Essay: The Realities of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease has become a growing problem all across the globe. It is the leading cause of dementia; in 60-70% of dementia cases, the patient has Alzheimer’s (Rich Roll Podcast). It is estimated that by the year 250, 135 ½ million people will have Alzheimer’s disease (Rich Roll). With so many people being affected across the globe, the possibility of a cure needs to be explored. Alzheimer’s is referred to as a lifestyle disease; it is believed to be connected to your eating habits and activity. Can Alzheimer’s be prevented? If so, who is responsible to prevent it? In this essay, I will discuss the accuracy of Alzheimer’s prevention techniques, and discuss if the responsibility of prevention falls of the doctor or the individual. Alzheimer’s prevention is possible, and it is up to the individual to take the actions necessary to prevent the development of the disease.
To begin this paper, I will begin by discussing the realities Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects one’s memories. It is a death sentence once you have been diagnosed. Eventually, your body forgets how to perform basic functions such as eating and breathing, and it kills you. Alzheimer’s is so agonizing because it takes away a part of you that defines who you are. Not only do you forget about your life experiences, you eventually also forget your loved ones, friends, and family. Alzheimer’s is not only a disease that affects the individual, it is also a disease that emotionally challenges the family members of those affected (Serge Gauthier). It is a disease that changes your brain. An Alzheimer’s brain is smaller and as less gray matter than a normal healthy brain. You can clearly see significant differences between the two brains. It is believed that once your brain has changed, there is nothing that can be done. Prevention is believed to be the only feasible solution at this point in time. [Appendices #1]
Alzheimer’s is believed to be connected to our genetics and our lifestyle. There are some theories that say sleep, exercise, and diet can help prevent Alzheimer’s from forming. The Mediterranean diet is believed to have the proper nutrients to support brain health (Harvard University). Brain stimulation is also believed to prevent Alzheimer’s. By keeping your brain active and alert, the decaying of the brain that happens during the Alzheimer’s process is believed to be less likely. Sleep is important because reenergizing your brain is an important aspect of keeping your brain active and healthy. Exercise is believed to reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s by 50% (Smith, Melinda). In staying active and eating healthy, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s is significantly less likely. Although this is not a cure, it is a way to improve the odds, something that cannot be ignored.
An important aspect of Alzheimer’s prevention is knowing the symptoms. The sooner you know you have it; the more hope is there to prevent progression. Alzheimer’s is a relatively new disease in the aspect of it being recognized. Before, it was believed to be a reality of growing old, but now it is recognized as a mental disease that plagues millions of Americans (Rich Roll).