Alzheimer Disease Not Just Memory Loss

Alchemist's Disease: Not Just Memory Loss Introduction Memory loss is like an old age where it is a condition which mankind has always reluctantly recognized and always – with resignation. Memory loses are sometimes trivial and meaningless and go unrecognized. However, when these losses are so great that a person does not know who or where they are the concerns are quite grave. Although It Is realize that Alchemist's disease destroys the brain memory function, many do not realize precisely how the memory is destroyed once one is aware of the process; it becomes faster to work forward to alleviate the destruction.Walkout memory there Is no knowledge to recreate or reproduce past perception, emotions, thoughts and actions that are so vital to live a full and functioning life. Memory is the key that unlocks doors that keep us functioning, not only mentally but physically. Discussion As a new era dawns upon us many people find themselves asking the question; â€Å"What is Alchemi st's Disease? † Alchemist's Disease today affects almost all people in some way. Since the amount of lives this disease affects continues to increase epidemiologists have named Alchemist's Disease, â€Å"The Disease tot the Century†. Edwardian, 2007, IPPP-362) In 1906 a German neurologist Allis Alchemies performed a neurological autopsy on a 56-year-old woman who had suffered deteriorating mental health for many years before her death. Alchemies noticed a disorientation of nerve cells in her cerebral cortex, the area of the brain responsible for controlling memory and reasoning. There were two oddities he found. The first was an accumulation of cellular debris surrounding the nerves he called this senile plaque. The second oddity were groups of nerves that were bunched and twisted he called this neurotically tangles.In the following years as more autopsies were inducted the same oddities that were found in 1906 were found in patients displaying the same symptoms. At tha t time a prestigious German psychiatrist, Emil Grapnel, proposed naming the disease In honor of Its discoverer Also Alchemies. (First 2008, #6-88) Alchemist's Disease American's Disease is a chronic brain disorder that destroys one's ability to reason, remember, imagine and learn. The disease Is also known as â€Å"senile dementia† or â€Å"pre-senile dementia†. Dementia refers to the lost tot mental health. The term â€Å"senile† meaner old. Pre-Senile† refers to those patients less than 65 years of Lesions on brain cells that take the form of senile plaques and neurotically age. Tangles cause Alchemist's Disease. Healthy brain tissue is normally arranged in an organized pattern These knots and tangles throw the brain into mass confusion taking over and destroying healthy brain tissue. This causes the brain cells to stop functioning. Recently a protein Taut NAS been discovered in these tangles and knots This protein is found in healthy brain cells, but is found in much larger quantities surrounding areas affected by this disease.Other ailments have been linked to the onset of the disease. These include head trauma, problems with the immune system, blood cancer, thyroid problems and Downs Syndrome. Stages of Alchemist's Disease There are four distinct stages of progression. The progression of Alchemist's can take from three to fourteen years. This time span is based on the time from diagnosis to death. All patients go through these stages Just at different rates. The first stage of Alchemist's the patient experiences a slowing down of many factors of behavior. They have less energy, slow to learn new things, and their reaction time decreases.Patients experience only mild forgetfulness of recent events, familiar people and places. They have a decrease in Judgment, and trust. Also, they become increasingly stubborn and restless. Many people are unaware of the presence of a disease because frequently memory loss is common in the elderly due to fatigue or a period of sickness. (Gel, 2006, Pl 393-1400) In the second stage the patient becomes increasingly forgetful and has more trouble recalling recent occurrences. They have difficulty in skills such as decision making, planning and Judgment.The patient's speech and comprehension become much slower and often loose their train of thought often. They are usually able to complete common tasks but need assistance with more complicated ones. They must be given clear and repeated instructions by caregivers. Victims start to become aware of illness and become depressed, irritable, restless, and socially withdrawn. In the third stage Alchemies patients loose all ability to recognize familiar people and places. They have trouble completing simple everyday tasks like eating, bathing, getting dressed and using the toilet.They lack interest in personal hygiene and loose all sexual instincts. They have difficulty communicating verbally. Patients are easily agitated and deny they are ill. The fourth stage of Alchemist's Disease is the stage that ultimately leads to death. Patients are unable to recognize themselves and close family members. They become bedridden; and only slight useless movements are made. The only way of communication they use is screaming out. Diagnosis of Alchemist's Disease Diagnosis of this disease is very difficult. Doctors are only 100% certain of the presence of the disease from autopsies after death.Diagnosis is based on the lodgment of physicians and their experience with Alchemist's Disease. Current accuracy of correct diagnosis is 90%. Recently they have discovered a way to test the level of Taut protein; this has helped with correct diagnosis. Sometimes mental tests are run to test the memory, learning skills, language skills, and the ability to follow instructions. (Harmon, 2005, Pl 55-187) Many people also question the heredity of the disease. It has been found that some forms of the disease are hereditary. The â€Å"Pre-Seni le† Alchemist's which usually sets on in a person around 40, 50 years of age is found to be hereditary.There are three types of genetic proteins that have been inked to Alchemies patient's pollinate E, E, and E. Those who inherit E have a higher chance of developing the disease. One scientist, Barbara Talon, has discovered the tissue found in the upper nose goes through the same changes that the cerebral cortex tissue goes through. She plans on tinning oh it t t his tissue taunt in the nose deteriorates at the same rate of that found in Alchemies patients. If so this could lead to the early diagnosis of Alchemist's. Treatment of Alchemist's Disease Currently treatment is focusing on slowing progressions and coping with symptoms.One drug, THAT, is a drug that helps to boost levels of acetylene's, a chemical that is involved in memory. Two FDA approved drugs being tested are Tactile and O'Donnell these drugs are also to help memory. Although, these drugs cause side affects, O'Do nnell is found to cause nausea, cramps and lose of appetite. Estrogen for women