Understanding Alzheimer's
By Jonathan Parry
Alzheimer's disease is still an extremely controversial subject as there is no known cause and no known cure. But thanks to microscopes, laser scans and a multitude of other medical advances, there really is no controversy about what part of the body Alzheimer's affects, and that is the brain. Alzheimer's essentially causes a loss of brain tissue over time that starts with a person forgetting simple things and progresses to fully fledged dementia. The big question that everyone wants to know is what causes Alzheimer's and what can be done to prevent it?
The only real consensus about Alzheimer's that scientists and experts can agree upon is that it appears that family history and age play a big part. While Alzheimer's is best known as a disease that affects the elderly population, there is a form of the disease called Early Onset Alzheimer's which effects people in their 30's and 40's and sometimes even younger.
The majority of cases, however, are in older people and unfortunately the older you get, the higher the chances are of you suffering from Alzheimer's. At the age of 65, it's thought that the chances of developing the disease are at about one and a half percent. At age 70, the risk goes up to three and a half percent and by age 75, it balloons to almost seven percent. While a strong correlation between Alzheimer's and anything else appears weak, age does seem to be a trigger.
The only other agreed upon trigger for Alzheimer's appears to be genetic. If a family member suffered from Alzheimer's, then chances are you might, as well. Looking at the numbers, if your mother or father suffered from Alzheimer's or if a brother or sister did, the chances of you developing it go up by two to three and a half times as much. And the more people in your family that develop it, the bigger the chances are of you developing it, as well.
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There are a few other widely accepted connections between Alzheimer's and genetics, such as certain defects on a particular chromosome that has been linked to Alzheimer's, as well as the numbers of particular proteins in the body has been shown to be a somewhat reliable marker for possible Alzheimer's development.
Once you leave the comfort zone of age and genetics, the cause of Alzheimer's is anyone's guess. Scattered studies have shown a connection between stress and Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's, diet and Alzheimer's, some links that show aluminium poisoning from drinking fluorinated water can cause Alzheimer's and even one study showed that smoking (the nicotine in tobacco) actually helps protect the body against Alzheimer's. No one knows at this point what really causes Alzheimer's, but medical science will not rest until more concrete links are found.
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The Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease is a disease that impairs the brain and causes memory loss, particularly in the elderly. What in effect happens is that nerve cells in the brain die manifesting itself with symptoms of memory loss. Nerve cells are crucial to the process of recall. Although the disease develops slowly it will eventually lead to death. Alzheimer's disease is the 9th most common cause of death for those who are 65 years old or more. It is worth noting that the average time from diagnosis till death is approximately 8 years, although some suffers have lived for 20 years, before the disease leads to death.
Alzheimer's Disease and Music Therapy
Activities for Alzheimers patients will often depend on the stages of Alzheimer's disease that the person is at. Alzheimer disease and music therapy are now used in many cases with some amazing results. One of the most remarkable things about this sad disease is the joy and comfort that Alzheimer's disease and music therapy can bring, my late Gran suffered from Alzheimer's in her latter years and my Dad used to always play some old songs on a Wednesday night.
New Brain Health Roadmap Announced
On June 10th something wonderful happened, and the media hasn't paid much attention yet. On that day, the National Public Health Road Map to Maintaining Cognitive Health was released by the CDC and the Alzheimer's Association. IN this article, I want to first share with you the 10 top actions proposed by this report, and then provide a quick glossary to explain the key words that you will hear more and more when discussing brain health.
Caring For Parents With Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease directly affects about four million people in the United States, though it affects many more of us indirectly. While we may not be suffering from the disease personally, many of us are in a position where it has become necessary to care for someone with Alzheimer's.
Therapy Pets Prove Soothing to People With Alzheimer's
The recent win of Diamond Jim, an English Springer spaniel, at the Westminster Kennel Club's annual top dog competition in New York City brought attention to an increased calling for select pets across the country; serving as therapy dogs for people with Alzheimer's and other disabling ailments. The dog, commonly called James, is retiring from the show world to live the life of a therapy dog. James and his human partner have already worked with people with Alzheimer's, proving a soothing presence in nursing homes where they visit.
Helpful and Fun Activities For Patients With Alzhemier's Disease
If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease or even someone living with this disease there are some easy and fun activities that you can do to help ward off the effects of Alzheimer's disease. These activities will help to keep your brain active, flexible and alert.
Alzheimers Info To Make Your Life Easier
Probably one of the most difficult things you'll every have to do, is care for someone with Alzheimers. The reality that the person with Alzheimers is likely very close to you, only makes the task more challenging. Being armed with as much Alzheimers info as possible, and knowing where you can turn to if you need more help or information can make a world of difference. Being someone who cares for another human being puts you into a category with a high degree of burnout. It can be a stressful, thankless job. You need to stack the odds in your favor as much as possible.
Heavy Metal Anchors Alzheimer's in Your Brain
Heavy metals and aluminum are in every part of our environment and food. These elements are deadly and you will benefit if you are aware of what they do where they come from.
Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
As most of us grow older, it's normal to fear the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Millions of people around the globe suffer from its affects daily and since it is a disease that is so closely associated with growing older, it's natural to think that it is going to happen to you, especially if you have a family history of Alzheimer's in your family. There are signs of Alzheimer's disease that you can watch out for.
Do Elevated Homocysteine Levels Increase Risk For Alzheimer's Disease?
A natural amino acid called homosysteine has recently been linked to several age related diseases. Some researchers believe it may also be linked to the onset of Alzheimer's Disease.
