Alzheimer s Disease And Its Effects On The American...

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most devastating degenerative diseases affecting the American population. It is one form of dementia. Dementia is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and judgment. Symptoms include forgetfulness, limited social skills, and thinking abilities so impaired that it interferes with daily functioning. Alzheimer has very few treatment options even though it is increasing globally. Recently environmental exposures have been studied as a catalyst for the onset of the disease. This paper will review how genetic, biological, medication and sociological factors can increase the risk of Alzheimer onset. Even though Alzheimer s is being researched, it was not a commonly known disease and many aspects of it remain intangible. In 1901 Auguste D. family brought her to Dr. Alzheimer’s after noticing Auguste problem with memory, impaired comprehension, and unpredictable behavior. Dr. Alzhe imer treated Auguste till her death in 1906. He performed an autopsy on her brain and discovered dramatic shrinkage of the cerebral cortex, atrophied brain cells, fatty deposits in blood vessels, neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques. Plaques and tangles in the brain are two of the main features of Alzheimer’s disease. The third is the loss of connections between neurons in the brain. (https://www.nia.nih.gov/.../alzheimers_disease_fact_sheet_ Scientists have long thought that environmental andShow MoreRelatedThe Graying Of Our Population879 Words   |  4 PagesThe Graying of our Population A country is considered to be graying when the average age of its citizens rises to the point at which the majority of the population is considered to be older. The largest generation of Americans were born between 1946 and 1964. The people that were born during the 18 year period are referred to as Baby Boomers. 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