Alzheimer's Disease Research Paper

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodenerative disorder of the brain that causes memory loss and is the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer's affects about four million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Although mostly everyone that has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's has the same symptoms- there are three different types of the disease. Early-onset Alzheimer's happens to those who are under the age of 65, Moderate Alzheimer's is the most common form of the disease that happens to people aged 65 and older. The last stage is Severe Alzheimer's, which is the final stage of the disease. There is currently no cure for AD, only dedicated research to try and early detect this disease that has many people
The disease was viewed in a 51 year old woman named Auguste D. Auguste's family brought her in to see Dr. Alzheimer in 1901 after that had started noticing strange changes in her behavior and personality. It was noted that Alzheimer described Auguste as being ofter confused, having loss in memory and difficulty with speech. Auguste was cared for by Dr. Alzheimer for the next five years until her death in 1906. Following her death, Dr. Alzheimer performed an autopsy to then find dramatic shrinkage of the cerebral cortex, atrophied brain cells and fatty deposits in the blood vessels. Neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques were also discovered which have later been found to be an indication of Alzheimer's disease. AD was first discussed in medical literature in 1907 by a colleague of Dr. Alzheimer's; the disease was finally named after the doctor in 1910. Alzheimer's Disease gradually progresses and can last for many years until death. By identifying which stage the patient is in can make it easier for the doctor to predict a greater outcome, what symptoms to expect in the future and what treatments may be available. Each diagonosis of AD can come with a new set of symptoms that can vary in
Greater memory loss than stage 1. Patients can forget their names and forget details of their personal history.
Forgetful on how to perform simple tasks such as grocery shopping and simply staying organized.
Severe Alzheimer's This is the final stage of the disease that will last between 1 and 3 years. The cognitive ability of the patient will continue to decline and the patient if not already, will be most likely be placed in an assisted living facility. Common symtoms of the final stage can include:
Inability to physically function. The patient may not be able to walk or sit up by themselves.
Depending on others for personal care. The patient will most likely need help eating, bathing and getting dressed.
Loss of ability to verbally communicate. The patient may be able to say words, but full conversations are very unlikely. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's Disease, though there are some drugs that have been proven to slow the progression of the disease, and help treat its symptoms. When seeking out treatment, doctors seperate the symptoms into "behavioral and psychiatric" and "cognitive" categories. This helps to narrow down the symptoms that are being experienced by the patient. Behavioral symptoms change a patients action and emotions; Cognitive symptoms affect judgement, thought process, along with