preview

Alzheimer�s Disease : The Cause And Effects Of Alzheimer's Disease

Good Essays

Alzheimer’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the increase of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. It is the most common form of dementia and mostly affects the population that is 65 and older, but early onset it possible as well Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease where the symptoms of dementia gradually worsen over time. The symptoms normally begin as simple memory loss, but it can over time lead to difficult walking, talking, speaking, and swallowing. The first symptoms include memory loss such as repeating stories, getting lost in familiar places, failure to budget or handle bills, or sudden changes in mood and behavior. This is normally characterized as mild Alzheimer’s disease or early stage. Eventually when an individual starts forgetting their own personal history, are unsure of the date or year, and have trouble controlling their bowel movements it is considered moderate Alzheimer’s disease or middle stage. Severe or late stage is when individuals require around the clock care and the ability for them to communicate dissipates. This results in complete loss of body function and death occurs. There is no survivors of Alzheimer’s disease, but depending on a patient’s health condition they may live up to 20 years. Currently it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States with no cure. It is estimated that by 2050, approximately 14 million people will be living with Alzheimer’s disease. Death rates

Get Access