PREFACE
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, the most common form of dementia, and according to the Alzheimer's Association, it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 1 in 3 seniors dies of dementia, with the most common form being AD. It is essential to analyze the current state of AD and what it may look like in the future, to be able to better understand this disease that harms such a significant portion of our aging population.
OVER A CENTURY OF RESEARCH
AD devastates lives and affects millions of people worldwide- patients, caregivers, and family members. Perhaps one of the most frightening aspects of this disease is that over 100 years have passed since it was first discovered by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1906, yet there still exists no cure. Especially in comparison to other conditions, Alzheimer's research has achieved much less progress than is deemed ideal.
THE ASTONISHING FIGURES
AD devastates lives and affects millions of people worldwide- patients, caregivers, and family members. Perhaps one of the most frightening aspects of this disease is that over 100 years have passed since it was first discovered by Dr. Elois Alzheimer, yet there still exists no cure. Especially in comparison to other conditions, Alzheimer's research has achieved much less progress than is deemed ideal. To make matters worse, the total amount of deaths from Alzheimer's grew 146% between 2000 to 2018, and this number is prospected to continually increase. The exponential nature at which AD grows and medicine's inability to prevent or cure it soon enough pose serious challenges.
WHAT IS AD?
So what exactly is this terrifying disease? AD is characterized most commonly with neurofibrillary tangles constituted of tau proteins as well as Beta-Amyloid plaques that disrupt communication between neurons. AD is a neurodegenerative disease, along with Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases (we have articles on these two topics as well, check them out), as neurons degrade over time and cause conditions that severely impair necessary abilities.
SYMPTOMS
This results in symptoms most highly centered around memory loss and cognitive decline, as the anatomical characteristics of the disease show progression throughout the brain. Patients with AD also struggle with spatial orientation, often getting lost in navigating new, or even familiar, territories. AD can also cause impaired vision, difficulty speaking, and substantial changes in personality and/or mood. Although these specific symptoms may vary slightly among AD patients, Alzheimer's disrupts everyone's lives. AD can be early-onset or late-onset, depending on which point in one's life they first start to develop the symptoms.
AD is caused by a mixture of genetic factors and lifestyle choices an individual makes. Although research findings on preventative measures are not extensive, scientists have time and time again emphasized the importance of healthy, balanced diets, brain stimulation, and social interactions.
TAKE ACTION
Alzheimer's is certainly a huge threat, and the future against it may seem dim from a medical standpoint, but it is important to maintain hope even in the darkest of situations. We must do what we can to support research on Alzheimer's Disease, which is significantly underfunded with respect to the revolutionary work that needs to be done. If you are willing and able to, you can donate to the GoFundMe Campaign that the Elderly Embrace Care Network started (https://www.gofundme.com/f/anti-alzheimers). All funds are directed to dementia research and each donation is appreciated. If you know anyone who suffers from AD or is a caregiver of someone with AD, seek ways to help them out in any way possible.
THANK YOU FOR READING
It is important that we educate ourselves on such a pressing issue. I have included my sources I referenced for this article as well as links for more information, so if you would like to learn more about AD, be sure to check them out. If you have any questions, feel free to contact info.elderlyembrace@gmail.com, and we can have some discussion on this important topic.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Sources referenced for this article:
Resources for more information: