Description of disorder:
Alzheimer’s disease (also known as AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease often characterized by memory loss, a deterioration in both comprehension and vocalisation of language, a disrupted ability in spatial awareness and navigation, poor judgment, confusion, restlessness, and mood swings. The disorder involves the gradual destruction of brain tissue over a certain period of time. During this period damage to all components of the brain including the cerebral cortex and four brain lobes will be incurred, thus resulting in the symptoms above. Whilst the process is always the same, the speed at which Alzheimer’s operates in a person’s body changes drastically case by case. As such sufferers of Alzheimer’s could live as little as 5 years all the way to several decades with the disease. In most cases Alzheimer’s begins with memory loss/decline that then ultimately evolves into a loss of personality, cognition disorder and inevitably an inability to function. Thus due to the damage incurred by the brain both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are rendered unable.
Causes:
Whilst the root causes of Alzheimer’s are not yet known, scientists have discovered a correlation between old age and a family history of dementia to increase the chances of falling victim to Alzheimer’s disease. However despite this, scientists have also confirmed that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging and thus have suggested that its causes are likely linked to both genetic and environmental factors. It is through this that Alzheimer’s causes structural and chemical problems in the brain ultimately leading to a disconnection of areas of the brain that normally work together. Due to the large number of symptoms that early stage Alzheimer’s shares with other illnesses (eg. Depression and fatigue), it is very difficult for a doctor to initially diagnose it. Furthermore the only way to definitely diagnose Alzheimer’s is through an autopsy performed after the death of the patient. As such doctors will often use an array of memory tests as well as brain scans (eg. MRI) in order to reach a clear conclusion.
Symptoms:
During the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s/mild Alzheimer’s the symptoms are often very subtle and may consist of:
• Repeating statements frequently
• Misplacing items frequently
• Trouble naming familiar objects
• Losing one’s way on familiar routes
• Personality changes
• Passivity and loss of interest in things previously enjoyed
• In moderate AD, the changes may include:
• Changes in behavior: concern for appearance, hygiene, and sleep become more noticeable.
• Mixing up identities of people, such as thinking a son is a brother or that a wife is a stranger.
• Poor judgment creates safety issues when left alone; may wander and risk exposure, poisoning, falls, self-neglect, or exploitation.
• Cannot organize thoughts or follow logical explanations.
• Trouble following written notes or completing tasks.
• Making up stories to fill in gaps in memory.
• May accuse, threaten, curse, fidget or behave inappropriately, such as kicking, hitting, biting, screaming, or grabbing.
• Hallucinations, arguments, and violent behavior
• Delusions, depression, and agitation
• In a severe AD the deficits are more obvious. Some symptoms are:
• Doesn’t recognize self or close family
• Speaking in gibberish, muteness, difficult-to-understand speech
• May refuse to eat, chokes, or forgets to swallow
• May repetitively cry out, pat or touch everything
• Loses control of bowel and bladder
• Loses weight and skin becomes thin and tears easily
As the disease progresses further, people with AD eventually forget how to do simple tasks like brushing their teeth or combing their hair. They begin to have problems speaking, understanding, reading, or writing. Some may wander away from home. Eventually, a patient may need total care.
Treatment Options:
As of right now there is still no known cure to Alzheimer’s. However its progression can be slowed through the use of a variety of medicines, allowing the patient to adapt to impaired functions and ultimately living out the rest of their life in peace.
Images displaying Alzheimer’s disease:
References:
Sussex, P 2002, ‘Alzheimer’s Disease | Psychology Today’, Psychology Today, Accessed 8th March 2017, https://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/alzheimers-diseas
Adear, N 2016, ‘Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet | Nation Institute on Aging’, National Institute on Aging, Accessed 8th March 2017, https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
Lava, N 2017, ‘Alzheimer’s Disease Information: Facts, Causes, Definition and More’, WebMD, Accessed 8th March 2017, http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/understanding-alzheimers-disease-basics