Alzhimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder of the brain that leads to the irreversible loss of neurons, dementia, personality changes, memory loss, intellectual slowing, and many other Alzheimer's symptoms. Alzheimer's Disease accounts for about two thirds of cases of dementia. Dementia is a global impairment of intellect, memory, and personality. A case study from a 2006 Science Journal shows that by age 80, 35% of people had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and 50% at age 85, compared to 11% at age 85 in the early 90's. The number one impairment of Alzheimer's Disease is loss of memory.

There are several different categories of symptoms to look for in Alzheimer's including memory symptoms, cognitive symptoms, personality, and emotional symptoms. When the memory becomes impaired, you lose your ability to learn new information and recall prior information. Your short term memory begins to deteriorate first in the early stages of Alzheimer's. You begin to forget things more often and cannot recall the information later. Things you used to do will become more difficult and you will have trouble performing tasks you used to do daily such as preparing a meal. You may repeat comments and lose things.

In the later stages of Alzheimer's, your long term memory will become impaired. You will feel lost in familiar surroundings and not know who you are or even recognize your family. Aphasia, apraxia, and agnosia are some more cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's. Aphasia is a deterioration of language abilities. People with Alzheimer's may have trouble saying correct names and forget words for common objects. In the later stages, they no longer have an understanding of the words. Apraxia is the difficulty to perform motor activities such as getting dressed and cooking. Agnosia is the failure to identify objects such as a table or chair. Another symptom of Alzheimer's is having trouble controlling emotions and a change in personality. These symptoms are so diverse and extensive because every person does not progress with Alzheimer's at the same rate or with the same symptoms. Every individual goes through the stages Alzheimer's at different times and rates and they exhibit different symptoms.

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter present in the brain and the peripheral nervous system. Acetylcholine receptors are found widely throughout the body and brain. In the brain, acetylcholine is involved in learning and memory. Acetylcholine also stimulates muscle tissue. Acetylcholine is involved in Alzheimer's disease. A shortage of acetylcholine in the brain is associated with Alzheimer's. A significant factor in Alzheimer's Disease is the greatly reduced presence of acetylcholine in the cerebral cortex. Acetylcholine is necessary for cognitive function. Cholinesterase inhibitors raise acetylcholine levels. Cholinesterase inhibitors are antagonist that block the enzyme the breaks down acetylcholine. An example of this is Aricept. Increased concentrations of acetylcholine