|
Alzheimer's disease, also
known as primary degenerative dementia, isn't found exclusive in the
elderly. The onset of this disease begins at middle age in 1% to 10% of
people effected by it. Also, Alzheimer's disease accounts for more than
half of all dementia.
Cause
While the cause of
Alzheimer's is unknown, it is believed, several factors are involved in
this disease. These include neurochemical factors, environmental
factors, as well as, genetic factors. A family history of Alzheimer's
disease and the presence of Down syndrome are two established risk
factors.
The brain tissue of victims affected by Alzheimer's disease has three hallmark features:
1. Neurofibrillary Tangles: Abnormal neurological fibers that appear to be tangles of brain tissue filaments.
2.
Neuritic Plaques: Abnormal collections of nerve processes surrounding a
central core of various types of protein aggregations (amyloid).
3.
Granulovascular Degeneration: A condition in which the ganglion cells
become filled with single sack like membranes containing condensed
granules of protoplasm.
The Effects
Initially, a person may experience slight undetectable changes, such as:
- forgetfulness
- recent memory loss
- difficulty learning
- remembering new information
- deterioration in personal hygiene and appearance
- inability to concentrate.
Gradually,
tasks requiring intense thought and activities requiring judgment
become more difficult. Progressive difficulty communicating and severe
deterioration in memory, language, and motor function result in a loss
of coordination and an inability to write or speak. Personality changes,
restlessness, irritability, and nighttime roaming are common. The
person may also exhibit:
- loss of eye contact
- a fearful look
- wringing of the hands
- other signs of anxiety.
When
a person with Alzheimer's disease is overwhelmed with anxiety, he or
she may become dysfunctional, acutely confused, agitated, compulsive, or
fearful. Eventually, the person will become disoriented, and
emotionally unstable, as well as, disabled progression physically and
intellectually.
Early Detection
Early diagnosis of
Alzheimer's disease is difficult because symptoms are subtle. Diagnosis
is accomplished through the process of elimination. In other words,
tests are done to rule out the possibility of all other disorders.
Physicians then rely on an accurate history from a reliable family
member, mental status and neurologic examinations, psyshometric testing,
and cognitive tests.
Caring For A Person With Alzheimer's
Family
members providing care for loved ones with Alzheimer's take on an
awesome responsibility. If you find yourself in the position of care
giver, below are some tips that may help:
1. Overall care should
focus on supporting the person's remaining abilities and compensating
for abilities that have been lost. A number of medications can be
prescribed by your physician to slow the progression and decrease the
affects of Alzheimer's, as well as, treat common problems (i.e.,
depression, memory deficits, and psychosis) associated with this
disease.
2. Antioxidant therapy is currently understudy for its
delaying effect on the disease and its symptoms. Also, estrogen
replacement therapy appears to slow progression of disease, or possibly
prevent it.
3. Exercise is highly recommended to maintain mobility.
Remember,
you don't have to do this on your own. There are support groups and
agencies available to help you. Your physician or health care
professional should be able to recommend a reputable home health agency
to assist you if necessary.
You should also find out about social services and community resources for legal and financial advice/support.
Get
involved in a family support group. Your local chapter of the National
Alzheimer's Association is a good place to start. To find out more about
them check out their website at http://www.alz.org
And finally, establish durable power of attorney and advance directive as early as possible.
About the Author:
Larry Champlin is the Senior Editor at http://HealthClamour.com
Source: www.isnare.com
|
