Exploring Alzheimers Disease Essay -- Alzheimers Disease Essays

Exploring Alzheimers Diseasediagnosing of Alzheimers DiseaseDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders requires several criteria for the diagnosis of Alzheimers frenzy. These accommodate injustice in memory, disturbances in cognitive and executive functioning, and impairment in occupational or social functions. Cognitive disturbances may include one or more of the following aphasia, apraxia, and agnosia. Cognitive deficits must controvert decline from previous levels of functioning and are characterized by gradual onset. Furthermore, cognitive disturbances must not be due to other central unquiet system and or systemic disorders that are known to cause dementia or are accounted for by another psychiatric disorder. It is important to descent that a definite diagnosis of Alzheimers can only be make post-mortem. Facts about Alzheimers DiseaseAlzheimers disease is the fourth leading cause of finale in the United States and is becoming a larger problem as the life expect ancy increases. It is the most prevalent of cognitive impairments in old(a) people. Alzheimers shortens life expectancy substantially the typical duration is 8 to 10 years. Deaths are attributable to intervening illnesses un tie in or indirectly related to the disease and terminal complications. An even more devastating feature of Alzheimers is the wedge it has on the patients family. Caregivers report feeling helpless, frustrated and irritable. Families often become wiped out(p) before the patient is eligible to receive financial support. Furthermore, almost half(a) of the family caregivers become clinically depressed. In the last few years, research has do great strides in understanding this Alzheimers. Specifically, in the areas of ne... ...acetylcholine is released into a synapse and then connects with a receptor. Works CitedConnor, B. Young, D. Yan, Q. Faull, R.L.M. Synek, B. Dragunow, M. (1997). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is reduced in Alzheimers disease. Molecula r Brain Research. 491-2 (Oct 3) 71-81. Gonzalez-Salvador, M. T. Arango, C. Lyketsos, C. G. Barba, A. C. (1999). The stress and psychological morbidity of the Alzheimer patient caregiver. International Journal of gerontological Psychiatry. 14, 701-710.Reiman, E. M. & Caselli, R. J. (1999). Alzheimers disease. Maturitas the European menopause journal. 31, 185-200. Richard, F. & Amouyel, P. (2001). Genetic susceptibility factors for Alzheimers disease. European Journal of Pharmacology. 4121 (Jan 19) 1-12 For more information regarding Alzheimers Disease http//webmd.lycos.com/condition_center?doi=alz