What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in
older people. A dementia is a medical condition that disrupts the way
the brain works. AD affects the parts of the brain that control
thought, memory, and language. Although the risk of getting the
disease increases with age, it is not a normal part of aging. At
present the cause of the disease is unknown and there is no cure.
AD is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer,
a German psychiatrist. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer described changes in the
brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. He
found abnormal deposits (now called senile or neuritic plaques) and
tangled bundles of nerve fibers (now called neurofibrillary tangles).
These plaques and tangles in the brain have come to be characteristic
brain changes due to AD.
Symptoms Include:
- initial mild forgetfulness
- confusion with names and simple
mathematical problems
- forgetfulness to do simple everyday
tasks, i.e., brushing their teeth
- problems speaking, understanding,
reading, and writing
- behavioral and personality changes
- aggressive, anxious, or aimless
behavior
Statistics
It is estimated that currently 4
million people in the United States may have Alzheimer's disease. The
disease usually begins after age 65 and risk of AD goes up with age.
While younger people may have AD, it is much less common. About 3% of
men and women ages 65-74 have AD and nearly half of those over age 85
could have the disease.
Diagnosis
No definitive test to diagnose Alzheimer's disease in living
patients exits. However, in specialized research facilities,
neurologists now can diagnose AD with up to 90% accuracy. The
following is some of the information used to make this diagnosis:
- a complete medical history
- basic medical tests (i.e., blood,
urine tests)
- neuropsychological tests (i.e.,
memory, problem-solving, language tests)
- brain scans (i.e., MRI scan, CT scan
or PET scan)
Research for Possible Risk Factors
Scientists are trying to learn what causes AD and how to prevent
it. This list may not be all inclusive or definite. However, research
has lead scientists to consider these as possible risk factors:
- Genetic factors
- Environmental factors -
aluminum, zinc, and other metals have been detected in the brain
tissue of those with AD. However, it isn't known whether they cause
AD, or build up in the brain as a result of AD.
- Viruses - Viruses that might
cause the changes seen in the brain tissue of AD patients are being
studied.
The only known risk factors are age and
family history. Serious head injury and lower levels of education may
also be risk factors. AD is probably not caused by any one factor.
Most likely, it is several factors together that react differently in
each person. Unfortunately, no blood or urine test currently exists
that can detect or predict AD.
Treatment
Alzheimer's disease advances in stages,
ranging from mild forgetfulness to severe dementia. The course of the
disease and the rate of decline varies from person to person. The
duration from onset of symptoms to death can be from 5 to 20 years.
Currently, there is no effective
treatment for AD that can halt the progression. However, some
experimental drugs have shown promise in easing symptoms in some
patients. Medications can help control behavioral symptoms; making
patients more comfortable and easier to manage for caregivers. Still
other research efforts focus on alternative care programs that provide
relief to the caregiver and support for the patient.
Source: National Mental Health
Association
