Alzheimer’s Disease Brittany Mathis HCS/245 July 14,2013 Tynan Weed Abstract Alzheimer’s has many causes and affects each patient differently. There have been studies done that have found that older African American’s are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than older whites. A cause of Alzheimer’s has not been completely identified yet, but genetic and environmental factors are known to increase the risk. While we all know that Alzheimer’s is a complicated disease there are many signs that go along with each stage of the disease. Along with Alzheimer’s comes a series of complications. Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases in the elderly but is …show more content…
In 2007 geneticists at National Institute of Aging reports that a genetic risk factor called SORL1 was found in the development of Alzheimer’s (National Institute of Aging, 2008). According to Mattson (2004) mutations in PS1 and PS2 are believed to cause Alzheimer’s by increasing production of the neurotoxin (substance causing damage to nerves) forms of AB (antibody). Along with individuals that inherit E4 isoform (protein) are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s. In a study that was done called aging, demographics and memory study (ADAMS) it was found that older African Americans are two times more likely than older whites to develop Alzheimer or any other dementia. Some of the reasons that have been discovered as to why older African Americans are more common to have Alzheimer’s is because they are found to have higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, along with other vascular diseases. Some other factors that can affect who may end up with Alzheimer’s are lower level of education, and socioeconomic characteristics which are found to be more common in African Americans. In the health and retirement study (HRS) 80% of African Americans were found to have high blood pressure. Other risks that have been found to have increased risk of Alzheimer’s are those with lower educations, low income being below $18,000 a year, and
Although Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most widely known cause of dementia in the elderly population, there are many other explanations and clinical diagnoses that
Alzheimer’s is a disease in the brain that affects a person’s memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia and is common in adults older than 65. More than five million Americans are being affected by Alzheimer’s at this moment. Alzheimer’s comes in three stages; early, middle, and advanced. The disease is caused by the shrinking of the brain due to many risk factors and genetics.
It is said that Alzheimer have a higher risk among African Americans than white Americans (Fortune 93). This disease is prevalent up to 14% or even 100% among aging African Americans due to higher risk factors. It is believe that the lack of education of this degenerative disease cause the most damage as minorities
Alzheimer's Disease is one of the societal issues that Scientists will be able to address. Most Alzheimer's patients have gotten the disease from their parents, meaning, scientists can study the genome of the patients to understand why it is genetic. Alzheimer's is difficult to understand because someone can get the gene even when no one else in their family has it. Studying the genomes of these patients can also give light on why there is Early-onset Alzheimer's and Late-onset Alzheimer's. Through this study and research, scientists can get a better understanding on how to slow down or even cure the disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease has been one of the top leading causes of death in our country. It is understood that this disease is identified as an excess of the protein amyloid-ß within an increase of plaque (Seneff, Wainwright, and Mascitelli, 2010). Additionally, as the brain ages, it gets used to the inflammation and oxidative stress, so it is important to take the right amount of antioxidant micronutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E as well as anti-inflammatory macronutrients such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to protect the brain from ageing (Whalley et. al, 2004). This is a devastating disease that affects most people over the age of fifty. Recently, there have been many studies done to figure out what causes this disease, if there is anything that can cure it, and how to prevent the disease. Seneff, Wainwright, and Mascitelli, believe Alzheimer’s develops with consuming too many carbohydrates, especially fructose and having a deficiency in cholesterol and dietary fats as well (2010). Whalley, Starr, and Deary have seen that poor diet, poverty, and failing health are links to developing Alzheimer’s Disease (2004). Furthermore, seeing increase in plasma homocysteine concentration increases risk of Dementia, which can result from an inadequate intake of vitamin B12/folate (Walley et. al, 2004). Additionally, Gray supports Walley’s findings and even believes having an adequate intake of vitamin B12/folate will have a positive effect on the overall health
Although Alzheimer’s Dementia is believed to begin at age 65 and older, however recent studies has proven that dementia even begins at an early age with the older populations having a higher number. Based on recent reports, there has been a significant increase in the numbers of people affected with dementia in the United States which continues to grow. The number is said to be around 5.5 Million ranging from all ages. It IS estimated by the Alzheimer’s Association of America, that in every 10 persons beginning at age 65 and older; 10% already have dementia with about two-thirds of them being women. The numbers of races affected by dementia are subsequently different, (Dementia in the Elderly, 1999). African Americans at younger ages pose
African Americans are twice as likely, and Hispanics are 1.5 more times likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease (2017 Alzheimer's Disease, n.d., p. 19). When examining the statistics of southern states such as Arkansas, one can see that these states, where there is a sizable minority population have higher death rates from Alzheimer’s (See Table 2). For example, Arkansas’ death rate is 27.9; however, the average mortality rate for the United States is 23.8 which is a sizable difference. Fewer minorities have health insurance, and the healthcare they receive is often of poorer quality, so they may be misdiagnosed or not receive the optimal treatment which impacts their health outcome.
