A Perspective On Alzheimer s Disease - 1610 Words

A PERSPECTIVE ON ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Introduction Alzheimer s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting almost 500,000 people in the UK. The term dementia describes a loss of mental ability associated with gradual death of brain cells (NHS, 2013). This essay, provides an overview of Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on the amyloid hypothesis, which states that the accumulation and deposition of fibrillar -amyloid (beta-amyloid) is the primary driver of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline leading to dementia (Tanzi, 2005). Neurodegeneration is the progressive damage of nerve cells (News medical, 2014), and cognitive decline is a situation in which an individual’s ability to process thoughts and learn†¦show more content†¦As Alzheimer is a progressive condition, it is usually difficult to identify it or recognize there is a problem with the person in question. In places like Africa where little is known about both dementia and Alzheimer, most people associate the signs and symptoms of Al zheimer’s disease with old age (since it affects mostly people above the age of 65). And thus, thinking it is natural, they do nothing about it. This might also be due to the fact that Alzheimer’s disease is rarer in Africa (developing countries in general) than in other parts of the world. It has been discovered that both environmental and cultural factors have a role in the acquisition of Alzheimer (Josefson, 2001). Besides, it is very important to diagnose Alzheimer early, so as to have the best chance of preparing for the future. Unfortunately, up to date, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, medications which can slow down the development of the disease and improve symptoms, are available, although these medications target the symptoms and not the disease itself. People who have contracted Alzheimer’s disease live for around 8 to 10 years on average. Some people might be luckier and live longer, but others not. Although Alzhei mer’s disease is dangerous, it is not usually the main cause of death. Pneumonia, for example, is