Alzheimer disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Alzheimer sickness - Essay ExampleThese neurons and synapses ar lost when the individual begins to develop Alzheimers malady. The cerebral cortex and subcortical regions atomic number 18 impacted because gross atrophy is lay down in these regions (Pashek & DiVenere, 2006 p. 143). The temporal lobe and parietal lobe witness reversion which can lead to the progression of the disease. AD causes specific brain regions to shrink which has been corroborated by the presence of magnetic resonance imaging and PET reports (Wilson et al, 2008 p, 45). Definition Alzheimers disease (AD) is a form of dementia that is incurable. It is a progressive disease in which the conditions of the patient worsen with the passage of conviction with the ultimate outcome organism death. The disease was send-off identified by a German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer in the early 20th century. AD is rear to be prevalent in people above the age of 65 years. Currently, it is estimated that there are 26.8 one t housand thousand patients with the disease (Small & Perry, 2005 p. 125). The causes of the disease are unknown while medication seems to alleviate some of the symptoms. Disease arrive AD starts when individuals suffer from short term memory loss. They might also be suffering from expression problems and encountering difficulty in concentrating. Additionally, behavioral problems might be exhibited in individuals with mood swings and anger being the uncomplicated symptoms (Small et al, 2003 p. 353). The difficulties in perception, executive functions, and movements can also signal the onset of the disease among individuals. This gradually worsens with the passage of time as more intermediate and severe forms of symptoms are witnessed in individuals. Role of Environment Empirical studies are studying the impact of environmental factors upon the maturation of AD in individuals. This approach seeks to move away from the general emphasis on genetic factors as being the primary cause of AD (Small et al, 2005 p. 5). Studies are being conducted to investigate the relationship between cognitive decline and vascular and metabolic conditions. For instance, a study was conducted by the Rhode Island Hospital which found a link between nitrates in the environment and Alzheimers disease. Nitrates are found in increasing numbers in the environment as well as in urbane foods. People who are vulnerable to heart disease might have a greater happening of developing AD. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are considered to be having a possible link with the development of AD (Tomoeda et al, 2006 p. 151). Research is notwithstanding being conducted into the role of environmental factors in developing AD. This research is still inconclusive which means that there is the need for clear and precise goals. it is through the use of innovative and imaginative strategies that success can be attained within a short period of time. It is hoped that the study of the c auses of AD will help in the development of effective and efficient medications to combat the disease. Causes The exact causes of AD are still unknown despite decades of research into the problem. Genetics is considered to partly cause this disease as autosomal dominant inheritance has been witnessed in patients (Blacker et al, 2009 p. 1198). The oldest hypothesis is that AD is caused because the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is diminished in brains. However, this hypothesis has fashion unacceptable because medications that