Alzheimer s

Alzheimer s

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  A project byJamie Nichole Norman
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  - Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain's nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes.
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  These neurons, whichproduce the brain chemical, or neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, break connections with other nerve cells and ultimately die. For example, short- term memory fails when Alzheimer's disease first destroys nerve cells in the hippocampus, and language skills and judgment decline when neurons die in the cerebral cortex.
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   Areolder. However, developing AD is not a part of normal aging.  Have a close blood relative, such as a brother, sister, or parent with AD.  Have certain genes linked to AD, such as APOE epsilon4 allele The following may also increase your risk, although this is not well proven:  Being female  Having high blood pressure for a long time  History of head trauma There are two types of AD:  Early onset AD: Symptoms appear before age 60. This type is much less common than late onset. However, it tends to get worse quickly. Early onset disease can run in families. Several genes have been identified.  Late onset AD: This is the most common type. It occurs in people age 60 and older. It may run in some families, but the role of genes is less clear.  The cause of AD is not clear. Your genes and environmental factors seem to play a role. Aluminum, lead, and mercury in the brain is no longer believed to be a cause of AD.
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  Two types ofabnormal lesions clog the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease: Beta-amyloid plaques—sticky clumps of protein fragments and cellular material that form outside and around neurons; and neurofibrillary tangles— insoluble twisted fibers composed largely of the protein tau that build up inside nerve cells. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) Although these structures are hallmarks of the disease, scientists are unclear whether they cause it or a byproduct of it.
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  Dementia symptoms includedifficulty with many areas of mental function, including: • Emotional behavior or personality • Language • Memory • Perception • Thinking and judgment (cognitive skills) • Dementia usually first appears as forgetfulness. • Mild cognitive impairment is the stage between normal forgetfulness due to aging, and the development of AD. People with MCI have mild problems with thinking and memory that do not interfere with everyday activities. They are often aware of the forgetfulness. Not everyone with MCI develops AD. • Difficulty performing more than one task at a time • Difficulty solving problems • Forgetting recent events or conversations • Taking longer to perform more difficult activities
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  Facts About Alzheimer'sDisease Every 70 seconds, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The current estimate of 5.1 million Americans affected by Alzheimer's is expected to surge to nearly 14 million by 2050. By slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease by just five years, we can reduce the number of cases by up to 50 percent. And if the onset of Alzheimer's can be delayed by 10 years, scientists tell us that the disease would essentially be eradicated
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  Currently there isno cure for AD. The goals of treatment are: Slow the progression of the disease (although this is difficult to do) Manage symptoms, such as behavior problems, confusion, and sleep problems Change your home environment so you can better perform daily activities Support family members and other caregivers
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  The good newsis that emerging evidence suggests there are steps you can take to help keep your brain healthier as you age. These steps might also reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias
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  Physical exercise isessential for maintaining good blood flow to the brain as well as to encourage new brain cells. It also can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes, and thereby protect against those risk factors for Alzheimer's and other dementias.
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  Research suggests thathigh cholesterol may contribute to stroke and brain cell damage. A low fat, low cholesterol diet is advisable. And there is growing evidence that a diet rich in dark vegetables and fruits, which contain antioxidants, may help protect brain cells.
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  Social activity notonly makes physical and mental activity more enjoyable, it can reduce stress levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells
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  Mentally stimulating activitiesstrengthen brain cells and the connections between them, and may even create new nerve cells.
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  Book: Alzheimer’s &other Dementias by Harry Clayton, Dr. Nori Grahmn, and Dr. James Warner. -This book gave me insight on the technical background of the brain disease. Articles:  Bashar, M. R., Yan, L., & Peng, W. (2012). Study of EEGs from Somatosensory Cortex and Alzheimer's Disease Sources. International Journal Of Biological & Life Sciences, 8(2), 62-66. -This article gave direct content to the plaque build up in your brain  Wierenga, C. E., & Bondi, M. W. (2011). Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: What We Know Now. Generations, 35(2), 37-45. -This article gave me information in regards to symptoms and treatment  Additional Sources:  http://www.namenda.com/About/Symptoms.aspx?WT.srch=1&guid=327223877  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001767/  http://www.alz.org/  http://www.alzfdn.org/AboutAlzheimers/definition.html  http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1249&bih=416&q=alzheim er%27s+disease&gbv=2&oq=alzh&aq=1&aqi=g4g- s1g5&aql=&gs_sm=1&gs_upl=1590l2430l0l4442l4l4l0l0l0l0l100l260l3.1l4l0#hl=en&gbv=2&tbm =isch&sa=1&q=alzheimer%27s+&oq=alzheimer%27s+&aq=f&aqi=g3g- s1g6&aql=&gs_sm=3&gs_upl=14510l15250l5l16280l6l6l2l0l0l0l90l300l4l4l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc. r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=d8f77ab192c38c1d&biw=1249&bih=416