ALZHEIMERS DISEASE

ALZHEIMERS DISEASE

Also called Primary Degenerative Dementia Alzheimer's disease, or AD, is defined as a progressive, incurable disease of the brain caused by the degeneration and eventual death of neurons (nerve cells) in several areas of the brain.

WHAT ABOUT ALZHEIMERS AND DIMENTIA?

Alzheimer's disease was first identified in 1906 by a German psychiatrist and neuroanatomist named Alois Alzheimer. He was studying slides prepared from the brain of a fifty-oneyear-old woman, known as Frau D., who had died after several years of dementia with symptoms that did not fit the definition of any brain disorder known at the time. Alzheimers disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioningthinking, remembering, and reasoningand behavioral abilities, to such an extent that it interferes with a persons daily life and activities.

Alzheimer's etiology is unknown . AD usually begins after age 60. The risk goes up as you get older. Your risk is also higher if a family member has had the disease. No treatment can stop the disease. However, some drugs may help keep symptoms from getting worse for a limited time.

STAGES OF ALZHEIMERS
Mild

Alzheimers Disease Alzheimers

Moderate

Severe

Alzheimers

MILD ALZHEIMERS DISEASE- PEOPLE OFTEN ARE DIAGNOSED IN THIS STAGE

memory loss worsens, and changes in other cognitive abilities are evident. getting lost trouble handling money and paying bills repeating questions taking longer to complete normal daily tasks using poor judgment and having some mood and personality changes. .

MODERATE ALZHEIMERS DISEASE

damage occurs in areas of the brain that control language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought. Memory loss and confusion grow worse people begin to have problems recognizing family and friends. They may be unable to learn new things, carry out tasks that involve multiple steps (such as getting dressed), or cope with new situations. They may have hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, and may behave impulsively.

SEVERE ALZHEIMERS DISEASEthe final stage, plaques and tangles have spread throughout the brain, and brain tissue has shrunk significantly. cannot communicate and are completely dependent on others for their care the person may be in bed most or all of the time as the body shuts down.

DISEASE PROCESS
The hippocampus is one of the first areas affected by Alzheimer's disease. As the disease progresses, damage extends throughout the lobes. As Alzheimer's disease spreads through the cerebral cortex (the outer layer of the brain), judgment worsens, emotional outbursts may occur and language is impaired. a Advancement of the disease leads to the death of more nerve cells and subsequent changes in behavior, such as wandering and agitation. In the final stages, people may lose the ability to feed themselves, speak,

In the final stages of the disease, people may lose the ability to recognize faces and communicate; they normally cannot control bodily functions and require constant care.

The cerebral cortex atrophies. That means that this area of the brain shrinks and this shrinkage is dramatically different from the cerebral cortex of a normal brain. The cerebral cortex is the outer surface of the brain. It is responsible for all intellectual functioning . There are two major changes that can be observed in the brain at autopsy: The amount of brain substance in the folds of the brain (the gyri) is decreased The spaces in the folds of the brain (the sulci) are grossly enlarged.

HEALTHY BRAIN VS. BRAIN WITH ALZHEIMERS

PLAQUES AND TANGLES

As more and more brain cells die, Alzheimer's leads to significant brain shrinkage. When doctors examine Alzheimer's brain tissue under the microscope, they see two types of abnormalities that are considered hallmarks of the disease. The formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are thought to contribute to the degradation of the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain and the subsequent symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

PLAQUES AND TANGLES

Plaques. These clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid may damage and destroy brain cells in several ways, including interfering with cell-to-cell communication. Although the ultimate cause of brain-cell death in Alzheimer's isn't known, abnormal processing of beta-amyloid is a prime suspect. Tangles. Brain cells depend on an internal support and transport system to carry nutrients and other essential materials throughout their long extensions. This system requires the normal structure and functioning of a protein called tau. In Alzheimer's, threads of tau protein twist into abnormal tangles, leading to failure of the transport system. This failure is also strongly implicated in the decline and death of brain cells.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS

head injury: Studies show that people who have suffered concussions are more likely to develop Alzheimer's later on. vascular disease: Coexisting small strokes increase the risk and severity of memory problems in Alzheimer's disease. inflammation: People with arthritis are less likely to get Alzheimer's. It is speculated that the medications used to reduce inflammation in arthritis may have a beneficial effect on an inflammatory process in the brain. gender: Women are nearly twice as likely as men to suffer from Alzheimer's. education: Research suggests that better educated people are less prone to Alzheimer's. Those who already have the disease do better if they keep mentally active - an unused brain may deteriorate faster. toxins (e.g., aluminum): A controversial and unproven theory links aluminum in drinking water to senile plaque formation. Earlier studies hinted at a connection, but not according to recent studies that are larger and better-designed. prions: Some scientists speculate that prions, tiny infectious particles made of protein, may be involved in Alzheimer's disease by infecting the brain.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?

Alzheimer's is a terminal disease. This means it has no cure and will end in death. However, there are various medications which can help slow down the progression of the disease, and others that can improve the signs and symptoms, such as sleeplessness, wandering, depression, anxiety and agitation.

CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORS

These improve the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. The medication contains a chemical that inhibits the cholinesterase enzyme from breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine resulting in an increase in both the neurotransmitter's level and duration of action.

Cholinesterase inhibitors are prescribed to treat problems related to memory, thinking, language, judgment and other thought processes. Ex. donepezil (Aricept) - approved in the USA to treat all stages .galantamine (Razadyne) - approved in the USA to treat mild to moderate stages. rivastigmine (Exelon) - approved in the USA to treat mild to moderate stages.

SIDE EFFECTS
Dizziness Drowsiness Headache Insomnia Constipation Agitation and delusional behavior in some patients.