Alzheimer\'s Disease Is a Progressive,

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss, language deterioration, impaired ability to mentally manipulate visual information, poor judgment, confusion, restlessness, and mood swings. Alzheimer's disease is a form of a mental disorder known as dementia. Dementia is a brain disorder that causes the loss of mental functions; such as thinking, memory, and reasoning. Dementia is not a disease itself, but rather a group of symptoms that are caused by various diseases or conditions. It restricts the brain's ability to process rational or normal thought and prevents normal daily activities.

Alzheimer's disease usually begins after age 65, but its onset may occur as early as age 40, appearing first as memory decline and, over several years, destroying cognition, personality, and ability to function. Confusion and restlessness may also occur (Stephens).

History of Alzheimer's

In the early 1900's, Alois Alzheimer, a German physician, provided care for a middle-aged patient who experienced progressive problems with memory, language, and behavior. After the patient died, Alzheimer identified two changes in brain tissue. He found neurofiber tangles and neuritic plaques that are now a defining feature for diagnosing what we call Alzheimer's Disease today.

Psychology of Alzheimer's

The management and care associated with patients with severe Alzheimer disease frequently presents difficult decisions for medical professionals and the caregiver. The disease often requires full time care and assistance with day-to-day basic activities.

Alzheimer's can be a crippling experience for both the disease sufferer and the family that is involved. There are many moments of misunderstanding or confusion for most, and the symptoms can become frustrating and difficult. The loss of memory and other associated factors can often cause immense separation in families and can create a nervous tension on relationships that is not necessary if suitable information is available and utilized by all parties involved.

Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disorder. The effects on the brain are relentless as the memory is progressively destroyed and the capability to learn, make judgments, and communicate and carry out normal daily tasks is greatly diminished to the point of total extinction. It is often painfully difficult to watch a family member seemingly "waste away" in their own mind; the struggle to maintain a form of sanity is often too much for many relatives and they, sadly, distance themselves from the sufferer (Living With Alzheimer's).

What makes this disease so frustrating for both the patient and their family members is the loss of "oneself" associated with the dementia. The person with Alzheimer's disease can't grasp the changes that are happening within themselves. Family members are upset and saddened by the loss of the "person" they once knew. It is common for some family members to disconnect with the loved one in the later stages of Alzheimer's because the personality displayed by the patient is so different from the personality they once knew.

The personality changes can be frightening and unpredictable with some general personality changes happening from the onset of the disease. The changes can be insignificant or more discerning with some experiencing lack of interest, moodiness, and paranoia. They lose basic abilities to function and might not even realize it. The ability to handle finances, choose clothing, bathe themselves, eat, speak, and recognize family members can become impossible.

Although it is hard to judge, it may be possible for all of these things to occur without the patient logically understanding they have changed.

Science behind Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is now one of the most researched diseases in the world. Scientists are racing to find a cure as millions of people reach the age when Alzheimer's is most commonly manifested (Plontz).

Experts are still trying to fully understand the cause or causes of Alzheimer's disease. In the meantime, it's helpful to understand the hallmarks of Alzheimer's -- plaques and tangles -- and the risk factors that affect a person's likelihood of developing the disease (Hill).

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a build-up of proteins in the brain. Though this cannot be measured in a living person, extensive autopsy studies have revealed this phenomenon. The build-up manifests in two ways: Plaques -- deposits of the protein accumulate in the spaces between nerve cells. Tangles -- deposits of the protein that accumulate inside of nerve cells.

Scientists are still studying how plaques and tangles are related to Alzheimer's disease. One theory is that they block nerve cells' ability to communicate with each other, making it difficult for the cells to survive (Hill).

Autopsies have shown that most people develop some plaques and tangles as they age, but people with Alzheimer's develop far more than those who do not develop the disease. Scientists still don't know why some people develop so many compared to others. However, several risk factors for Alzheimer's disease have been uncovered (Hill).

Advancing age is the number one risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease. One out of eight people over the age of 65 has Alzheimer's disease, and almost one out of every two people over the age of 85 has Alzheimer's. The probability of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's nearly doubles every five years after age 65 (Hill).

Family history is another factor. People who have a parent or sibling that developed Alzheimer's disease are two to three times more likely to develop the disease than those with no family history of Alzheimer's. If more than one close relative has been affected, the risk increases even more.