The Effects of Alzheimer's Disease

Over four million Americans are currently suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Out of this number, more women are affected than men. Alzheimer's disease is a slow, progressive form of dementia that causes memory loss and impairment of intellectual functions. While the cause is unknown, it has been speculated that some forms are genetic related. Some environmental factors may also contribute to Alzheimer's, including pollutants in the drinking water, aluminum from commercial products, and metal dental fillings.

The Alzheimer's Association has developed a list of warning signs. A person with several of the following symptoms should see a doctor for an evaluation; memory loss that affects job skills, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language, disorientation of time and place, poor judgment, problems with abstract thinking, misplacing things, changes in mood or behavior, changes in personality, and loss of initiative. People with Alzheimer's disease are often depressed or anxious, and may suffer from insomnia, poor nutrition, and poor health. The diagnosis is complex and may require visiting several different specialists over several months.

Alzheimer's disease affects regions of the neurological system causing the brain to become clogged with two abnormal structures, called neurofibrillary tangles, and amyloid plaques. Neurofibrillaries tangles are twisted masses of protein fibers inside the nerve cells or neurons. They normally help bind and stabilize parts of the neurons, but if they become too tangled and twisted, they can no longer stabilize the neurons. Amyloid plaques consist of insoluble deposits of beta-amyloid mixed with parts of neurons and non-nerve cells. Plaques are found in the spaces between the nerve cells of the brain. Many researchers are unclear on exactly how plaques and tangles affect the neurons, but they do believe that the formation is responsible for the mental changes of Alzheimer's disease. They suspect it interferes with the normal communication between neurons in the brain, which later leads to the death of neurons.

Although there isn't a way of preventing Alzheimer's, the FDA has approved the following drugs to treat the disease: Cognex, Aricept, Exelon, and Reminyl. These drugs are known as acetylcholine inhibitors. All of the medicines work by affecting particular chemicals in the brain. Each inhibitor works by blocking an enzyme that destroys the acetylcholine. These medications primarily treat patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The inhibitors are only a temporary compensation for nerve cell loss. Scientists are working on more drugs and vaccines to treat and possibly prevent death from Alzheimer's disease.

Lifestyle changes occur immediately when a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. During the early or mild stage of Alzheimer's disease a person starts to lose their memory. This stage usually lasts between two to three years. During this stage doctors recommend daily exercise, because this strengthens the cardiovascular system and controls blood pressure. It also reduces the risk of falls and fractures in older adults, and the time spent with a loved one enhances the emotional bond. Exercising at the same time everyday and keeping the same routine helps the person from becoming confused. Malnourishment and dehydration leads to poor health, which can ultimately affect memory. Eating a balanced diet prevents a person from becoming malnourished. Since 72% of the brain is composed of water, drinking enough liquids, especially water will help avoid dehydration. Getting plenty of sleep and doing daily tasks at the same time everyday, is also encouraged to preserve the memory.

As the disease moves from the mild to the moderate stage, the patient starts to need more help with daily activities such as, getting dressed, cooking, feeding, and bathing. Frustration with the loss of self-care skills is very common at this stage.

In the last stage of Alzheimer's disease the patient depends solely on their caregiver. People at this stage often cannot understand simple requests, and are unable to complete any task. As the disease worsens, the patient loses their ability to speak and some have to be admitted to a nursing home or extended care center. People in the late stages may require hospitalization because they are less mobile. Other health problems may occur such as pneumonia and skin ulcerations. Alzheimer's suffers may only live for seven to ten years after the onset of the disease.

Alzheimer's disease is hard on families. The reality that a loved one has this illness can produce feelings of fear, sadness, confusion, and anger for everyone involved. Deciding who will take care of the patient sometimes causes conflicts among relatives. Some family members may decide that a nursing home, or extended care facility is best, while others may decide to take care of the patient themselves. Taking care of a person with Alzheimer's disease is a very hard task because as symptoms progress, it can be hard to know when the time is right for a professional to take over and how much should be taken over. It can also be painful to take away the things that gave the patient their independence like going to work, driving a car, and managing their personal finances. Talking to the person about giving up these things can be extremely stressful. Dealing with the emotions can be even more difficult. The harder it is for them to remember and function, the more tightly they may cling to the things that remain. This is why many people with Alzheimer's disease respond to giving up control with resistance, denial, and anger. They may feel that things are being unfairly taken away. Accepting that they can no longer drive a car or take care of their finances means they have to face the realities caused by their illness. This may be something they may not be ready to do. For these reasons the patient's doctor may recommend that the caregiver seeks counseling or joins a support group.

When communicating with a person suffering from Alzheimer's