Research Paper On Alzheimer's On The Elderly
The Effect of Alzheimer’s on the Elderly
Senior English
Miranda Ormiston
1 Introduction 2 Body a What is Alzheimer’s? i Symptoms 1 Memory 2 Moods 3 Difficulty with everyday activities 4 Confusion 5 Suspicion of loved ones ii Diagnosis 6 Mental Status Testing 7 Physical & Neurological exam 8 Brain imaging & Blood tests b Treatments iii 9 Medications for memory loss a Cholinesterase inhibitors b Memantine 10 Treatments for behavioral changes c Antidepressants d Anxiolytics …show more content…
Approximately 5.4 million Americans now have Alzheimer's disease and by the year 2050, more than 15 million Americans could possibly be living with the disease, unless scientists or medical professionals develop new ideas to prevent, slow or cure it. (AHAF) Alzheimer’s is usually associated with old age but it can also be diagnosed in younger individuals. “Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.” (ALZ) This is considered to be one of the most heartbreaking diseases for a loved one to go through, because you’re basically watching them mentally fall apart often to the point when they don’t even remember who you …show more content…
When it comes to memory loss, there are two different drugs that are described. The first is called Cholinesterase and it is prescribed for early to moderate cases. (NY) The purpose of the drug is to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine which is a chemical messenger that is important for learning and memory. It also supports communication among the nerve cells by keeping acetylcholine levels high. (NY) It also delays worsening symptoms for up to 6-12 months generally, for about half of the patients who take them. Which means it’s only about 50% effective in that aspect. Side effects include vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and increased bowel movements. Medications prescribed for more moderate to severe stages of memory loss is called Memantine. Memantine regulates the activity of glutamate a different messenger chemical involved in learning and memory. It also delays worsening of symptoms for some people temporarily. It is somewhat similar to cholinesterase which I previously mentioned. It’s side effects include headache and constipation. Some doctors also prescribe vitamin E to patients because it is believed to protect brain cells and many other body tissues from certain kinds of chemical wear and tear. Patient’s should never start taking high doses of vitamin E without the
Senior English
Miranda Ormiston
1 Introduction 2 Body a What is Alzheimer’s? i Symptoms 1 Memory 2 Moods 3 Difficulty with everyday activities 4 Confusion 5 Suspicion of loved ones ii Diagnosis 6 Mental Status Testing 7 Physical & Neurological exam 8 Brain imaging & Blood tests b Treatments iii 9 Medications for memory loss a Cholinesterase inhibitors b Memantine 10 Treatments for behavioral changes c Antidepressants d Anxiolytics …show more content…
Approximately 5.4 million Americans now have Alzheimer's disease and by the year 2050, more than 15 million Americans could possibly be living with the disease, unless scientists or medical professionals develop new ideas to prevent, slow or cure it. (AHAF) Alzheimer’s is usually associated with old age but it can also be diagnosed in younger individuals. “Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.” (ALZ) This is considered to be one of the most heartbreaking diseases for a loved one to go through, because you’re basically watching them mentally fall apart often to the point when they don’t even remember who you …show more content…
When it comes to memory loss, there are two different drugs that are described. The first is called Cholinesterase and it is prescribed for early to moderate cases. (NY) The purpose of the drug is to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine which is a chemical messenger that is important for learning and memory. It also supports communication among the nerve cells by keeping acetylcholine levels high. (NY) It also delays worsening symptoms for up to 6-12 months generally, for about half of the patients who take them. Which means it’s only about 50% effective in that aspect. Side effects include vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and increased bowel movements. Medications prescribed for more moderate to severe stages of memory loss is called Memantine. Memantine regulates the activity of glutamate a different messenger chemical involved in learning and memory. It also delays worsening of symptoms for some people temporarily. It is somewhat similar to cholinesterase which I previously mentioned. It’s side effects include headache and constipation. Some doctors also prescribe vitamin E to patients because it is believed to protect brain cells and many other body tissues from certain kinds of chemical wear and tear. Patient’s should never start taking high doses of vitamin E without the