First described by German physician, Alois Alzheimer, in the early 1900s, Alzheimer’s disease is now the fourth most prevalent cause of death- after heart disease, cancer, and stroke (AD- a guide for families). Most common in adults 65 or older, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is regarded as “a loss of intellectual abilities sufficient enough to interfere with everyday social and occupational functioning” (AD- a guide for families). Victims of AD are unable to think abstractly, find similarities and differences between related words, and have trouble defining words and concepts. Other common symptoms include disturbances in language, or aphasia, an inability to carry out motor activities, or apraxia, and a failure to recozinge or identify …show more content…
Some physicians also prescribe high doses of vitamin E for cognitive changes. The most common treatments today are cholinesterase inhibitors (FDA-approved drug), memantine (FDA-approved drug), vitamin E, and many alternative herbal treatments including caprylic acid, coconut oil, and coral calcium. With all of the treatments out there though, it is difficult to discern which is the best one. The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the different treatments available today in order to find the best line of treatment for AD. In order to do so, we will be looking at the efficacy, side effects, cost effectiveness, availability, dosage, and those most likely to benefit from each treatment. Before we can look at these treatments, however, we must first look at how the brain communicates in order to understand how these treatment work. The brain is made up of a network of nerve cells, or neurons, that communicate with each other through electrical impulses. These neurons communicate at synapses, or where two neurons “meet.” At the synapses, small bursts of chemicals called neurotransmitters carry information from one cell to another. AD disrupts this process, damaging the brain’s communication network by destroying synapses and killing neurons (http://www.alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_disease_treatments.asp#future). Current FDA-approved cholinesterase inhibitors help to combat the destruction of
The FDA recently has allowed two treatments to be used for Alzheimer patients. One of the treatments is a Partial Glutamate Antagonist, which is an important transmitter to the brain. It is said that Glutamate helps patients more than sugar pills do, however; it is said that too much
The family should be informed on nonpharmacological treatments such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, socializing, and playing games where the brain is challenge. In this case the patient has been diagnosed with AD and the he would benefit from a pharmacological treatment that may delay the progression of the disease.
As AD is a progressive disease with no currently known cure, all current treatments are aimed at slowing the progression of the disease; these treatments have been available since 1993 (Geldmacher et al., 2011). The desired
Alzheimer’s Disease has been one of the top leading causes of death in our country. It is understood that this disease is identified as an excess of the protein amyloid-ß within an increase of plaque (Seneff, Wainwright, and Mascitelli, 2010). Additionally, as the brain ages, it gets used to the inflammation and oxidative stress, so it is important to take the right amount of antioxidant micronutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E as well as anti-inflammatory macronutrients such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to protect the brain from ageing (Whalley et. al, 2004). This is a devastating disease that affects most people over the age of fifty. Recently, there have been many studies done to figure out what causes this disease, if there is anything that can cure it, and how to prevent the disease. Seneff, Wainwright, and Mascitelli, believe Alzheimer’s develops with consuming too many carbohydrates, especially fructose and having a deficiency in cholesterol and dietary fats as well (2010). Whalley, Starr, and Deary have seen that poor diet, poverty, and failing health are links to developing Alzheimer’s Disease (2004). Furthermore, seeing increase in plasma homocysteine concentration increases risk of Dementia, which can result from an inadequate intake of vitamin B12/folate (Walley et. al, 2004). Additionally, Gray supports Walley’s findings and even believes having an adequate intake of vitamin B12/folate will have a positive effect on the overall health
Alzheimer’s disease is a prominent brain disease that effects a massive amount of individuals in the United States. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases, with no chance of being cured, prevented or decelerating over time (Alzheimer’s Association, 2014). AD is the most well-known form of dementia, causing complications in brain function in the areas of memory, thinking, and behavior (Alzheimer’s Association, 2014). In an effort to gain a deeper understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers create new knowledge about the disease, which is then distributed to the public. The goal in this information disbursement is to find new and inventive ways to treat AD, prevent AD from progressing at such a rapid pace, and aid in the quality of life in those diagnosed with AD as well as caregivers and medical professionals providing treatment to individuals’ with AD.
A great deal of knowledge was gained from completing this assignment. Prior to researching and reviewing the literature, little knowledge was known about AD. I found it interesting that much research has been conducted in recent years. AD has a tremendous effect on society. I was very intrigued to learn about the causes of AD. There are multiple theories and approaches to understanding the causes of the disease. As a social worker, it is disappointing to realize that psychosocial interventions are not effective for these clients. Following this assignment, further research is going to be conducted on non-pharmacological interventions. If the disease is caught in the early stage, other interventions may be of some benefit. Due to the nature
Medicines available for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) do not reverse or stop its progression but they
With the growing number of people becoming diagnosed, and experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, we must begin to take precautions and somehow attempt to gain knowledge of how the disease can be better treated, and ultimately prevented.
