Alzheimer's disease: pathology, symptoms, and treatment approaches

¶ … Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, it will briefly describe the disease, and then focus on its causes, symptoms, and the population likely to suffer from the disease, and its prevention and treatments. Alzheimer's disease is a devastating condition that affects millions of Americans every year. It has recently received more attention because of the suffering of prominent people, such as the late President Ronald Reagan, and actor Charlton Heston. New research into Alzheimer's disease may find a cure, or at least medication that can slow down the onset of this devastating and as yet incurable disease.

Alzheimer's disease affects the brain and causes dementia, usually in aging patients. It is usually a gradual procession, that systematically "destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate, and carry out daily activities" (Editors, 2004). Alzheimer's also affects the patient's loved ones and family, because normally they are required to care full-time for the patient, who usually cannot function effectively on a day-to-day basis. The patient's reasoning becomes impaired and even the most basic functions, such as eating or going to the bathroom are forgotten. Alzheimer's is expected to affect about 14.5 million people by the year 2050, according to current studies (Handy, Turnbull, Edwards, & Lancaster, 1998, p. 1). In addition, Alzheimer's can co-exist with other forms of dementia, only adding to the patient's troubles. The disease can also change a person's personality and conduct, for example, creating a violent or aggressive personality in a person that was never known for displaying those characteristics. The disease progresses differently in different patients and can take a number of years to fully develop. The Alzheimer's Association, an organization for the study and eradication of the disease notes, "The areas of the brain that control memory and thinking skills are affected first, but as the disease progresses, cells die in other regions of the brain" (Editors, 2004). Studies indicate that the disease can often run in families, and studies inside families with a history of the disease continue, to learn more about how it develops and spreads. The disease carries the name of the doctor who first diagnosed it, German physician Dr. Alois Alzheimer, and it was named for him in 1911 (Edwards, 1994, p. 107). Alzheimer's is often mistaken with simple memory loss that often comes with old age, but because it is a distinct disease, with unique systems, it should not be confused with the normal aging process. It is a distinct disease with distinct symptoms, and these symptoms cannot be reversed once they take affect.

The single cause of Alzheimer's disease is not known, but scientists researching the disease do know more about it than they did even ten or fifteen years ago. What most scientists agree on is that Alzheimer's begins many years before symptoms begin to appear externally, and by that time, brain damage has already begun to occur. The Alzheimer's Association continues, "Scientists regard two abnormal microscopic structures called 'plaques' and 'tangles' as Alzheimer hallmarks. Amyloid plaques are clumps of protein that accumulate outside the brain's nerve cells. Tangles are twisted strands of another protein that form inside cells" (Editors, 2004). These two abnormal groups of cells could be the cause of the disease, or they could result as the disease progresses, scientists simply are not sure. However, as studies continue into the disease, the root cause certainly will be discovered, which can only aid in an ultimate cure for the disease.

Symptoms of the disease are often difficult to recognize at first. They include many symptoms that intrude on the aging, and so sometimes, they are difficult to pinpoint. Of course, memory loss is the first sign of the disease, but there are others, including: "confusion, and problems with reasoning and thinking. These symptoms worsen as brain cells die and the connections between cells are lost" (Editors, 2004). In addition, Alzheimer's patients often show changing personalities, aggressive behavior, more emotional responses to situations, and even verbal abuse. A physician should diagnose the disease, but because the symptoms can mimic the simple aging process, sometimes it can be misdiagnosed. Some physicians may not understand the distinct differences between senility and Alzheimer's. Senility can often be treated successfully, because it can be a result of other afflictions, such as depression or even vitamin deficiencies (Editors, 2004). Alzheimer's, on the other hand, directly affects brain cells, and if there is uncertainty, patients and their families should certainly ask for a second opinion.

The population most likely to suffer from the disease is the elderly, but this is not always the case. Researchers note, "Alzheimer's disease is not part of the normal aging process, although it affects predominantly elderly people. Whereas only 10% of those 65 years of age and older are affected by this disease, the percentage may be as high as 48% in those 85 years of age and older" (Handy, Turnbull, Edwards, & Lancaster, 1998, p. 1-2). In addition, there are more rare forms that strike patients in middle age. These researchers write about, "a rare form of Alzheimer's that strikes in middle age and is passed down to 50%, on average, of offspring" (Tanzi & Parson, 2000, p. xiii). This form of the disease can spread among siblings, often attacking an entire family of brothers and sisters.

Currently, there is little in the way of prevention of this disease. Because a distinct cause is still unknown, an effective and lasting cure cannot be developed. Scientists understand that risk factors include advancing age, and a family history of the disease. Treatment is difficult, because there are so many differing forms of the disease, and scientists still do not know what causes it, or how it specifically affects the central nervous system. Some treatments include several different drug treatments with differing rates of success. Some of these drugs include: Hydergine, Tacrine, Donepezil, and many other drugs that affect specific portions of the brain. a-beta inhibitors have also been developed to deal with the disease, because of extensive research in this area. These researchers note, "As suddenly realized, the a-beta peptide wasn't just an abnormal brain byproduct derived from a cellular goof, but a molecule normally churned out by cells throughout the body. Only when it accumulated in the brain could it be considered a menace" (Tanzi & Parson, 2000, p. 212). All the major drug companies are working on different medications meant to treat Alzheimer's, because it is such a prevalent and devastating disease, and the elderly population is continually growing. Some studies indicate that other healthy living factors, including "controlling blood pressure, weight and cholesterol levels; exercising both body and mind; and staying socially active" (Editors, 2004), may have a positive affect on controlling Alzheimer's, too.