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Alzheimers Disease: What is it?
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Many people have heard of Alzheimer's disease along with a limited understanding of what, exactly it entails. It is well known it involves memory loss but have you ever asked yourself 'What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia and a brain disorder affecting a person's ability to carry out their usual daily activities. The most common form of dementia amongst the elderly is Alzheimer's disease.
The disease affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. Unfortunately, scientists still are unable to establish the exact causes of the disease or a successful cure, although many remain hopeful as they learn more and more about the condition as research continues.
It is estimated that in the USA alone, 4.5 million people suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Although Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging, it most commonly develops in people that are over 60 years old. The risk of developing the disease increases as we get older. Younger people have also been known to develop Alzheimer's disease, although it is much less common.
The Disease itself was discovered and named after Dr Alois Alzheimer in 1906 when he noticed significant changes in the brain tissue of a female who died from a mental illness. These changes consisted of abnormal clumps, which today are known as amyloid plaques and tangled bundles of fibres now known as neurofibrillary tangles.
During extensive research scientists have also found that nerve calls die and the connection between nerve cells are disrupted in the areas of the brain that are vital to memory and other mental abilities. It has also been established there are lower levels of certain chemicals that carry messages between the nerve cells. This can result in impaired thinking and disrupted memory for the individual.
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Unfortunately, scientists are unable to establish what exactly causes Alzheimer's disease, although they believe several factors can affect each individual person in different ways. Since the number of people with the disease doubles after the age of 60, age is thought to be a significant risk.
It is also thought genetics is another important risk as when the development of Alzheimer's disease has been studied in younger persons it has been found a close family member has also had Alzheimer\'s disease. Although there appears to be a significant link in family history for early onset Alzheimer's the more common form of late onset appears not to have an obvious inheritance pattern.
It is also thought several risk factors may interact with each other to assist with the development of Alzheimer\'s. A gene that produces a protein known as apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and assists in carrying cholesterol in the blood has been identified as a significant risk factor although it is estimated only 15% of people have the form that increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's. Scientists believe there may be other genes that increase the risk of developing the disease, although these have not yet been discovered.
The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease may not be noticeable at first because of their slow development. They usually start with mild forgetfulness and trouble remembering recent events. You may notice the sufferer begins forgetting names of those close or well known to them and if they are older you may confuse this with age related memory change.
Their ability to solve simple mathematical problems also begins to fade and as the disease continues to develop the symptoms become more obvious. People in the middle stages of Alzheimer's disease forget how to carry out simple everyday activities of daily living tasks such as dressing themselves, using the toilet or combing their hair.
Their language deteriorates as they become unable to think clearly. Of course this often becomes frustrating for the individual and depression anxiety and aggressiveness are other key features.
Alzheimer's disease is usually slow in its developments and sadly there is currently no treatment which can stop its development. Usually sufferers live from 8 to 10 years following a diagnosis although this varies from person to person and some have been known to live as long as 20 years.
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