has been found to have a positive affect on Alchemies patients mental decline. It helps memory, language skills, and the ability to concentrate. Nicotine has also been found to slow the formation of senile plaque, improve memory, learning and concentration.Doctors do not suggest this use of treatment at all; nicotine causes lung cancer, emphysema, high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. Currently 4 million people in America have been diagnosed with Alchemist's Disease. It is projected with the aging â€Å"Baby Boomers† that 14 million people will be diagnosed in the upcoming years. (Sails, 2008, app-43) Drugs to Aid in the Treatment There are currently two drugs to aid in the treatment of Alchemist's disease. These drugs are only effective during the first couple years of the disease. The drugs are called Cogent and Airiest.Both of these drugs work by increasing a chemical in he brain that works with memory. They do not cure the disease, but they do produce some improvement in patients. This disease is obviously a horrible one. It can rip a family apart, and there is nothing that can be done about it. Hopefully, one day a cure will be found, but in the mean time, Alchemies ¤? ¬was disease has total control over a person who is afflicted with it. It also has control over the family of the person afflicted with it. Almost everyone in this country has some sort of tie to this disease, and this is why more research should be done in hopes of finding a cure.This asses affects 10% of those over 65 years old and 50% of those over the age of 85. One-Half of those living in nursing homes are living with Alchemist's. Seven out of 10 patients live at home; family members care for 75% of them; the other 25% of them are cared for by hired caregivers. It has also been found that 55% of caregivers show some signs of depression. Alchemist's occurs more often in women and in Afri can Americans or Hispanics. (Sloane, 2007, app-132) Alchemist's Disease – A Costly Disease Alchemist's Disease is a very costly disease; it is the third most costly disease after heart conditions and cancer.In 1998 the U. S. Government spent approximately $90 billion on medical care and $400 billion to research. This disease costs a family $174,000 a year on care giving and another $42,000 a year on nursing homes. Medicare is a retirement benefit to those over 65 years old. Medicare does cover some the costs to provide help to the patient such as nursing homes. The extent of help varies by state. When seeking help people find themselves asking, â€Å"Where should I go? † â€Å"When should I go? † When you tell that a Tamil member may nave the disease or in need of mental attention you should first see you family physician.The physician will determine if they believe the problem to be Alchemist's. You should also bring medical records and a list of all medication the patient is on because certain medications or the combinations of medications may resemble Alchemist's. In every community there are services offered to assist those people affected by Alchemist's, for patients, family and caregivers. The Illness And The Caregivers Alchemist's disease affects the person with the illness and the caregivers. It is estimated that 1-4 people are caregivers. The disease has a long duration which impacts more on the caregivers.It can cause a great deal of emotional stress to caregivers. It also has a financial impact on those who provide care for patients suffering from Alchemist's disease. It is estimated that the national costs of caring for patients with Alchemist's disease is $100 billion. It can also indirectly cause loss productivity, absenteeism and worker replacement. (Edwardian, 2007, IPPP-362) Many people with Alchemist's disease do well at home during the initial stages. However eventually there is the need for long term care facilities. Lo ng term care is defined as help from family and friends.It can also mean regular visits by home health aides. It might also mean moving the patient to an assisted or nursing home that can provide twenty four medical attentions. There are two major types of long term facilities for Alchemies disease patients. One of them is Nursing home which provides room and board with twenty four hour skilled care. A licensed nurse provides this type of care. There are special units for people with Alchemist's disease. The environments, activities, philosophy of care and staff training are based upon the needs of Alchemist's disease patients.Nursing homes usually have rained and supportive staff who have knowledge about how to adjust to the patient. They have information about each patient to individualize care and to eliminate behavioral symptoms. There are special activities which reduce anxiety and agitation. A nursing home has pleasing sights, sounds and smells. They also have a low noise leve l and non glare lighting. Some facilities also have security measures to prevent wandering. Another type of long term facility is assisted living. This type of facility is suitable for people who require personal care and general guidance but do not require any specialized medical care.They are good for people with moderate functional impairment. This type of long term care promotes self direction and participation in decisions. It also focuses on independence, privacy and dignity. It attempts to create a home based environment. It is an attractive option for patients who seek assistance and independence at the same time. (First, 2008, app-88) Conclusion In conclusion Alchemist's disease is a very serious condition that affects many people. They do not know what causes this disease or why people get it, due to the fact that there is a chance for anyone to get this disease.People must take recreation and seek the advice of healthcare professionals to be tested for this disease. This way they have a chance to go on living there lives for as long as possible. If they do not seek care then they have a lesser chance of living a longer life. Obviously, knowledge regarding Alchemist's disease has progressed far from thinking that it is Just a loss tot memory. Choosing the best type tot long term care can be difficult for caregivers. Assisted living facilities are the best option for people with early stages of the disease. Nursing home facilities are best for patients who suffer from advanced stages of the disease.This disease produces a full-blown dementia in its patients and affects millions of people and their families. These people and their families have special needs. Consequently, programs, environments, and care approaches must reflect this uniqueness. Developing an effective care/service plan for a person with dementia requires careful assessment of that person, a detailed plan, and attention to the individualized needs of persons with dementia. Alchemist's disease can cause emotional and financial stress to the patient and the caregivers. However there are many choices available which can improve the quality of life.