Prevalence
One of the most well-known diseases of the central nervous system is Alzheimer’s. It is indicated that it is “responsible for 60% to 70% of cases of progressive cognitive impairment among older adults, affects approximately 5% to 10% of the population older than 65 years of age” (McCance & Huether, 2018, p. 178). A standard definition of the disease is that it is a type of dementia that affects individuals’ cognition, behavior, and ability to perform everyday tasks.
There is a specific division of Alzheimer’s disease, which relies on the nature of its occurrence. Thus, sporadic Alzheimer’s often occurs after individuals are 65 years and above and is the most common form of degeneration of the central nervous system. The main disadvantage is its relatively small research base. Familial or hereditary Alzheimer’s has a lower prevalence and is caused by a rare genetic condition. A distinctive characteristic of this kind of health issue is that it occurs after age 50.
Clinical Manifestations
When considering the clinical manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease, it is vital to know that it has two distinct types. The primary criterion for such categorization is the severity of the symptoms individuals experience. Hence, it is divided into mild Alzheimer’s, which does not need medical interventions; moderate, in which medical care is required; and advanced Alzheimer’s, in which people are often placed in a special facility(“Alzheimer’s disease,” n.d.). Therefore, the approach to treatment is prescribed to individuals.
One of the primary clinical signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is memory impairment, stemming from the dysfunction of the brain and nervous system. In addition, patients exhibit indicators of the disease, such as disorientation, mood changes, and behavioral changes. Memory issues can contribute to confusion and stress, worsening people’s overall condition. The disease under discussion also leads to a misunderstanding of concepts such as time and place and to unfounded suspicions about others. In more severe cases, it causes difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology concerns the study of the causes and consequences of a particular disease. Alzheimer’s “is characterized by an accumulation of abnormal neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles” (Kumar et al., 2022, p. 2). Thus, the disease also causes hyperphosphorylation of tau, leading to the formation of tau aggregates and, ultimately, neurofibrillary tangles. Initially, they form in the hippocampus and subsequently spread into the cerebral cortex. It is also worth noting that Alzheimer’s causes granulovacuolar degeneration of hippocampal pyramidal cells by amyloid angiopathy. This process causes cognitive impairment and increased dementia in patients.
Prognosis
Alzheimer’s is an incurable disease, which is often a problematic prognosis for patients to accept. However, it can be treated to reduce symptom severity and improve quality of life for individuals. The main problem in this context is that many people cannot immediately recognize the disease. In other words, they do not associate memory problems with central nervous system issues. Therefore, to obtain the most favorable prognosis and course of treatment, individuals need to consult a doctor when dementia-like symptoms occur. If the disease is left untreated, then severe damage to brain functions is possible, which can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, or infection.
References
Alzheimer’s disease. (n.d.). Health Direct.
Kumar, A., Sidhu, J., Goyal, A., Tsao, J. W., & Doerr, C. (2022). Alzheimer disease (nursing). StatPearls.
McCance, K. A. & Huether, S.E. (2018). Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease in adults and children (8th ed.). Mosby.