Alzheimer's Disease, a Family Trait Research Paper

Alzheimers Disease, a Family Trait - Research Paper ExampleIt is characterized by difference of memory, apathy, depression, stricken judgment, confusion, difficulty in controlling behavior, and in walking, speaking and swallowing. The Alzheimers Association, a non-profit organization based in Chicago, lists ten warning signs that could point to an early onset of Alzheimers. The most typical sign of the distemper 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 signifi buttockst sign of early onset Alzheimers is losing the ability to do phone number tasks involving numbers such as balancing a checkbook or paying monthly bills. chance(a) 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 o f Alzheimers. Once these symptoms are observed, a visit to the doctor becomes very necessary. Although it has been more than 100 years since Alzheimers disease was identified, studies on its causes, discussion and symptoms started only thirty years ago. In persons with the disease, protein deposits called beta-amyloid accumulate outside of the neurons in the brain, while tau, another protein accumulates indoors the neurons. The neurons comprise the typeface cells which are responsible for communicating information or signals to the brain. The nerve cells are committed 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 contribute accumulation 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 c ellular flow, which also result in cell death. Imbalance among 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 increased when polygenic mutations are present in the genetic make-up of certain individuals. People with this type are utter 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 eminent cholesterol levels. A medical history of Alzheimers a lso improves the chances of getting the disease, especially when a bear 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 victuals 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