Essay on Alzheimers A Look into the Disease - 1346 Words

AD: A Look into the Disease Background problem Despite being known for over one hundred years the cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is still not completely understood. This terminal disease affects about 800,000 people in the UK and is expected to greatly increase in number of cases in the coming years. AD has proven to be an elusive disease to understand; yet it is more important than ever to continue researching AD in attempt to find a cure for the many people and family members that this disease affects. Purpose Since 1907, when Alois Alzheimer characterized AD, many hypotheses and theories have been developed. However, there has been little progress toward understanding the pathophysiology that could lead to a cure.†¦show more content†¦Language problems develop where the patient will have difficulty naming simple objects or maintaining conversation. A person may also wander as the disease develops. The patient will be in a previously familiar area, but feel completely lost and not know how to get back home. Reasoning skills including ability to make decisions and judgments are affected. Eventually the disease progresses to the brainstem affecting vital functions eventually resulting in death. One hypothesis on the etiology of AD is the Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis. The Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis is based on the defining characteristics of AD being amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. This hypothesis basically proposes accumulation of amyloid-beta is the first pathological event that leads to the neurofibrillary tangles and eventually AD. This hypothesis is not universally accepted because there is no mechanism that proves that amyloid-beta accumulation causes neurofibrillary tangles. The reason the amyloid-beta cannot be definitively linked to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles is the lack of evidence to prove whether amyloid-beta is harmful or not. Recent theories suggest that oligomers of amyloid proteins are the cause of AD. Some other theories that may lead to or cause AD include: oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, Prion/transmission,Show MoreRelatedTaking a Look at Alzheimers Disease563 Words   |  2 PagesAlzheimers disease is a very progressive disease it destroys memory and other important mental activities. It’s a type of disease that causes many problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It gets worse over time and continues to progress for the rest of a persons life. It is important to r ecognize the symptoms of Alzheimers. The connection between brain cells and the brain cells themselves generate and die causing a steady loss in memory and mental function. African Americans in the UnitedRead MoreTaking a Look at Alzheimers Disease1015 Words   |  4 Pages Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative of the brain that causes dementia, which is a loss in memory. 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