Exploring Alzheimers Disease Essay -- Alzheimers Disease Essays

Exploring Alzheimers infirmityDiagnosis of Alzheimers DiseaseDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders requires several criteria for the diagnosing of Alzheimers dementia. These include impairment in memory, disturbances in cognitive and executive functioning, and impairment in occupational or social functions. Cognitive disturbances may include peerless or more of the following aphasia, apraxia, and agnosia. Cognitive deficits must demonstrate decline from previous levels of functioning and are characterized by gradual onset. Furthermore, cognitive disturbances must not be due to other central nervous system and or systemic disorders that are known to cause dementia or are accounted for by another psychiatric disorder. It is important to note that a definite diagnosis of Alzheimers can only be made post-mortem. Facts about Alzheimers DiseaseAlzheimers disease is the fourth part leading cause of death in the United States and is becoming a larger problem as the life ex pectancy increases. It is the most prevalent of cognitive impairments in older people. Alzheimers shortens life expectancy substantially the typical duration is 8 to 10 years. Deaths are attributable to intervening illnesses unrelated or indirectly related to the disease and terminal complications. An even more devastating feature of Alzheimers is the impact it has on the patients family. Caregivers report feeling helpless, frustrated and irritable. Families often become destitute before the patient is eligible to receive financial support. Furthermore, almost half of the family caregivers become clinically depressed. In the last few years, research has made broad strides in understanding this Alzheimers. Specifically, in the areas of ne... ...acetylcholine is released into a synapse and then connects with a receptor. Works CitedConnor, B. Young, D. Yan, Q. Faull, R.L.M. Synek, B. Dragunow, M. (1997). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is reduced in Alzheimers disease. Molecular B rain Research. 491-2 (Oct 3) 71-81. Gonzalez-Salvador, M. T. Arango, C. Lyketsos, C. G. Barba, A. C. (1999). The stress and mental morbidity of the Alzheimer patient caregiver. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 14, 701-710.Reiman, E. M. & Caselli, R. J. (1999). Alzheimers disease. Maturitas the European menopause journal. 31, 185-200. Richard, F. & Amouyel, P. (2001). Genetic susceptibility factors for Alzheimers disease. European Journal of Pharmacology. 4121 (Jan 19) 1-12 For more information regarding Alzheimers Disease http//webmd.lycos.com/condition_center?doi=alz