Background Information
Scientists have not yet fully come to full grips with the real causes of Alzheimer’s disease. However, one clear aspect of the development of this disease arises from a very complex chain of activities taking place in the brain over a long period of time. It has been argued that genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors constitute major the causes of this disease. According to Draper (13), “Risk and protective factors may include genetic, medical, biological, environmental, dietary, social and cultural aspects”
In genetic aspect, APOE E2 is rare and creates protection against Alzheimer’s disease and in case it does occur, this happens in much later years than in people with APOE E3 and APOE E4. APOE E3 forms the most common Allele and is assumed to perform a neutral role in Alzheimer’s disease. This means it neither stimulates nor increases reactions that would lead to the development of Alzheimer’s.
Causes of the Disease
“Early onset Alzheimer’s disease that affects few people is as a result of chromosome different gene mutations on specific chromosomes” (Martinison & Musaswes, 28). Inheritance of even one of these genes from both or one parent is most likely to develop early onset Alzheimer’s disease. This kind of “inheritance pattern is referred to as abnormal dominant inheritance” (Kuhn & Verity, 49) “Another possible risk towards the development of Alzheimer’s disease is SOR1” (Kuhn & Verity, 50).This gene is solely responsible for the transportation of APP (Abnormal Amyloid Precursor Protein) within the cells and was discovered to be connected to Alzheimer’s disease. While it is present in low levels, “beta amyloid levels increase and may have a negative effect on neurons” (Ramanathan, 17).
Symptoms of the Disease
Memory loss, difficulty in identifying people and objects are symptoms of middle stage of this psychological disorder. The late stage eventually does not allow verbal communication or one to take care of himself. This level requires external support although the lives of the patients. The fourth stage, at end of life, is when one comes close to death and comfort is the main focus. Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) or Reisberg scale provides care givers with a better accurate measure of the level of deterioration stage.
The difference in genetic makeup from one person to another either delays or completely prevents the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, also known as Familial Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s’ disease has no cure however and is described as an irreversible condition. It is as a result of “progressive brain damage characterized by the building up of amyloid plagues and neurofibrillary tangles, lack of connection in the brain cells and the eventual death of these verve cells” (Ramanathan, 17).
Protective Factors
Symptomatic treatment in combination with right support and proper service can lessen the pain of living with this disease. Change in different forms of lifestyle choices can also reduce the prevalence of this disease. It is a “complex disease to understand because it affects individuals differently in the order in which symptoms comes to surface, their order of appearance, the duration it lasts before end point and variation in the duration of stage” (Ramanathan, 29).
Conclusion
Increased vigor worldwide to find a lasting breakthrough in proper treatment of this disease is underway (Ramanathan, 19). These include efforts to delay its onset, reduce late of its development and eliminate it from the body. Research also suggests that different forms of lifestyle such as nutrition, social activities; mentally involving activities are factors likely to reduce Alzheimer’s disease.
Works Cited
Draper, Brew. Dealing with Dementia: A Guide to Alzheimer’s disease and Other Dementias. New York: Allen & Unwin. 2004.
Kuhn, Danilels & Verity, Juliet. The Art of Dementia Care. Washington: Delmar Cengage Learning. 2007.
Martinson, Ivies and Muwaswes, Michael. Care giving Demands of Patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Community Health Nursing. Vol 10, no. 4. 1993.
Ramanathan, Viola. Alzheimer Discourse: Some Sociolinguistic. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. 1997.