What Causes Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is an irreversible, genetically linked illness. This disease was chosen for the topic of this essay under the consideration that in many families the illness can be incredibly tragic, passing down for generations without mercy. It is not rare to encounter families in which each member is afflicted with a form, mild or severe, of Alzheimer’s. The disease is a progressive brain disease which comes in two separate types: Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease and Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. These will be discussed in full later on in the paper.

Alzheimer’s disease effects many families throughout the world and many of it causes and effects are unknown. Alzheimer’s disease is defined as a progressive mental deterioration disease that can occur in middle to old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is generally known for its slow decrease in overall cognitive function but there are many different factors that go into the formation and spreading of any disease. Just like other diseases Alzheimer’s disease can have many potential causes and recent studies have shown that there may be more to uncover about this relatively mysterious disease.

This investigation studies the question: To what extent is Alzheimer’s disease hereditary? To come to a conclusion, seven pieces of research were analyzed regarding their implications on the genetic and environmental factors impacting the etiology of Alzheimer’s. Specifically, four genetic factors were evaluated: the influence of Beta Amyloid Plaques, alcohol dehydrogenase in relation to mitochondrial function, specific Loci, and a twin study to determine relative heritability. The results of these studies indicate a high degree of heritability and genetic factors in Alzheimer’s disease with recognition, to a certain extent, of the relative influence of environmental factors.

Jerome Burne (2012) wrote this article targeting the causes of why women get Alzheimer’s. Burne (2012) brings a variety of ideas to the table. Many studies were included about topics like genetics and medical history. The topics have several subgroups within the paper.

Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that causes memory loss, thinking, and behavioral issues. Nearly 5.4 million American’s are affected by Alzheimer’s. People who are affected begin with early-onset Alzheimer’s. One will experience symptoms such as confusion, mild memory loss, and speaking issues. The inheritance pattern of early-onset Alzheimer’s is autosomal dominant inheritance. This means that if you inherit the abnormal Alzheimer’s gene from a parent, you are likely to get the disease. Even though Alzheimer’s is a somewhat common disorder, the inheritance pattern of late-onset Alzheimer’s is still unknown. Although, scientists believe genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors play a role in a person’s risk for developing the disease.

According to Lu and Bludau (2011), Alzheimer disease is a degenerative disease of the brain that can lead to dementia and impair all brain functioning. Biologically, Alzheimer’s disease is believed to be caused by abnormal plaques called amyloid plaques, which are a buildup of protein fragments that are thought to be damaging to the brain cells. However, scientists are still unsure if this buildup actually cause the disease or is a result of the disease itself. This disease can also be a result of a genetic mutation, increasing individuals with the gene mutation risk as much as eight times higher than individuals

     In Alzheimer’s disease, there are three rare genetic syndromes that cause people to develop the disease before the age of sixty. These syndromes are caused by mutations in single genes call APP, PS1, and PS2. These mutated genes are usually inherited by one’s parents and virtually guarantee the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Genetic testing is currently available for these mutations and could prove to be extremely helpful in taking early action against the disease.

Recent research has shown links between particular genes and Alzheimer’s disease, but in bout 90% of Alzheimer's cases; there is no clear genetic link. With help of standardized diagnostic criteria, physicians can now diagnose Alzheimer’s disease with an accuracy of 80-90% once symptoms occur. However definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is possible only through the examination of brain tissue at an autopsy. Scientist still isn’t certain what causes the disease. Scientist is exploring the role of genetics in the development of Alzheimer's disease, focusing on chromosome 19. Rare forms of the disease, which strike people in their 30’s & 40’s often run within families and appear to be related to chromosome 1, chromosome 14, and chromosome 21. Many researchers and physicians are coming to believe that Alzheimer’s disease is a complex disease, probably caused by a variety of influences. To help those are affected by Alzheimer's disease an association has

(Alzheimer’s Association, 2016). The severity ranges from just memory loss, to the inability to carry a conversation or respond to the environment. That being the case, Alzheimer’s, or Senile Dementia, is an “irreversible and progressive brain disease” caused by the destruction of neurons, and development of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain (ADERF, 2016). Scientists have realized through their research with genetics that genes are crucial to the progression Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, the search for genetic variants will help to determine precision medicine, that takes individuals variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle into consideration. (ADERF, 2016). The probability of finding a treatment for Alzheimer's has boomed since the creation of genetic testing. Thus, the stigma that Senile dementia is an “irreversible and progressive brain disease” may soon to be found

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is characterized by gradual cognitive decline that beings with the inability to create recent memories or thoughts which then proceeds to influencing all intellectual functions (Mayeux & Stern, 2012) . Alzheimer’s disease leads to premature death and the dependence of someone for daily life functions. (Mayeux & Stern, 2012) If effects an estimated 5.5 million people in the United States and 24 million people worldwide (Mayeux & Stern, 2012). The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease is rising in line with the aging population therefore; Alzheimer’s is most common in older patients around the ages of 60-85 (Mayeux & Stern, 2012).

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

Scientists are unable to conclude on what causes Alzheimer’s disease. An early stage of Alzheimer's is usually caused by some form of genetic mutation. Late stages of Alzheimer's occurs due to extended periods of time with brain dysfunctions. The causes probably include a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors (CB). Most cases of Alzheimer’s is found in geriatrics aged 65 or older, however a small amount of cases are found in younger people (CA). Conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure are shown to increase the chances of having Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a slow-progressing neurodegenerative disease that has no cure and most often affects people over the age of sixty-five. Neurodegeneration is characterized by the loss of function in the central nervous system due to degeneration of neurons found mostly in the brain. The most recent data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that AD is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. The cause of Alzheimer’s is still not completely understood, but the current theory is that it appears to be genetic in which many genes are involved. AD is also the most common form of dementia and accounts for 60-80% of cases (Alzheimer’s Association 2016). Dementia is not a disease itself, but instead is characterized by a group of symptoms that is caused by brain disease or injury in which memory, personality, and reasoning skills are affected.

Alzheimer’s disease is a very slowly progressive disease that occurs inside the brain in which is characterized by damage of memory. Also this type of disease can lead into interruption in language, problem solving, planning and perception. The chance of a person developing Alzheimer’s disease increases enormously after the age of 70 (Crystal, 2009). Also people who are over the age of 85 have over a 50 percent chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This type of disease is not at all normal in the aging process and is also not something that happens out of no where in a person’s life.

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