What Is The Cause Of Alzheimer's Disease?

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’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

Alzheimer’s disease is a prominent brain disease that effects a massive amount of individuals in the United States. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases, with no chance of being cured, prevented or decelerating over time (Alzheimer’s Association, 2014). AD is the most well-known form of dementia, causing complications in brain function in the areas of memory, thinking, and behavior (Alzheimer’s Association, 2014). In an effort to gain a deeper understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers create new knowledge about the disease, which is then distributed to the public. The goal in this information disbursement is to find new and inventive ways to treat AD, prevent AD from progressing at such a rapid pace, and aid in the quality of life in those diagnosed with AD as well as caregivers and medical professionals providing treatment to individuals’ with AD.

Alzheimer’s disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer who first discovered deviations from normal tissues of healthy individuals in the brain tissue of a lady in 1906. The woman, who showed symptoms of erratic behavior, loss of memory, and problems with communication, died of a then unfamiliar mental disorder. This led Dr. Alzheimer to investigate the cause of her unusual death. He assessed the brain of the woman and found that there were many anomalous masses (amyloid plaques) and intertwined bundles of fiber (neurofibrillary tangles). Scientists today have pinpointed the qualities of Alzheimer’s to be a) tangles in the brain (neurofibrillary tangles), b) plaque in the brain (amyloid plaques), and c) loss of connections among nerve cells.

Alzheimer’s Disease is indicated by the break down of the nervous system, essentially the neurons within the brain (MacGill, 2009). The break down leads to nerve cell eradication, and the casualty of tissue throughout the brain (MacGill, 2009). As the disease progress, the brain begins to shrink fiercely, developing loss of its normal functioning (MacGill, 2009). Abnormal protein groups and structures of plaques and tangles characterize the disease (MacGill, 2009). Plagues and tangles are not able to be viewed or tested in the living brain, but are able to be observed in an autopsy of an infected deceased (MacGill, 2009).

Although a concrete understanding of what causes cell death and tissue loss remains elusive scientists, strongly suspect plaques and tangles play a primary role. Evidence supporting this theory results from imaging studies that show plaques and tangles have a predictable pattern in which they spread through the cortex as the disease progresses. Alzheimer’s has three phase that serves to explain the diseases timeframe, which is further broken down into stages used to account for the diseases course of life and cognitive changes the patient and family can expect to occur. The phases and stages to

Brain health is included and it is not uncommon for people to overlook the importance of feeding and exercising the brain properly, just as every other part of the body. There has been a sufficient amount of data to support techniques that will help in reducing the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s in particular. Among these are increasing physical activity, receiving treatment for depression, quit smoking, control type two diabetes, have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, fostering social engagement, control blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and participate in intellectually stimulating activities. The research currently documented does not necessarily state that these measures prevent Alzheimer’s directly, but rather enhance the overall health of people, which in return aids in preserving brain health as well. Research is continuously being conducted on Alzheimer’s and other related disorders of dementia, but for now the most widely accepted methods of prevention are becoming and staying healthy. Proper nutrition begins at an early age. It is easy for people to disregard the importance of their health when they are young since their choices are not typically directly affecting them. This is what needs to change. People need to be properly educated on the effects that their current life choices have on them in the future. The foods people eat, drugs people take, and overall lifestyle that people live will affect their overall

It is estimated that between 4.5 and 5.4 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) (Vanmeter. P. 376). AD is a progressive disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Changes with Alzheimer’s Disease are degenerative and results in gross atrophy of the cerebral cortex. The disease destroys brain cells which causes two types of abnormalities; neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques (orange book p. 212). Neurofibrillary tangles cause death of neurons, which contributes to the development of dementia. Amyloid plaque disrupts transmission of nerve impulses. It is not clear if the plaque causes AD or a by-product of the AD process causes it. (212 orange).

Alzheimer’s is described as a type of disease that causes mental illness, which causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior of an individual. It is a deterioration of the nervous system especially the neurons in the brain. Alzheimers’ is the result of mutations on genes. Specifically, familial alzheimer’s is caused by a mutation in the gene coding for the amyloid precursor protein (APP) on chromosome 21q.When this gene is modified, a toxic protein fragment called amyloid beta peptide are produced in the brain. This peptide builds up in the brain and form amyloid plaques. The accumulation of this “amyloid beta peptide and amyloid plaque,” can lead to a great deal of death of nerve cells and progression of symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (Genetics Home Reference, paragraph 6).

Eight articles were included in this review primarily identified through Meta-analysis. I’ll explain a couple of the information found in Article, (1) was helpful in identifying a normal brain and a brain that has the Alzheimer’s disease. It explains. The development of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are thought to add to the degradation of the nerve cells in the brain and the subsequent symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. And article (2) was provided by nih.gov on the facts sheet of AD.

Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease. There probably is not one single cause, but several factors that affect each person differently. Scientists have determined certain risk factors that are common to most Alzheimer’s cases. They have determined that age is the best-known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers believe that genetics may also play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease. Changes in the brain can begin years before the first symptoms appear. Researchers are still studying whether education, diet, and environment play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists are finding more evidence that some of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and low levels of the vitamin folate may also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Evidence is also growing for physical, mental, and social activities as protective factors against Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia and the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. This neurological condition is brought on by the malfunction or death of neurons in the brain, causing changes to one’s memory, behavior, and ability to think and reason logically and clearly. There is no cure for the disease and very little available to treat the symptoms. While AD was discovered over 100 years ago by German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer, it has only been in the last few decades that research and science have started to understand the inner workings of the neurological degeneration and possible hypothesis as to its cause. However, the physiologic changes that trigger the change in neurons still remains unknown. AD worsens as it progresses and life expectancy following diagnosis is approximately seven years; fewer than three percent of individuals will live more than 15 years after their diagnosis (Mölsä, Martlla, Rinne, 1995).

Alzheimer’s Disease is a disease that cannot be stopped or prevented which makes it one of the most emotionally painful diseases for others to experience. When a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, the patient’s brain cells are literally dying which means their memory is slowly being destroyed and the patient will not be able to do other mental functions.

There has only been one way to confirm if a person suffering from dementia truly had Alzheimer’s disease, an autopsy after death. Alzheimer’s disease has been found to leave a distinct effect on the human brain. The disease has been found to cause significant brain shrinkage. Neurological plaques and tangles have been the distinct lasting effect from the disease. Large deposits of the protein beta-amyloid have been associated with the neurological plaques, and abnormal tangles that lead to a failed transport system have been found all those suffering from the disease (Alzheimer’s Association, n.d.).

The research into Alzheimer's Disease has come a long way since 1906 when it is was discovered by Alois Alzheimer. He detected microscopic brain tissue changes called senile and neuritic plaques in deceased patients. These are chemical deposits consisting of protein molecules called Amyloid Precursor Protein(APP) that are fundamental components of a normal brain. However in the brain of an Alzheimer patient, an enzyme cuts the APP apart and leaves fragments in the brain tissue. These combined with degenerating nerve cells cause the plaques or lesions. These lesions are found in many sections of the brain including the hippocampus which regulates emotion and memory, the basal forebrain, and especially the basal nucleus of Meynert and the cortex, where the memory function is located.(2) Another sign of a diseased brain are neurofibrillary tangles, which are malformations within nerve cells.