It is claimed by the scholars that for major part of people, the core reasons of this type of disease are represented by the integration of lifestyle, genetic and environmental factors, which make their impact on the human brain over time. In accordance with statistical data, the major reason for less than 5% of patients with this disorder is the specific genetic changes, predicting development of this disease (Mayo Clinic 1). Even while the major reasons of the Alzheimer’s disease are still not fully investigated by the scholars, it is possible to trace its clear effect on the human brain – as the brain cells are damaged and furthermore, killed by this disease. As soon as considerable part of the brain cells is killed, significant brain shrinkage takes its place (Mayo Clinic 1).
At the initial stages, the short-term memory is lost by such individual; one does not recognize relatives and individuals, who have previously surrounded one. Furthermore, one is not able to serve oneself in terms of satisfaction of basic needs - such as nutrition and hygiene procedures as well as the changes in blood pressure frequently take their places. Such patient may become aggressive and one’s behavior may be inconsistent with the normally accepted one. Furthermore, complications with the recent memories occur. The major brain changes, which are related to the Alzheimer’s disease, cause the set of the complications with the following daily issues and activities: reasoning and thinking; decision making process short- and long-term memory; changes in sleeping-related habits; loss of inhibitions; planning-related issues; significant changes in behavioral patterns; apathy; depression; social withdrawal; aggressiveness and irritability; wandering etc. (Mayo Clinic 1)
Currently, there is no option of curing this type of dementia. Still, there are options of both drug- and non-drug options, which are critically essential for managing the behavioral symptoms and cognitive disorders (Alzheimer’s Association 1). There are both drug- and non-drug approaches towards relieving the Alzheimer’s symptoms. The non-drug options imply training of the memory, chaining the lifestyle - as the preventing measures etc. In the case if these options fail, medications are introduced (such as antidepressant medications and antipsychotic medications) (Alzheimer’s Association 1). Complete medical assessment is needed for diagnosing this disease. The most common signs, which may force an individual for taking a consultation from physician, are the memory loss or some other signs of this disease (which have been discussed above). Currently, there is neither a common scheme nor test for determining Alzheimer’s disease. Each case needs an individual approach.
In the case if individual is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, one may furthermore face with the complications in communication, one may constantly report the symptoms of some other diseases, lose the ability of self-control and self-acre, which may furthermore lead to one’s inability for being an independent social being (Mayo Clinic 1). There is no need for the long-term hospitalization as this disease cannot be cured, such patients usually live at home or in the special settings, where their treatment is adjusted with their behavioral changes and changes in the health condition.
There is no option of curing this disease, but the medical treatment may address some of its symptoms. At the same time, there is a high probability of surviving when the patient is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but one’s ability of self-care as well as adequacy is usually lost as the time passes. Thus, such patients usually need caretakers.
Works Cited
Alzheimer’s Association. Behavioral Symptoms. 2016 <http://www.alz.org/professionals_and_researchers_14310.asp>
Alzheimer’s Association. Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. 2016 <http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_treatments.asp>
Mayo Clinic. Alzheimer’s disease: Symptoms and causes. 2016 <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/dxc-20167103>
