Alzheimer's disease is a condition primarily associated with elderly patients. The disease targets women more often than men. The University of Washington states that approximately five to six percent of the U.S. population suffers from Alzheimer's or dementia of related origin.
Types
There are two types of Alzheimer's disease: early and late onset. Both of these types affect the human brain in the same way. The only difference between the two is the age at which symptoms become apparent. Early onset Alzheimer's occurs prior to age 65. Late onset Alzheimer's begins after age 65.
Beginning Stage
During the beginning stages of Alzheimer's, the nerves cells of the brain are affected by a lack of acetycholine, which is a neurotransmitter. The nerve cells are responsible for memory and learning. When the lack of acetycholine is coupled with the abnormally high protein and fiber, the neurons become damaged and die. This leads to short-term memory loss.
Advanced Stage
As the disease advances to the late stage, it begins to attack the brain tissue in much the same way. Once this process begins, the patient will begin to experience personality and behavioral changes. In some cases, the Alzheimer's patient may experience loss of bodily functions. Conditions such as urinary and fecal incontinence are the most commonly affected bodily functions.
Medication
Researchers are constantly working on ways to prevent or cure Alzheimer's. The most effective treatment thus far is cholinesterase inhibitors, which stops or slows the production of cholinesterase. Once the production of this chemical is slowed or stopped, the body can't breakdown the acetylcholine. This can slow the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease but, it won't cure it.
Tags: Alzheimer disease, bodily functions, lack acetycholine, onset Alzheimer