Alzheimer's Disease
This page on HealthMBA.com is about the tragic effects of Alzheimer's disease on millions of people worldwide, the best ways to cope with the effects, and the optimism for treatment and prevention of the disease.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) progressively deteriorates the functions of the brain that slowly and irreversibly destroys cognitive abilities down to even the most simple tasks. It is not a normal part of growing old but is a disease that leads to dementia and afflicts individuals predominantly over the age of 60. Without AD getting in the was we can enjoy sharp mental capacities well past our one hundredth birthday. Although it doesn't seem to create a direct physical threat, it does profoundly effect the lives of those around the sufferer, especially the family. For a sufferer of Alzheimer's disease the gradual loss of lifelong memories and the erosion of relating with reality causes tremendous distress for those close to the affected. The disease invariably leads to death as the brain wastes away completely. It is estimated that 18 million people suffer from the disease worldwide, and it is more common in developed societies that have a longer life span.
There is currently no cure for the disease, but many prominent researchers are optimistic that they will development treatment or even a means of preventing the condition. Dr. Stanley Pruisner was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1997 for his research in the abnormal development of prions, proteins that occur normally, but can have a detrimental effect once they malfunction. This happens at a very small, fundamental level of the body's chemistry, but it is possible that regulating the function of prions could have bearing of the development of the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease. This research is still underway, and as the citizens of many countries enjoy longer life spans the number of cases continues to increase, reaching an estimated 34 million people worldwide by the year 2025. It does not seem to be an immediate threat since the condition develops and degrades slowly, but it robs a person and their loved ones years of rich and fulfilling experiences.
There are only limited treatments for the disease and at this time they do
very little to slow the effects of the disease. For now the best way to cope
with the effects is for the family to be understanding and supportive while
seeking professional counseling to deal with the emotions and the practical
challenges. Most often it will be distressing both to the bearer of Alzheimer's
disease and those close to the individual. The afflicted will become forgetful
and lose some of their earlier mental facilities. They may even become alienated
from close friends and families as they no longer recognize the familiar faces,
though they will become much more dependent for everyday care. It is crucial
for the close friends and family to still be there for them, to show support,
and give great patience for their seemingly irrational behavior. They can also
help by putting helpful things around the house to simplify tasks, such as
a telephone with photos next to the speed dial buttons and safety devices to
reduce the risk of falling. Alzheimer's is a tragic disease in that loved ones
can only watch as the sufferer slowly drifts away, but they can spend that
time to genuinely be there and lovingly support them.
