s. There are also many things to learn and know about living with Alzheimer’s living care giving, everyday life, healthy living, home and personal safety and financial matters that people need to know. Things like government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and veteran benefit programs are also available for assistance. Private insurance plans like Medigap, Managed care health insurance and Long Term Care plans also help. ** REFERENCES:  ** American Health Assistance Foundation American Medical Association
 * 1)  Nameda, approved in 2003
 * 2)  Razudyne- generic name galantamine approved in 2001 for early to moderate stages.
 * 3)  Exelon- generic name is rivastigmire approved 2000 for early to moderate stages.
 * 4)  Aricept- generic name donepezil approved 1996 for early to severe stages.
 * 5)  Congnex-generic name tacrine approve 1993 for early to moderate stages.