Essay: Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, risk factors, progression

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia and is not a normal part of aging. There are three main stages of this disease that progress slowly and worsen over time. Two structures are prime suspects of causing memory failure, personality changes, and problems with carrying out activities of daily living in the body (“Alzheimer’s Disease,” n.d.). Plaques are deposits of a protein that build up in spaces between nerve cells in the brain, while tangles are twisted fibers of another protein that build up inside brain cells. These structures tend to develop rapidly and in greater quantity in individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Both structures interfere with brain cells and eventually lead to cell death. Currently, there is no cure, however, treatments for symptoms are available and research continues (“Alzheimer’s Disease,” n.d.).
It is very difficult at times to differentiate between Alzheimer’s and another form of dementia. It is important to remember that each individual might experience all or just a few of the following symptoms. There are other signs and symptoms associated, however, the following are the most common early symptoms (“Alzheimer’s Disease,” n.d.). Memory loss that disrupts daily life is the most common, along with difficulty remembering newly learned information. Challenges in planning or solving problems, difficulty completing familiar tasks at home/work/leisure, and confusion with time or place are also very common. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships, new problems with words in speaking or writing, misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps can be symptomatic. Also, decreased or poor judgment, withdrawal from work or social activities, and changes in mood and personality can signify the development of this disease. If any of these signs are recognizable in someone you know or in yourself, take action and schedule an appointment. If detected early, people can gain the maximum benefit from available treatments and gain a level of relief from some of the symptoms (“Alzheimer’s Disease,” n.d.).
Risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s include age, family history, and heredity. It is a mystery why the risk of developing Alzheimer’s rises as drastically as people grow older. One in nine people age 65 or older has Alzheimer’s, but by the age of 85, one of three people has the disease (“Alzheimer’s Disease,” n.d.). Having family history of the disease increases the likelihood of developing the disease. Scientists are certain that genes are involved in Alzheimer’s. Risk genes increase the likelihood of developing a disease, but do not guarantee it will happen. There are several risk genes implicated in Alzheimer’s, however, the most common one is apolipoprotein E-e4 (APOE-e4). Everyone inherits a copy of some form of APOE, yet there are three different forms. People who inherit APOE-e4 from both parents have a higher risk, but not a certainty of developing the disease. It is also noted that APOE-e4 tends to make symptoms appear at a younger age than usual. Deterministic genes directly cause a disease and guarantee that anyone who inherits them will develop the disorder. There are three variations that scientists have linked to Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid precursor protein, presenilin-1, and presenilin-2. When someone is diagnosed with the disease as a result of deterministic genes, it is referred to as “autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease” or “familial Alzheimer’s disease.” Symptoms nearly always develop before age 60 (“Alzheimer’s Disease,” n.d.). Alzheimer’s resulting from deterministic genes is very rare and only accounts for less than five percent of cases.
Typically, Alzheimer’s disease progresses slowly through three stages: mild, moderate, and severe (“Alzheimer’s Disease,” n.d.). However, those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s advance through each stage uniquely. In the mild (early) stage, the person may function independently, yet experience memory lapses and slight difficulty remembering the right word or name, performing tasks in social or work settings, losing or misplacing objects, and increasing trouble with planning or organizing. The moderate (middle) stage is typically the longest stage and requires a greater level of care. Symptoms are noticeable to others and the person with Alzheimer’s predictably experiences frustration and anger due to increased forgetfulness and the need for assistance. The severe (late) stage is characterized by the inability to respond to their environment and control movement. Communication is extremely difficult to achieve. Personality of the person suffering from Alzheimer’s drastically changes, and the person requires total assistance. Normally, full-time, around-the-clock care is necessary (“Alzheimer’s Disease,” n.d.).
Since there is no single test that can determine an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, a complete medical assessment is utilized when diagnosing the presence of this disease. Determining the exact cause of dementia can prove to be difficult. A thorough medical history, mental status testing, a physical and neurological exam, and tests, including blood tests and brain imaging, are used to rule out other causes of dementia-like symptoms (“Alzheimer’s Disease,” n.d.). There is a common misconception that having trouble with memory automatically suggests Alzheimer’s, however, many health issues can cause problems with memory and thinking. Thus, it requires careful consideration of results before a diagnosis is made. Typically, a primary care doctor refers a patient exhibiting memory loss to a specialist such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, or psychologist to accurately diagnose the patient. Early diagnosis is extremely important with the onset of Alzheimer’s to help the patient and the families accept the diagnosis and plan for the future (“Alzheimer’s Disease,” n.d.).
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, however, there are treatments available that may help with some cognitive and behavioral symptoms. These treatments help with memory loss, behavioral changes, and sleep changes. Today, there is continuous research being conducted looking for new treatments to alter the course of the disease and improve the quality of life for the people suffering from Alzheimer’s (“Alzheimer’s Disease,” n.d.).
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Shockingly, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, and more than 5 million people in the United States are living with the disease (“Alzheimer’s Disease,” n.d.). The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing rapidly. This debilitating disease must be stopped and steps need to be taken to work towards a cure. Knowing the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is incredibly important. Since it can prove to be difficult to accurately diagnose, once symptoms are experienced, promptly visit a doctor and follow through on their advice. Alzheimer’s disease is an incredibly sad process that unfortunately impacts so many lives today. As a country, there needs to be a cooperative effort to end this horrific disease and help those that are already suffering from its cruel effects.