Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease A Look Into...

INTRODUCTION Alzheimers disease is a form of dementia that is nonreversible and develops over a period of years that affects mostly the elderly population. Alzheimers disease can be mistaken for normal aging but personality and behavior changes sets Alzheimers disease apart. Although Alzheimers disease is considered an aged disease, it has been documented to affect people before the age of 65. This is termed early onset Alzheimers disease which accounts for 5-10% of all Alzheimers disease. Statistics conducted by the Alzheimers Association estimates that 5.3 million people have Alzheimers disease with an annual cost for medical care of 172 billion dollars [2]. The impact of Alzheimer’s disease on American society has caused Social†¦show more content†¦The criterion only requires that the presence of cognitive impairment and suspect of dementia be confirmed with neuropsychological testing [5]. The only conclusive method to diagnose Alzheimers disease is by post mortem autopsy of th e brain and the direct observation of the physiological changes such as senile plaques and Neuron Fiber Tangles. IMAGE1 Histopathologic image of senile plaques seen in the cerebral cortex in a patient with onset of Alzheimer disease. Bowdian stain. 4 February 2006 User:KGH GFDL-self [16] Histopathologically, Alzheimers disease consists of physiological changes to the brain where abnormal formation of senile plaques composed of beta-amyloid proteins can cause blockage of neuron signaling at the synapses [2]. Tau proteins, which are microtubule associated, are naturally found in the brain and take part in the nutrient transport network in the brain. The degeneration of Tau proteins creates congregates and forms Neuron Fiber Tangles, which is hypothesized to correlate with brain necrosis and brain size [1]. The detection of biomarkers specifically beta-amyloid peptides and Tau proteins could allow an early and definitive detection of Alzheimer’s disease with the hope of detection usually decades before the onset of symptoms. This would allow treatment ofShow MoreRelatedA Research Study On Alzheimer s Disease1394 Words   |  6 PagesAlzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death in people over the age of 65, as determined by the (Center for Disease Control, 2015). The number of people living with AD is predicted to triple by 2050. 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Because this disease affects the fastest-growing age group, current clinical trials are striving to find effective pre-Alzheimer’s Disease testsRead MoreThe Human Brain And Its Effects On Development And Progression Of Ad Essay1485 Words   |  6 Pagesinto Alzheimer’s disease, or (AD). Studies are suggesting new theories about the oral cavity having an etiologic factor, as well as influences on development and progression of AD. Various research shows dietary habits may place a person more at risk for developing this neurological disease. Patients with AD are more susceptible to certain oral infections due to medications, possible diet habits, and lack daily oral hygiene. Being educated on new articles as further knowledge with this disease evolvesRead MoreAlzheimers Disease3170 Words   |  13 PagesThe Role of Caregiving to Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease Megan Zann April 27, 2012 Health Psychology Dr. Ackerman Introduction It is normal to periodically forget your keys or a homework assignment, because you generally remember these things later. However, individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease may forget things more often, but they do not remember them again. The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease has dramatically increased because people are living longer. This is a result ofRead MoreAlzheimer s Disease : A Complete Look At The Onset And Progression Essay2369 Words   |  10 PagesAlzheimer s Disease - A Complete Look at the Onset and Progression Alzheimer s disease is a condition that affects the cognitive status of many people around the world regardless of wealth, ethnicity, intelligence or any other factor. 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