More than a hundred years ago, the dreaded disease, Alzheimer, was discovered by Dr Alois Alzheimer, for whom it is named. Alzheimer is one of the silent killers for which there is no cure.
Alzheimer is one of the most common forms of Dementia. According to Medical News Today, “Alzheimer is a progressive neurologic disease of the brain leading to the irreversible loss of neurons and the loss of intellectual abilities, including memory and reasoning, which become severe enough to impede social or occupational functioning” (2009). Even though scientists know how the Alzheimer’s brain works they cannot give a reason for this malfunction. Scientists have also reported that Alzheimer is genetic. Web MD reports that:
Genetic research has turned up evidence of a link between Alzheimer's disease and genes on four chromosomes, labeled numerically as 1, 14, 19, and 21. The APOE gene on chromosome 19 has been linked to late-onset Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common form of the disease. Dozens of studies around the world have confirmed that inheritance of one particular variant of the APOE gene, termed APOE4, increases the lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer's disease
Dr. Alzheimer said that while he was working in a mental hospital in Germany, he met a patient whose disease was not yet diagnosed; eventually he realized that the patient had Alzheimer. He held many conversations with the patient and one day she told him that she has lost herself; that that is the best description that could describe Alzheimer.
There is no cure for Alzheimer, nonetheless, there are measures that may taken to prevent or delay Alzheimer. American Health Assistant Foundation says that the following factors may stem or prevent the disease: a well balance diet; an exercise good regiment, like the rest of our body the brains benefit from exercise; building our minds by keeping them active, that is problem solving activities and reading; and the consumption of estrogen. Some of these researches are still in the baby stage; nonetheless these factors are good habits to cultivate. There are also certain physical conditions that contribute to Alzheimer; genetics, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, oxidative damage, and inflammation. Two to three cups of coffee per day is also reported to be a good preventive method of warding off Alzheimer.
In third world countries one does not encounter many old people who are suffering from Alzheimer, and the reason is obvious. Although most of these people do not practice a regimental exercise program, their lives are so busy, and they lack l the comforts of driving everywhere. It is not uncommon for these people to walk as many as ten miles in one day. Some of them even do more depends on where they work and the type of work they do. Simple things that developed countries take for granted, like a blender or an electric can is done manually. Americans go to the store and buy coffee, many of these people get their coffee the old fashion way; pick it themselves, dry it and ground it themselves. One of the most thriving businesses in America is fast food. Of course, fast food is in these countries but the average person cannot afford to buy it often, and their meals are not the synthetic that people who enjoy the age of technology have come to know. Many developed countries need to go back to the basic.
Alzheimer usually attack people who are over sixty-five, nevertheless, there are exceptions to the rules; it can attack as young as age thirty. Alzheimer is no respecter of gender, class or creed; it assaults anyone. It is one of the silent killers, in that it does not give physical warnings. Usually the victim of Alzheimer does not have any physical discomfort; even though he or she realizes that he/she has become forgetful, or is often confused. Some people are not even aware of what is happening to them. There are ten warring sings of Alzheimer: memory loss; difficulty in solving problems; inability to complete simple task; confusion of time and place; trouble understanding visual images; finding the right words in speaking and or writing; losing thing and lack the ability to retrace their steps; poor judgment; withdrawal from social activities; and mood and personality swings (10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer alz.org).
Alz.org also reports that there seven stages of Alzheimer. The first stage is normal and no apparent is manifested; stage two, memory lapses of familiar words and places; in stage three the problems are noticeable to family and people close to the person; this person is forgetful in everything; stage four is early stage or mild Alzheimer is’ all the above mentioned characteristics are present but more intense; at stage five this needs help to dress and to take care of him or herself is needed; stages six and seven the person gets progressively worse, mobility might diminished, even the ability to feed oneself is gone; this person is solely dependent on others for care. Once the patient has gotten to stage seven he or she is no longer aware of his or her environment; most times not even family members are recognized. At this stage the patient lingers in sweet oblivion while the family members suffer, especially if they decide to get the person home care.
There is no cure for Alzheimer, however, there are measures that can be taken to delay or prevent Alzheimer. The National Institute on Aging says;
Alzheimer’s disease research has developed to a point where scientists can look beyond treating symptoms to think about addressing underlying disease processes. In ongoing clinical trials, scientists are looking at many possible interventions, such as immunization therapy, cognitive training, physical activity, antioxidants, and the effects of cardiovascular and diabetes treatments.
Often times it is family members who notice these changes in their loved one. One may delay the onset of Alzheimer or slow down its progression but he or she can do nothing to stop it. At this time the patient no longer suffers, technically speaking, the patient is brain dead but the caregiver does, especially if the caregiver is a family member. It is the hardest thing for a child or a wife to watch a vibrant humorous, intelligent person travel from being the caregiver to being the one to whom is given. It is not just giving care to that person; it hurts to see him or her mental capacity diminish to that of a baby. Gwenda LedBetter tells her story how she took care of her husband stricken with Alzheimer. She wanted to keep her husband at home and she did so for eight years. She felt she was performing a labor of love. However, as his illness progressed he became unmanageable. The doctor gave him pills to sleep at nights, but for her seventy-ninth birthday her daughter took he out to dinner and she had to get a sitter for John. The sitter forgot to give him his medication and in the middle of the night she woke up to John putting up and taking down blinds. When she tried to stop him, he looked at her with vacant eyes and no form of recognition. She knew than that she could no longer keep him at home; with much guilt she placed him into a nursing home where he spent two years before he died. For those two years Gwenda walked around smiling but inside she was torn with guilt. Despite her guild she knew she had done the right thing, she had to take care of herself too. (2012).
The health field has recognized that one of the hardest patients to care for is one in the final stage of Alzheimer; consequently it has provided special training to health workers who wish to become caregivers of Alzheimer patients. Apart from the fact that it provides training groups have been formed around the country to support caregivers and families of Alzheimer. This way as they care for these people they know what to expect and how to the unpredictable behavior of theses patients. Most cities have provided day-care for Alzheimer patients who are still in their early stage. As scientists work hard to find a cure for Alzheimer, communities continues to strive to make both patient and caregivers more trouble-free.
Despite Scientists hard work, no one fully understands what makes the brain malfunction and produce this dreaded disease that robs men and women of their dignity. Any people are becoming aware of the benefits of practicing healthy life-styles; as a result of these changing lifestyles society might soon see a drop in the number of people who suffer from Alzheimer
Work Cited
“Alzheimer Disease Health Center.” WebMD Retrieved March 17, 2013
March, Judi. “Taking Care of Alzheimer With Love.” Web, retrieve March 18, 2013
“10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer.” Alz.org Retrieved March17, 2013
“Risk Factor and Prevention.” National Institute for the Aging. Retrieved March 18, 2012
“What is Alzheimer Disease, What Causes It?” Medical News Today. Retrieved March 18, 2013
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