Alzheimer's Disease Over the last several decades, Alzheimer's has become a major health issue affecting large segments of the population. Evidence of this can be seen with the fact that it impacts nearly 5.4 million Americans and it has total annual cost of $183 billion. ("2011 Alzheimer's Facts and Figures," 2011) This is significant, because it is illustrating how the overall scope and severity of the disease has been continually increasing. In the case of African-Americans, they are more likely to be susceptible to this condition. As this segment, is reporting 14% more cases in comparison to the rest of the population. ("African-Americans and Alzheimer's," 2011) To fully understand the disease and its lasting effects requires: examining the condition itself, the factors that make this segment of the population vulnerable, environmental issues that are impacting this demographic, the modes for transmission, the methods in controlling the spread of the disease / possible treatment options, the role of social / cultural beliefs and community health promotion / wellness strategies to mitigate these effects. Once this occurs, it will provide the greatest insights as to the overall scope of the disease and the impact that it is having on this demographic of the population.

Describe the disease

Alzheimer's is considered to be a form of dementia. As, it will gradually start out as a kind of memory loss and become worse over the course of time with: many people having trouble thinking along with performing daily tasks. These symptoms can become serious enough that they will affect an individual's cognitive abilities to influence their daily life. Where, ordinary tasks will become more complicated. This is the point, that there is the possibility that the odds increase that the person could lose up to 80% of their mental abilities. In general, the disease will become common in those people exhibiting ten different characteristics. The most notable include: memory loss, challenges in planning / problem solving, difficulty completing everyday tasks, confusion with time / place,...

("10 Signs of Alzheimer's," 2011) Over the course of time, these different symptoms will continue to become progressively worse.
Describe the factors that make this particular population vulnerable to the disease

The biggest factor that makes African-Americans more vulnerable to the condition includes: mainly genetics, family history and lifestyle choices. The genetics and family history of someone having the disease increases the odds that someone is susceptible to the condition. Lifestyle choices such as diet or if the person is a smoker will increase the chances that someone will be predisposed to the disease. Where, this will contribute to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Once a person becomes older, the odds rise that they will be impacted by Alzheimer's. ("African-Americans and Alzheimer's," 2011)

What are the modes for disease transmission, if any?

The biggest factor for transmission of the disease will depend upon if another relative was affected by the condition previously. That being said, if someone is aware of this they can make lifestyle choices that can help to mitigate these effects. ("African-Americans and Alzheimer's," 2011)

What methods are used to control the spread of the disease? Are there alternative methods used by the selected population for treatment? What is the effect of alternate treatments?

The biggest method of controlling the spread of the condition is mainly through educating the public about possible warning signs. The alternative techniques for treating African-American are ensuring that there are services available for diagnosing and dealing with the condition. This is accomplished through having some kind of affordable health care services. The effect of these alternatives is that it is helping to expand the scientific community's understanding of the disease. This is the point that…