Alzheimer’s Disease

Meghan Clusserath and Josh deGuzman

-type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior

Definition

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life2. Challenges in planning or problem solving3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure4. Confusion with time or place5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships6. New problems with words in speaking or writing7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps8. Decreased or poor judgment9. Withdrawal from work or social activities10. Changes in mood and personality

*The symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time.

Symptoms

Age:Most individuals with the disease are 65 or older. The likelihood of developing the disease doubles about every 5 years after the age of 65.

Genetics:1. Deterministic Genes-directly cause the disease, guaranteeing that anyone who inherits the gene will develop the disease

2. Risk Genes-increase the likelihood of developing a disease, but do not guarantee it will happen

Risk Factors

Stage 1- No impairment: normal functionStage 2- Very mild decline: may feel like having memory lapses, but no

symptoms of dementiaStage 3- Mild decline: forgetting material just read, losing valuable objects,

trouble remembering names of people just metStage 4- Moderate decline: impaired ability to perform challenging mental

arithmetic, difficulty performing complex tasks, forget own personal history, moody or withdrawn

Stage 5- Moderately severe decline: confused about where they are and what day it is, unable to recall address, number, or high school, needs help choosing appropriate clothing

Stage 6- Severe decline: changes in sleep patterns, lose awareness of surrounding, need assistance using bathroom, personality and behavioral changes

Stage 7- Very severe decline: lose ability to carry conversation or control movement, need help eating and personal care, can’t smile or sit up without support

Stages of AD

-Plaques:clumps of proteins called beta-amyloid peptide

-Tangles:twisted microscopic strands of the protein tau-Loss of connections among brain cells-Eventual death of brain cells-Inflammation of brain

Brain Abnormalities that may indicate AD

There is currently no treatment to stop AD, but medications can slow or relieve some symptoms

Medications:Antidepressants for low mood and irritability

(Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa)Anxiolytics for anxiety, restlessness, verbally

disruptive behavior (Ativan, Serax)Antipsychotic medications for hallucinations,

delusions, aggression, hostility, uncooperativeness (Abilify, Clozaril, Haldol)

Treatment

-Studies show that, like other chronic common conditions, Alzheimer’s develops as a result of many complex interactions among multiple factors

Heart-head Connection:- There is strong evidence that links brain health to heart health. The brain is nourished by the blood pumped by the heart, so it is important to keep the heart healthy in order to keep the brain healthy. Brain cells use at least 20% of the food and oxygen your blood carries.

Physical exercise and diet:- Exercise reduces your risk of developing Alzheimer’s because it increases blood and oxygen flow to the brain. A heart-healthy diet (like the Mediterranean) also helps protect the brain.

Social connections and Intellectual Activity:-It is also important to keep strong social connections and keep the mind mentally stimulated as you age.

Prevention:

Most common form of dementia5.2 million Americans (3.2 women, 1.8 men) have

Alzheimer’s6th leading cause of death (500,000 annually)Patients with AD live for an average of 4-6 years after

diagnosis, but the disease can last for up to 20 yearsIn 2013, 15.5 million family and friends provided 17.7

billion hours of unpaid care to those with AD or other types of dementia (care valued at $220.2 billion)

Most expensive condition in the U.S.($214 billion in 2014 and estimated $1.2 trillion in 2050)

Facts

●Memory loss is a natural part of aging

●AD is not fatal●Only older people can get AD●Aspartame causes memory loss●There are treatments available to stop the progression of AD

Alzheimer’s Myths

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waeuks1-3Z4

AD Video

-http://www.alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_disease_causes.asp-http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=101

References: