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.
Because of the natural progression of the disease, treatment is often continued at home, or in a nursing home, and it can be quite stressful on the caregivers. Dr. Edwards, an Alzheimer expert, continues, "Most often at the center is the person who becomes the primary caregiver - the spouse or a middle-aged child. Ultimately, the responsibility for the total care of the patient may fall on that individual. As dementia progresses, there will be increasing demands on the caregiver" (Edwards, 1994, p. 157). Caregiving can continue for years, and is often just as difficult for the caregiver as it is for the patient. Finding a cure or treatment for the disease will also help the millions of people involved in caring for Alzheimer's patients each year.
In conclusion, Alzheimer's is a deadly and costly disease. Studies show that even if the patient is healthy and free of other health problems, Alzheimer's will eventually cause death (Editors, 2004). It also costs Americans billions of dollars every year in health care, nursing facility, research, and home-care costs. Alzheimer's is a frightening disease with no known cure, and studies must continue to find the cause, and eventually find a cure for this devastating disease.
References
Editors. (2004). About Alzheimer's. Retrieved from the Alzheimer's Association Web site: http://www.alz.org/AboutAD/WhatIsAD.asp12 Nov. 2004.
Edwards, a.J. (1994). When memory fails: Helping the Alzheimer's and dementia patient. New York: Plenum Press.
Handy, R.C., Turnbull, J.M., Edwards, J., & Lancaster, M.M. (Eds.). (1998). Alzheimer's disease: A handbook for caregivers. St. Louis, MO: Mosby.
Keltner, N.L., Zielinski, a.L., & Hardin, M.S. (2001). Drugs used for cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Perspectives in psychiatric care, 37(1), 31.
Tanzi, R.E., & Parson, a.B. (2000). Decoding darkness: The search for the genetic causes…
