Varying Aspects of Alzheimer’s Disease and Implementations for Nursing Care

The amyloid cascade hypothesis is the most widely accepted of the AD pathogenesis hypotheses. Its principle is that the accumulation of Aβ plays a major role in AD pathogenesis, and the disease is analyzed as a series of abnormalities in the process and secretion of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), where an inequality between production and clearance of amyloid β is the triggering event and the most important factor responsible for other abnormalities observed in AD (Hardy et al, 2002; Cummings et al, 2007). Amyloid β is a peptide with high resistance to proteolytic degradation. It consists of 37–43 amino acids with different isoforms (Deane et al, 2009). Aβ is the result of sequential cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), generating

The genetic risk factors in AD is about 5% of patients which caused by autosomal dominant mutations in these three genes presenilin 1, presenilin 2 and amyloid precursor protein (APP) which are responsible for developing AD, also the presence of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) apoE4 allele as it identified in the development of both the early- and late-onset forms of AD and contribute to 15-20% of AD (Qiu et al., 2004).

The primary audience for this article is those affected by Alzheimer’s Syndrome, their family members that are seeking more detailed information, care takers, neurosurgeons, cardiovascular physicians, nursing professionals, nursing students, college professors and educators. The secondary audience would consist of hospital staff that did not attend presentation. According to the National institute of Health, “Age is the primary risk factor for developing dementia. For that reason the number of people living with dementia could double in the next 40 years with an increase in the number of Americans who are age 65 or older- from 40 million today to more than 88 million in 2050. Regardless of the form of dementia, the personal economic and societal demands can be devastating”

The cause of Alzheimer’s is still mostly unknown except for one to five percent where genetic mutations have been identified as the cause. However there are many competing hypotheses that try to

Alzheimer's is a very common disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. Working in the Healthcare Profession will allow one to see many different cases of Alzheimer and how it affects everyone differently. Having several family members who have been diagnosed with this disease allowed me to be eager on researching this topic. Alzheimer’s disease usually affects people around the age of 60 and older. It has been said that this disease cannot be cured. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia are often mistaken as the same, but through my research I found out that they were completely different.

In addition, decreased cerebral blood flow, environmental toxins and a decrease in acetylcholine have all been labeled potential culprits. Various theories for the cause of Alzheimer’s have been put forth but as yet none have been shown true.

The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are still for the most part unknown. Scientists can’t quite pinpoint the exact causes of Alzheimer’s. But for the last twenty years the cause getting the most attention is that it is caused by an excess amount of insoluble fragments of beta-amyloid, then that leads to the loss of connection between brain cells, then eventually the death of said brain cells. (American Scientist, 44)

According to Kerr, (2007) AD is largely related to the degeneration of brain weight because plaques and neuro- fibre tangles form, causing inflammation, disrupting neuronal transmission and killing brain tissues. AD is a progressive disease which harms the temporal and parietal brain lobes. This causes memory loss, deterioration of visual spatial skill, complexity in communication, judgement and recognition which in long term, results in death of brain cells (Alzheimer’s Association, 2011).

Alzheimer's can occur from a number of things, but the number one cause is genetically based. Alzheimer's is caused by mutations or abnormalities, this permanent change occur in one or more specific genes. Alzheimer’s can be one of several different single gene mutations on chromosomes 21, 14, and 1. These mutations can cause abnormal proteins to form, which then disrupts brain activity. These changes affect how the nerve cells and the brain cells communicate with each other. There are a number of contributing factors such as age, head trauma, lifestyle, environment, and many others. Alzheimer's studies are also beginning to show a link between Alzheimer's and cardiovascular conditions, inflammation, and

Scientists are unable to conclude on what causes Alzheimer’s disease. An early stage of Alzheimer's is usually caused by some form of genetic mutation. Late stages of Alzheimer's occurs due to extended periods of time with brain dysfunctions. The causes probably include a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors (CB). Most cases of Alzheimer’s is found in geriatrics aged 65 or older, however a small amount of cases are found in younger people (CA). Conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure are shown to increase the chances of having Alzheimer’s

More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s(“What is Alzheimer’s?). Alzheimer’s is a disease that progessively worsens and eventually kills brain cells. The damaged brain cells lead to memory loss and trouble with cognitive thinking. Alzheimer’s deteriorates the brain slowly. Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are treatments. The treatmeants can’t reverse the damaged cells, but the process can be slowed. Placing a patient with Alzheimer’s in a long-term care facility is best for the patient’s health and well-being, because Alzheimer’s patients require around the clock care, caregivers will be overworked tending to

According to most research, scientists, doctors and psychologists say that the causes of the brain damages are genetic factors, nutritional disorders, toxic exposure and radiation factors. In genetic factors, it is studied that Alzheimer’s disease can be caused due to hereditary. This is most commonly seen on patients who suffer the disease before the age of 50. In nutritional factors, scientists project some vitamin deficiencies can lead to Alzheimer disease.

For decades society has been dealing with the dreadful effects of Alzheimer’s disease, from the emotional diagnosis, to family member involvement, and the demanding needs, financially. Scientist and researchers, with the monetary contributions from fundraising organizations like, The Alzheimer’s Association, The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, along with many additional establishments work around the clock expectantly to find a cure for this mind altering disease. Now a days, there are many groups available for any person needing information on Alzheimer’s disease. Personal experience gained from caring for the elderly in my lifetime, is the motivation behind my awareness of this dreadful disease. It wasn’t until my job as a supervisor of an Alzheimer’s unit, that my understanding of this ghastly disease, made me grasp just how tough it is for every person involved. This unbearable disease, becomes a family disease, family members are faced with many heart wrenching decisions and robbed of their loved ones. Just envision, if you will, awakening one morning and nothing is familiar, your wife/husband, children, or friends. Imagine, if it’s your mom or dad, either way devastation is what comes to mind. This disease steals your memories, the life you once recognized has vanished. The topics covered in the following text include, an overview of Alzheimer’s disease/dementia, some statistics, emotional effect on those with A.D., family member involvement

Nurses care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease in many different ways, particularly in a long-term care setting, although hospital staff Nurses work directly with the disease as well. It is most important that Nurses understand what Alzheimer’s disease is, the signs

Another clue may be the effects the aging process has on the brain as it is harming the neurons in the brain causing the disease (NIA, 2012). Regardless of the cause, AD is a life altering disease in every aspect of the victim’s life.