Revealing Whats Inside the Brain

ALZHEIMER DISEASE

Our Brain
Three Main Players in Human Brain:

1 . Celebral 2. 3. Cerebellum Brain Stem Hemisphere

2 regions of brain = left cerebral hemisphere right cerebral hemisphere In charge of balance and coordination. Connects the spinal cord with where sensory information received from receives information from eyes, ears, and the brain. Controls automatic functions the outside world is processed; this part of muscles and joints about bodys movements such controls as heartvoluntary rate, blood pressure, the brain movement and and position and breathing. regulates conscious thought and mental activity.

Relays and receives messages to and from muscles, skin, and other organs.

Our Brain
NEURON
The brain has billions of neurons, each with an axon and many dendrites.
To stay healthy, neurons must communicate with each other, carry out metabolism, and repair themselves.

Alzheimer Disease disrupts all three of these essential jobs.

What is AD?
ALZHEIMER DISEASE or also called Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type, is an incureable, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. Divided into 2 types: 1. Early-onset AD usually affecting people aged 30 to 60 and usually running in families. (rare) 2. Late-onset AD It usually affects people over age 65. (common)

This degenerative and terminal disease was first discovered by a German psychiatrist and neuropathologist, Alois Alzheimer, in 1906.

The Symptoms
Short term memory loss happen in early stage.
Confusion always unsure about what to do. Irritability and Aggression easily to get mad and blame at people. Mood swings drastic change of mood. Language Breakdown arranging weird composition of words. Long term memory loss forget about the past. Senses decline gradually loss of body function and death. The mean life expectancy following diagnosis is approximately seven years.

AD in action
The brains of people with AD have an abundance of two abnormal structures:
beta-amyloid plaques, which are dense deposits of protein and cellular material that
accumulate outside and around nerve cells

neurofibrillary tangles, which are twisted fibers that build up inside the nerve cell These plaque and tangle destroy the work of neurons inside the brain. When AD spreads, the brain begins to shrink as more and more neurons stop working and die.

AD researches
AD develops when genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors work together to cause the disease process to start. In recent years, scientists have discovered genetic links to AD. Researchers have identified mutations in three genes that cause early-onset AD. Researchers have identified a gene that produces a protein called apolipoprotein E (ApoE).

Treatments
More than 500 clinical trials have been conducted for identification of a possible treatment for AD, but it is unknown if any of the tested intervention strategies will show promising results. A healthy life-style habits have been suggested for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, but there is a lack of adequate evidence for a link between these recommendations and reduced degeneration. Mental stimulation, exercise, and a balanced diet are suggested, as both a possible prevention and a sensible way of managing the disease.

Because AD cannot be cured and is degenerative, management of patients is essential. The role of the main caregiver is often taken by the spouse or a close relative. Alzheimer's disease is known for placing a great burden on caregivers; the pressures can be wide-ranging, involving social, psychological, physical, and economic elements of the caregiver's life. In developed countries, AD is one of the most costly diseases to society.

Resources
Know more about Alzheimer Disease in:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alzheimer's_disease

www.alz.org alzheimers.org.uk