Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease was first described by Alois Alzheimer. Alois
Alzheimer was a German psychiatrist and neuropathologist and he first described
it in 1906. The disease was first thought to be a rare condition affecting only
young people, and was referred to as presenite dementia.
About 10 percent
of the United States population over the age of 65 is affected by Alzheimer's
disease, and up to 45 percent of those over the age of 85 may have the disease.
Up to 2 million people suffer from it, or one percent of the population. During
the early stages of the disease, a person forgets daily events, but they can
still recall things that happened many years ago. Memory loss worsens during the
later stages of the disease, when patients forget events from earlier years,
patients cannot care for themselves, and some patients can become bedridden.
Most patients die from infection or chronic disease 8 to 10 years after getting
the disease.
The cause of Alzheimer's disease still remains mysterious.
People with a family history of the disease though, have a better chance of
getting it themselves. Carriers of a specific version of the apolpoprorein E
gene (apo E gene) are more likely to develop the disease.
Alzheimer's
disease is diagnosed by examining brain tissue under a microscope to see
hallmark plaques and tangles, which is only possible after the patient dies.
There are some ways that you can find out if you have the disease when you are
alive, but it might not be 100 percent sure. You rule out other problems that
could cause memory loss like a stroke, depression, alcoholism, and the use of
certain prescription drugs. A thorough examination, which includes specialized
brain scans is another way of diagnosing it. A patient could be given an
evaluation called a neuro pschological examination.
There is no known
cure for Alzheimer's disease. Treatment focuses on lessening symptoms and
attempting to slow the course of the disease. Drugs that increase or improve the
function of brain acetylcholine, and the neurotransmitter that affects memory,
have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help treat Alzheimer's
disease. Preliminary studies say that anti-inflammatory drugs could prevent
inflammation. There is evidence that the female hormone estrogen, may prevent or
slow down the course of the disease.
Coping with a loved one's decline
and inability to recognize familiar faces causes extreme pain. Caregivers go
through tons of pain and develop health and psychological problems because of so
much stress.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Academic American
Encyclopedia, Vol. I; Grolier, Inc., Danbury, CT. 1987.
2. Compton's
Encyclopedia. 1992.
3. World Book Encyclopedia, World Book, Inc.;
Chicago, IL 60661. 1992.
4. Microsoft-Encarta Encyclopedia, Microsoft
Corporation. 1993-1998.