as the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death for individuals age 65 and older. While living with the disease an individual may face years of ill health as the disease progresses over time. Alzheimer’s is a terminal a brain disease that affects an extensive number of Americans. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia. Although the disease itself can be associated with aging; it is not synonymous with aging (Grossberg & Karmat, 2011). The relevance of the previous statement is significant to African Americans because they tend to associate aging with a decline in memory; hence they are less likely to
The first myth is that (webmd) “Alzheimer’s only happens to a person that is up in age. The second myth is that it is a normal process when a person gets older. Third Alzheimer’s does not lead to death. Fourth there are treatments. Lastly, five Alzheimer’s is caused by aluminum”. These myths do not have any real research on the cause of Alzheimer’s. The writer would like to clarify these myths, by stating that Alzheimer’s affect any age group or those with any long term illness. For instance, the writer grandfather has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few months ago. The grandfather has developed this disease from having the early stage of prostate cancer, and he tends to forget who a person identification. He will also keep repeating his self on what he has already stated on the phone or in person. However, his family has come together to purchase the things that he loves creating with his hands, such as car remodeling and other different crafts. The disease is a challenge; it can bring those down around or even pick those spirits up to come together. If a person has cancer or even diabetes, he or she can develop Alzheimer’s. Also, it is not normal that an individual develops this disease as he or she gets older the person can develop the disease before becoming an elderly. Alzheimer’s is one of the number one causes that leads to death in the world today, from the corruption of the brain. There has not been a treatment known yet, to cure Alzheimer’s; studies have come close to finding a cure but not all the way. Alzheimer’s that caused by inherited, sugars, and other studies but not
Alzheimer’s disease in many ways is not yet defined. It is a progressive disease afflicting between 5 and 15 percent of people over 65. Additionally, it is not restricted to the elderly, reportedly having
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most devastating degenerative diseases affecting the American population. It is one form of dementia. Dementia is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and judgment. Symptoms include forgetfulness, limited social skills, and thinking abilities so impaired that it interferes with daily functioning. Alzheimer has very few treatment options even though it is increasing globally. Recently environmental exposures have been studied as a catalyst for the onset of the disease. This paper will review how genetic, biological, medication and sociological factors can increase the risk of Alzheimer onset.
The disease called Alzheimer’s is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States (Weiner, 1987). It is estimated that the elderly population will double between now and 2030. During this period, the number of elderly will grow by an average of 2.8% annually (U.S. Census Bureau, 2001). By 2050, the number of people with Alzheimer’s is estimated to range from 11.3 million to 16 million (Alzheimer’s Association, 2005). These startling numbers should prompt an examination into one of the leading causes of death among this group of people. Understanding what Alzheimer’s is and the known causes of the disease are a good starting point. For those who have aging family members, knowing the risk factors and warning
Older age is shown to be a major risk for the development of alzheimer's it is shown that 15 percent of people with Alzheimer’s are ages 65-74, while 44 percent from ages 75-84.
Alzheimer’s disease is a common problem in today’s society and within the older population this disease makes up the largest form of dementia. Although it is a problem in mainly older people, this disease can still occur in the younger population also. People in their 30s-50s can be diagnosed with this disease, even though it is not as common as people in their 60s-90s. The number of people with Alzheimer’s in the U.S. is close to five million and is expected to double within the next 30 years. With our modern medicine and advancements one would think a cure would be available, however, getting to the cause of the disease is a major factor. The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is one that is very debatable and questionable and most likely is a result of multiple factors rather than one. The main issue with finding the cause is because this disease affects the brain and can
Alzheimer is a disease that affects the elderly most. The disease was discovered by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in the year 1906 when he was examining a female’s brain. He found out that the woman displayed memory loss, language problems and some inexplicable changes in behavior. The disease was named after the doctor who was a German psychiatrist and a neuropathologist. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that leads to memory loss, personality changes, and language problems (Gilbert & Julie 2). The disease is mostly diagnosed in people over the age of 65 years, though there is a small minority of people under the age of 50 who get the disease. Studies show that 1% of a whole population aged between the ages 65-75 have severe