Essay

Assignment – Alzheimer’s disease

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Assignment – Alzheimer’s disease

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia in the world. Statistics show that 1 out of 10 Americans beyond the age of 65 suffer from the condition. This prevalence rate increases to over 30% for those above 85 years, which shows the cumulative risk of developing dementia as one advance in age. Alzheimer's disease is predicted to account for the majority of all patients diagnosed with dementia. Alzheimer's is a progressive disorder that destroys brain cells, causing loss of memory and reduced cognitive competencies, such as incoherent thinking, indecision-making, and misunderstanding. Although investigators have not yet revealed a cure for the condition, some treatments have been shown to slow the decline process and help improve the quality of life for both the patient and loved ones (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Researchers are investigating what role genes play in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Alterations in the brain can commence years before the initial symptoms manifest. Researchers are also investigating whether social factors such as education, nutrition, and background influence the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, scientific studies have discovered evidence that some risk factors associated with heart disease and strokes, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol may also intensify the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease. There is mounting evidence that shows physical, mental, and social undertakings may decrease the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

The prevalence rate in the United States

In the United States, Alzheimer’s disease is among the 10 primary causes of mortality. It is also ranked as the 6th foremost cause of mortality among American adults and the 5th foremost cause of mortality among adults older than 65 years. In 2014, it is estimated that 5 million Americans aged 65 years or older were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

In 2010, the medical costs of managing Alzheimer’s disease were predicted to decrease to between $159 and $215 billion. Unfortunately, the cost of management will increase exponentially. It is predicted that by 2040, these costs will increase to between $379 and more than $500 billion per annum. This is because mortality rates associated with Alzheimer’s disease are growing, unlike heart disease and cancer mortality rates that are on the decline. Also, dementia, as well as Alzheimer’s disease, are usually under-reported in death certificates and consequently, the percentage of older people who die from Alzheimer’s may be significantly greater (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

Symptoms

The symptoms of the sickness usually manifest after age 60 and then the cumulative risk becomes even higher. Younger people can develop Alzheimer’s disease, but such cases are very uncommon. The populations living with Alzheimer’s disease increase two-fold every 5 years after age 65. This figure is predicted to increase nearly threefold to 14 million people by 2060. Age is recognized as the paramount risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is not a typical component of the aging process. Loss of memory is the typical or one of the initial warning signs of deteriorating cognitive functions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

The National Institute on Aging has identified some typical symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease in addition to memory problems. A patient diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may experience disruptions in daily routines due to deteriorating memory. Alzheimer’s disease patients may get lost in places they are well acquainted with; they will keep repeating the same questions even though they have already been answered; they will have trouble counting money and paying their bills; they will have difficulty completing familiar household tasks, at the workplace, or during play activities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Patients also experience diminished or poor decision-making capability. They will keep misplacing things and are unable to go back over their steps to find them. Patients also show drastic fluctuations in mood, character, or behavior. Although Alzheimer’s disease is manifested by deteriorating memory loss, if someone exhibits some or most of the symptoms itemized above by The National Institute on Aging, that is not an indication of the onset of the disease. It is imperative to check in with a physician or a professional who understands more about memory loss, rational thinking, or behavioral changes (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Some of the psychological and social factors that contribute to the symptoms, for example, depression and drug abuse, are alterable. However, these predisposing factors can be fatal and so should be identified and treated as soon as possible. Early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease provides ample time for the patient and the family to reflect and evaluate the cost of management, develop improvement instructions, enroll in medical trials, and anticipate the nature and type of treatment(s) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

Treatments

Unfortunately, like most dementia-related disorders, Alzheimer’s disease has no known cure(s). There exists no effective treatment mechanism that can slow down or reverse cognitive impairment. Nonetheless, there are remedies and auxiliary cures that can be applied to help patients cope by minimizing the effects of the disorder. The cures and remedies are dependent on physicians diagnosing the specific type of dementia condition that the patient is affected by. Alzheimer’s disease treatment mechanisms usually follow those of other dementia-associated disorders. Present research indicates that unhealthy lifestyle choices for instance absence of regular physical exercises, non-balanced nutrition, smoking, and illnesses such as heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and minor cerebral injuries may also contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Some of the recommended protective measures to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease include: quitting smoking, reduce alcohol intake, and recreational drug abuse, take part in cerebrally stimulating memory-training activities, keep fit by exercising regularly, go out and meet people, eat healthily, get adequate sleep, avoid stressful situations if you can, manage medical complications such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure through stringent devotion to applicable cures (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Medical management of Alzheimer’s disease can mitigate some of the symptoms improving the quality of life for the patients and their caregivers. The absence of a specific cure for Alzheimer’s disease forces physicians and caregivers to apply treatments to several different areas to help individuals maintain cerebral function and manage behavioral symptoms (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Treatment is usually to slow or delay the progress of the symptoms of the disease to ensure that the patient still manages to perform normal daily activities. Presently, most patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are cared for at their homes by members of their households. Caregiving by family members usually helps the patient cope better due to the effects of memory loss. They have to be reintroduced to family members with who the patient is most familiar (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Home care can have constructive aspects for both the caregiver and the individual being cared for. It may bring personal fulfillment to the caregiver, such as satisfaction from helping a family member or friend, and lead to the development of new skills and improved family relationships. Although most people willingly provide care to their loved ones and friends, caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease at home can be a difficult task and might become overwhelming at times. Each day brings new challenges as the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior. As the disease gets worse, people living with Alzheimer’s disease often need more intensive care (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Pub.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Alzheimer's Disease. Retrieved from cdc.gov: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm

Feldman, H. H., Jacova, C., Robillard, A., Garcia, A., Chow, T., Borrie, M., & Chertkow, H. (2008). Diagnosis and treatment of dementia: 2. Diagnosis. Cmaj, 178(7), 825-836.

ALZIEHEMIERS

Please use the form for the Student title page which includes page number.  Insert page numbers on every page. 

Paper has good organization and writing consistency.  Please use 7th edition APA

Note:  On Reference page, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is 2020.  For your in-text citations for the CDC, make sure to change the date to 2020