WRITING PROCESS

ALZHEIMERS IN THE NOW

SAMANTHA GOINS

WHAT IS THIS DISEASE?

Alzheimers is a neurodegenerative disease in the brain that
causes severe memory loss and inhibits the ability for normal
functioning. Over the years the cases of Alzheimers has
steadily increased. Today there are approximately five million
people in the U.S suffering from this disease.

BETA-AMYLOID PLAQUES AND

NEUROFIBRILLARY TANGLES
Primary markers of the development of Alzheimers have
been identified as amyloid beta plaques (clumps) and
neurofibrillary tangles formed by abnormal protein deposits
in the brain. These markers have been shown to inhibit
neurons from successfully sending nerve signals throughout
the brain.

HOW IT OCCURS
Scientists have found reasoning that the damage to the brain
caused by Alzheimers develops almost a decade before
symptoms begin to show. The damage seems to begin in the
hippocampus, which is the center for emotion, memory, and
the autonomic nervous system. Over the process of the
disease, the damage spreads over the entire brain. In the
later stages, the brain has been fully affected, and in turn has
sustained significant tissue shrinkage.

GENE PREDISPOSITION
A gene known as apoliprotein E (APOE4) has been affiliated
with late-onset (age 65 and above) Alzheimers. You can
receive an APOE4 gene from each of your parents. Receiving
this gene from each parent puts you at a higher risk. Though
there is a link between the gene and development of the
disease, these genes are not definite causes, but rather risk
factors.

SYMPTOMS IN STAGES

categorized by being
primarily independent, losing or
misplacing valuable objects, and
difficulty planning and organizing
mild (early-stage):

typically the longest, the

victim is susceptible to frustration and
anger, increased tendency to wander,
confusion, repetitiveness, and
impairments of reasoning

moderate (middle-stage):

no longer responding to
their environment, require full-time care
and assistance in daily activities

severe (late-stage):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIOV4-J3cSY

DIAGNOSIS
Different types of tests are used together to help
form a diagnosis, each serving a purpose in the
process:

The Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE):

Assesses many different mental
abilities ranging from attention span to
the ability to understand instructions. It
includes exercises such a memorizing
and repeating lists, and writing
grammatically correct sentences. Its
purpose is to measure the mental
impairment created by the disease

DIAGNOSIS
CT and MRI scans : rule out
other possible causes of
symptoms, such as tumors.
The MRI can also detect
brain shrinkage, which has
been identified as a result of
Alzheimers.

DIAGNOSIS
EEG: Useful by measuring
brain activity: Moderate
Alzheimers shows many
fluctuations and severe
shows minimal activity

MEDICATIONS/TIPS
There are no current cures
Common medications for the moderate stages of Alzheimers
are Razadyne and Aricept, that function as inhibitors to the
progression
Healthy Lifestyle: minimal refined sugars and saturated fats,
water consumption, diet full of rich nutrients and
antioxidants, physical and mental exercise

CURRENT CLINICAL TRIAL

The 2015 Alzheimers Association Annual Conference concluded that a new delayed
start analysis shown in the trial for solanezumab, a drug, may have the ability to
slow the progression or prevent the disease. It is part of the A4 international trial.
Sixty hospitals are searching for 1000 patients that show no current memory loss,
but that have brain scan indicating that they are susceptible to Alzheimers in the
future. Their scans make this predetermination by referencing the build-up of
amyloid beta plaques. The goal of this trial is for solanzumab to destroy the amyloid
before it destroys the brain. Preventing the build-up of amyloid beta plaques can
prevent memory loss. Also through research, another toxic protein known as Tau,
similar to amyloid beta-plaques, has been linked to the development of Alzheimers.

ALZHEIMERS ASSOCIATION
Advances research to end Alzheimer's and dementia while
enhancing care for those living with the disease