Facts About Alzheimer's Diseases

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease. It is found in people over age 65. AD is also considered a tauopathy due to abnormal aggregation of the tau protein, a microtubule-associated protein expressed in neurons that normally acts to stabilize microtubules in the cell cytoskeleton. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a slowly progressive disease of the brain that is characterized by impairment of memory and eventually by disturbances in reasoning, planning, language, and perception. Alzheimer's disease attacks the brain; it is not a normal part of aging. People with AD have a gradual memory loss and difficulties with language and emotions. The progressive loss of intellectual abilities is termed dementia. Several genetic factors have been identified that play a role with genes that are associated with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). As the disease advances, the person may need help in all aspects of life: bathing, eating, and using the restroom. About 5-6% of the US population has AD or a related dementia.

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene on chromosome 19. This is most interesting because it is both negative and positive. The e4-type is linked to significantly higher risk for AD, the e2-type is linked to significant protection from AD symptoms. Memory loss, especially of recent events and newly acquired information, is perhaps the most noticeable trait of AD. Alzheimer's disease ranks fourth in the cause of death among adults. About 100,000 people die per year as a result of AD. It is estimated that by 2050, 14 million people in the US will suffer from AD. There are now more than 5 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s. Every 72 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s. Some changes in memory are a normal consequence of aging, but when changes in memory, spatial navigation, and concentration are affecting activities of daily living, then you may be experiencing some type of dementia. AD is just one form of dementia and dementia is just one reason for changes in memory.

There are treatments that can help with memory impairment and improve mental functioning and to help stabilize symptoms. Donepezil also appears to delay the onset of Alzheimer's for about a year in people who have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). AChE-inhibitors reduce the rate at which acetylcholine (ACh) is broken down and hence increase the concentration of ACh in the brain. Proposed alternative treatments for Alzheimer's include a range of herbal compounds and dietary supplements. Cognitive and behavioral interventions and rehabilitation strategies may be used as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment. Vitamin E (an antioxidant) and aspirin (an anti-inflammatory) are being considered as treatments. Risk factors are characteristics of the person, their lifestyle and environment that contribute to the likelihood of getting a disease.

Alzheimer's Diseases Treatment Tips

1. Donepezil also appears to delay the onset of Alzheimer's for about a year in people who have mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

2. AChE-inhibitors reduce the rate at which acetylcholine (ACh) is broken down and hence increase the concentration of ACh in the brain.

3. Cognitive and behavioral interventions and rehabilitation strategies may be used as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment.

4. Vitamin E (an antioxidant) and aspirin (an anti-inflammatory) are being considered as treatments.