Alzheimer's Disease is a condition that affects 50% of the population over the age of eighty five, which equals four million Americans each year. It is becoming an important and high-profile issue in today's society for everyone. There are rapid advancements being made in the fight against this disease now more than ever, and the purpose of this essay is to educate the public on the background as well as the new discoveries. There are many new drugs that are being tested and studied every day which slow down, and may even halt the progress of the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder(1-3) causing progressive loss of cognitive functions leading to dementia and death.(4) Older age is the highest risk factor for AD (3, 5) and the prevalence of AD rises from 3% among those 65-74years to almost 50% among those >85year(2). An estimated 5.2 million Americans of all ages had AD in 2013(1). It currently affects more than 33.9million people worldwide(4) and is predicted to be affecting more than 80million people worldwide by 2040(3) which makes treating AD a pertinent issue to be dealt with at present.
Alzheimer 's disease (AD) is an irreversible and incurable form of dementia characterized by rapid cell death, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuritic plaques (Cavanaugh, Blanchard-Fields, & Norris, 2008). Structures of the brain affected by rapid cell death includes the hippocampus, the cerebral cortex, and the forebrain (Cavanaugh et al., 2008). A definitive diagnosis of AD is made only at autopsy (Cavanaugh et al., 2008). As AD progresses, memory and ultimately self-identity are destroyed, however, interventions can improve the quality of life of older adults (Cavanaugh et al., 2008). Interventions in AD should focus on helping patients make the most effective use of their functioning (Cavanaugh et al., 2008). A non-pharmacological intervention by Bredesen (2014) appears to be restoring some cognitive function in some patients with AD (Dador, 2014). Bredesen (2014) asserts that some of the effects of cognitive decline can be reversed through his therapeutic program. Jimbo, Kimura, Taniguchi, Inoue, and Urakami (2009) also assert the potential of non-pharmacological interventions. They found that aromatherapy has the potential to improve cognitive function. Other non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise or physical activity (PA) have been studied for their effects in cognitive decline (Farina, Rusted, & Tabet, 2014; Tortosa-Martinez & Clow, 2012). This paper explores the effects of non-pharmacological interventions in cognitive decline associated with AD.
Although Alzheimer’s disease (henceforth: AD) has been around since the 19th century or possibly even earlier and was at a point in time classified as senile dementia, it wasn’t until 1906 following Dr. Alois Alzheimer’s encounter with Auguste Deter at a Frankfurt asylum that the name of the disease was finally coined. Since then, major developments relating to the disease has taken place. In our report, we addressed some of the areas of the history, contemporary and prospects of the disease.
With 46.8 million people currently living with AD and the number of people to be diagnosed in the future set to rise, a study conducted by (Cummings, Morstorf & Zhong 2014) analysed the clinical trials associated with Alzheimer’s drug development throughout 2002 to 2012 in USA listed on clinicaltrials.gov. The united states undertakes the largest number of clinical trials compared to anywhere else in the world; in total 413 trials had and are being undertaken (Phase I-124, Pahse2-206, Phase 3- 83), but it was found that this number is relatively low in terms of addressing the magnitude of the problem with roughly 131.5 million people worldwide set to have AD by 2050 (Cummings, Morstorf & Zhong 2014; Prince et al. 2015).
AD is the most common type of dementia and causes problems with memory, behavior, and thinking. Symptoms typically worsen over time and the disease is most prevalent in the elderly. There are currently around 5 million people in the United States with AD and the number increases annually in tandem with the aging population. Although there are currently no treatments for Alzheimer’s, the market for drugs treating symptoms of the disease (like memory loss) is around $3 billion. This market could grow significantly if a disease-modifying treatment entered the space.
Alzheimer's disease is officially listed as the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. It is the fifth-leading cause of death for people age 65 and older (Alzheimer’s, 2016). I care for patients daily with Alzheimer’s, and it something dear to my heart. I’ve watched residents go through the transformation and stages as the disease progresses. It is truly heart breaking to see a resident that no longer can recognize a loved one’s face or name. Drug therapy does not cure Alzheimer’s disease and the definite cause is still unknown, however it works to help with cognitive and behavioral symptoms. The drugs help to assist with making the quality of life better for individuals with the disease. There are other non-drug therapies that