Alzheimer's Disease, a Family Trait Research Paper

Alzheimers Disease, a Family Trait - Research Paper ExampleIt is characterized by exit of memory, apathy, depression, impaired judgment, confusion, difficulty in controlling behavior, and in walking, verbalise and swallowing. The Alzheimers Association, a non-profit organization based in Chicago, lists ten warning signs that could point to an other(a) onset of Alzheimers. The most typical sign of the illness is loss of memory that is not distinct from age-related forgetfulness. Alzheimers memory loss is characterized by forgetting important dates or events and not remembering these later. Another significant sign of early onset Alzheimers is losing the ability to do routine tasks involving numbers such as equilibrate a checkbook or paying monthly bills. Daily tasks are difficult to complete, whether at home or at work. Problems with vision and in speaking or writing, having sudden mood swings, and being suddenly anti-social are also associated with early signs of Alzheimers. Onc e these symptoms are observed, a visit to the doctor becomes very necessary. Although it has been to a greater extent than 100 years since Alzheimers infirmity was identified, studies on its causes, treatment and symptoms started only thirty years ago. In persons with the disorder, protein deposits called beta-amyloid accumulate outside of the neurons in the brain, while tau, some other protein accumulates interior the neurons. The neurons comprise the nerve cells which are responsible for communicating info or signals to the brain. The nerve cells are connected to each other by synapses, where the information flows in tiny pulses. The brain has trillions of these synapses for creation of memories, movements, emotions, sensations and thoughts. In Alzheimers disease, the synapses have assembly of beta-amyloid proteins that lead to interference in the transfer of information and the death of the neurons. Tau proteins inside the nerve cells also block nutrient and cellular flow, which also result in cell death. Imbalance between the removal of the beta amyloid proteins and the accumulation result in the formation of the neurofibrillary tangles. The brains of people with Alzheimers disease are littered with dead and dying neurons. Risk factors The chance of getting Alzheimers is change magnitude when heritable mutations are present in the genetic make-up of certain individuals. People with this type are said to have familial Alzheimers disease symptoms of the disease can be observed starting at age 30. However, this genetic and heritable type occurs in only 1% of the cases. Risk factors for the disease have been identified (Alzheimers Association, 2011). The primary risk factor is advancing age. Other risk factors are family history of Alzheimers, a specific form of apolipoprotein E-?4, having mild cognitive impairment, head trauma, and the presence of cardiovascular disease factors like high cholesterol levels. A medical history of Alzheimers also improves the chances of getting the disease, especially when a direct family member (parent or sibling) is afflicted with the disease. The correlation with apolipoprotein E-?4, and cardiovascular disease factors with the disease imply that lifestyle and diet can also contribute to disease development. Biochemical, genetic and medical history tests have been formulated that can actually predict the risk of having Alzheimers later in life. Family members of patients with Alzheimer