Alzheimer’s Disease
1) A progressive brain disorder that produces loss of memory and confusion.
2) Approx. 100,000 people in the US die each year.
3) 19% of people age 75-84 have Alzheimer’s disease
4) Nearly half of people over the age of 85 are affected by the disease.
5) Approx 14 million people will be victims of Alzhe by 2050 if a cure is not found.
6) Symptoms are gradual
7) Best way to diagnosis Alzhe is thru Brain biopsy or autopsy.
8) Difficulties for care givers (e.g., become secondary victims of the disease).
9) Most promising drugs are related to the loss of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (Ach) that occurs in some forms of the Alzeh disease.
10) These include: Aricept, tacrine, Exelon and Razadyne).
11) Stages of Alzheimer’s:
A) Stage 1: lasts 2-4 yrs, short terms memory loss.
B) Stage 2: Lasts 2-10 years). Flat or labile mood, retrograde and /or anterograde amnesia.
C) Stage 3: Lasts 1-3 years. There is serious impairment in most areas; daily care, feed and cloth themselves, control bowel and bladder).
12) Most research suggest that Alzeh is an inherited disorder, but nongenetic factors (e.g., high blood pressure, diet) may increase susceptibility to the disease.
13) Eventually patients are confused, unable to speak, recognize family,
14) Initially victims are cognizant of their loss: cognitive deficits, memories, etc; they may become depressed, irritable, fear, and anxious.
15) Most Alzeh end their lives living in nursing homes. Patient’s with Alzeh make up 2/3 of those in nursing homes!!! 24 hour care is needed.
16) Alzeh disease is the most common form of dementia accounting for just over half of all dementia cases. Alzeh Dementia is more prevalent in women.