Alzheimers( A Forgetful Topic)
By: Ethan Vega of 1st Period
Reason for Topic
The reason i chose this topic is because this topic seems to be the most popular to me out of the ones given. I have had friends and seen on various occasions people who suffer from this depressing disorder. With research, i will most likely be able to see how Alzheimer's are affected in the daily life and how it affects their brain as well. Also, this research will most likely be abke to give others a deeper understanding into the severity of Alzheimer's and see just how a disorder like this occurs out of nowhere.
What is It?
Alzheimer's Disease is defined as irreversible and progressive disease that is capable of destroying memory and cognitive function. This disease can occurs in people of their mid 60 and is ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in America. Also, Alzheimer's is the leading cause of dementia in older adults which is the loss of cognitive thinking and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily activities.
The Brain( The Prey)
Alzheimer's causes nerve death within the brain and tissue lost which can lead to the brain shriveling and shrinking over time, losing most of its functions. Here are some parts being destroyed by this disease:
- Cortex- When damaged, it hurts areas involving thinking, planning and remembering.
- Hippo campus- Severe part of the cortex which plays a key part in the formation of new memories
- Also, the ventricles grow larger, which is the fluid filled spaces within the brain.
Theories
One theory is that pre-exisiting conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can cause a high rate of contracting Alzheimer's. Another is that a protein called tau is deformed and can be destroyed which is bad because they gives the cells in your body its shape and function.
People Involved in The Alzheimer's Disease Contreversy
Alois Alzheimer
Founder of Alzheimer's disease
Augeste Deter
First Person Diagnosed with Alzheimers
Max Knoll and Ernst Ruska
Co invented the electronic microscope
Research
As of my research the following were treatments or experiments used on patience with Alzheimer's before:
- Nasal Spray
- Hormone Replacement therapy
- Applied Behavioral Analysis
- Light therapy
- serotonin receptor antagonists
- Deep brain simulation
Suprising and Interesting Facts
- In the US, 5 million people are living with Alzheimer's.
- Of all Americans 65 and older, 1 of every 9 people have this disease
- Every 68 someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's
- Approximately 65% of caregivers travel long distance to care for their loved one
- More than 60% of the caregiver rate, the emotional stress can range from high to very high.
- 2/3 of the Americans suffering from Alzheimer's are women.
For More Information: Go TO:
Works Cited
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
- https://www.alz.org/braintour/healthy_vs_alzheimers.asp
- http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/the-10-theories-behind-alzheimers-disease
- http://www.about-axona.com/us/en/cgp/cgp-articles/six-interesting-facts-about-alzheimers-disease.html
- http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/alzheimersdisease/alzheimersdisease.htm
- https://www.alz.org/braintour/healthy_vs_alzheimers.asp
- http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/the-10-theories-behind-alzheimers-disease
- http://www.about-axona.com/us/en/cgp/cgp-articles/six-interesting-facts-about-alzheimers-disease.html
- http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/alzheimersdisease/alzheimersdisease.htm