Alzheimer s Disease Paper Essay Example for Free

Alzheimer s Disease Paper Essay Alzheimer’s is a disease that causes memory loss and cognitive decline. It is a neurological disorder and a neurodegenerative type of dementia due to the disease getting progressively worse. From a study done in the Unites States in 2010, researchers came to an estimated 4.7 million people, who were 65 years or older, had Alzheimer’s disease. The a 2013 statistical report, by the Alzheimer’s Association, just over 1/10th of people 65 years or older have Alzheimer’s. When you are 85 years or older, the proportion jumps to about 1/3rd of people in the United States. The disease is caused by brain cell death. At first a few brain cells die, but over time it gets progressively worse and many brain cells die. Scientists believe that for most people, Alzheimers disease results from a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the brain over time. It is said that less than 5 percent of the time, the disease is caused by specific genetic change in a person. We know that Alzheimer’s kill brain cells, but as more of the brain cells die, the disease will lead to significant shrinkage of the brain. When scientists examine an Alzheimer’s brain, inside they find two types of abnormalities. These are considered the hallmarks of the disease. They are called Plaques and Tangles. Plaques are found between dying cells in the brain. They are a buildup of protein called beta-amyloid. Tangles are found within the brain neurons. They are a breakdown of a different protein called tau. These proteins however cannot be seen or tested in a living brain and can only be tested when the brain is dead. Genetics are the only way you can get early-onset Alzheimer’s. Early-onset Alzheimer’s is typically seen between the ages of 30 and 60 and this is due to one of three genes that are inherited and not something caused by your environment. Early-onset is very uncommon and that is why it only accounts for 5% of Alzheimer’s cases. One ways to avoid getting Alzheimer’s, unless you inherit the gene, is to Eating healthier. This is because some factors that can increase the chances of getting Alzheimer’s are getting diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. These factors not only increase your risk of getting Alzheimer’s but they also increase your risk of getting a stroke which can cause other types of dementia. They suggest using your brain as much as possible and not let your brain do nothing when you get older. Avoid getting any brain injuries, the best that you can. There are  three different stages of Alzheimer’s. The first stage is Preclinical which is before you are aware that you have the disease. The second stage is Mild cognitive impairment which is when you realize that you are having trouble remembering things. The last stage is Dementia which is where you are now have trouble remembering many things and will get worse and worse over time. Unfortunately there are no cures yet but there are treatments that can help with the process. Things such as medicine can help with your memory. Other things such as homes that will help you with coping with the disease. Overall there is not much that you can do to help with the disease. Work Cited: http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/alzheimers-disease-treatment-care http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159442.php