Early onset Alzheimer’s is defined as the development of Alzheimer’s before a person 65-years-old. In fact, some people as young as 40 or 50-years-old can develop early onset Alzheimer’s. However, it most commonly begins when a person is in their 50s.
Genetics And Early Onset Alzheimer’s
While it is possible for genetics to play a role in early onset Alzheimer’s, it is a very small chance that this is going to happen. These people have a defective gene on chromosome 1, 14 or 21. This seems to be what triggers early onset Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, only 1 copy of the gene from either parent is required for a person to be affected by early onset Alzheimer’s. It happens because these genetic mutations produce beta-amyloid, which is a protein. Whenever the production of this protein is disrupted early online Alzheimer’s occurs.
Only a really small group of families actually has a fault in this chromosome. These families are mostly found within the United States. They are descendants of German immigrants who came from the Volga River Valley.
The Connection Between Downs Syndrome And Early Onset Alzheimer’s
Unfortunately there is also a clear connection between Down's syndrome and early onset Alzheimer’s. This is most likely due to the fact that Down's syndrome is caused by a genetic abnormality that takes place in chromosome 21. Research has been done that show that 50% of those people who have Down’s syndrome will eventually develop Alzheimer’s whenever they are between the ages of 50 and 60-years-old. This is a definite increase over those people who do not have Down's syndrome.
Testing For Early Onset Alzheimer’s
You may be wondering whether or not you should get yourself tested. Well, it is actually very difficult to get genetic testing done for this because there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s as of yet. Therefore, it really is a personal decision that you will have to make. Only you can really decide whether or not there is any advantage to you or your family in knowing that you have a greater than average possibility of developing Alzheimer’s at an early age. You also need to understand that even if these tests show that you are at higher risk, they still will not tell you at what age you will develop early onset Alzheimer’s. It will be difficult even for yourself to gage this as the development can vary by as much as 2 decades.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Alzheimers Nursing Homes Help Provide Proper Care
Many Alzheimers patients who have reached a point in the disease’s aggression find the need to be admitted into Alzheimers nursing homes to help them with every day living tasks. While family members can offer a certain degree of care at home, there may be special circumstances in which the family members are not able to care for the patient and Alzheimers nursing homes may be the best place for them.
From the family’s point of view, it may not always seem like the best option and many feel helpless because they are physically or mentally unable to provide the constant care the patient needs. As the patient digresses where they can no longer control bodily functions or angry outbreaks, placing them in Alzheimers nursing homes may be the best thing the family can do for the patient. No longer included as part of traditional nursing homes, Alzheimers nursing homes may also be able to offer specific treatments to help the disease’s symptoms.
Doctors and nurses trained to address the needs of Alzheimer’s patients make up the staff at Alzheimers nursing homes and are better trained to meet their needs. They are also better equipped to explain the circumstances and progress of the disease to family members.
Proper Treatment Helps Maintain Dignity
With a loved one in Alzheimers nursing homes some family members are concerned about the patient’s quality of life as well as their feeling of dignity. While they are unable to accomplish many of the daily activities such as feeding themselves, taking their medication and even getting out of bed to go to the bathroom, the staff at most Alzheimers nursing homes will provide all the help they need to get them through the day-to-day struggles.
Although some Alzheimers nursing homes have been known to mistreat their patients due to the nature of their ailment, government agencies and watchdog groups keep an eye on their practices to insure all patients receive the best level of care possible. Since most of the patients are unable to communicate their needs, or complaints, reliance on these groups as well as visiting family members, makes it all that more important to carefully research Alzheimers nursing homes prior to placement of a loved one.
Not everyone suffering from the disease will require constant care for an extended period, they may be able to live at home through the earliest progression of the disease, however once they reach the point that family can no longer serve as caregivers, Alzheimers nursing homes may be their only option.
From the family’s point of view, it may not always seem like the best option and many feel helpless because they are physically or mentally unable to provide the constant care the patient needs. As the patient digresses where they can no longer control bodily functions or angry outbreaks, placing them in Alzheimers nursing homes may be the best thing the family can do for the patient. No longer included as part of traditional nursing homes, Alzheimers nursing homes may also be able to offer specific treatments to help the disease’s symptoms.
Doctors and nurses trained to address the needs of Alzheimer’s patients make up the staff at Alzheimers nursing homes and are better trained to meet their needs. They are also better equipped to explain the circumstances and progress of the disease to family members.
Proper Treatment Helps Maintain Dignity
With a loved one in Alzheimers nursing homes some family members are concerned about the patient’s quality of life as well as their feeling of dignity. While they are unable to accomplish many of the daily activities such as feeding themselves, taking their medication and even getting out of bed to go to the bathroom, the staff at most Alzheimers nursing homes will provide all the help they need to get them through the day-to-day struggles.
Although some Alzheimers nursing homes have been known to mistreat their patients due to the nature of their ailment, government agencies and watchdog groups keep an eye on their practices to insure all patients receive the best level of care possible. Since most of the patients are unable to communicate their needs, or complaints, reliance on these groups as well as visiting family members, makes it all that more important to carefully research Alzheimers nursing homes prior to placement of a loved one.
Not everyone suffering from the disease will require constant care for an extended period, they may be able to live at home through the earliest progression of the disease, however once they reach the point that family can no longer serve as caregivers, Alzheimers nursing homes may be their only option.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Looking Into Alzheimer Research
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people world wide, and their loved ones. Alzheimer disease is a progressive brain disorder that has devastating results on patients. The disease was first discussed in 1906 at a medical meeting in Germany. Dr. Alois Alzheimer reported on a strange case that he had involving a 51 year old woman. This woman’s symptoms did not seem to match any in the realm of psychology. She had rapid memory loss, confusion, disorientation and was suspicious of her own family and staff members at the hospital.
When the woman died, Dr. Alzheimer performed an autopsy of her brain and was shocked to find the deterioration that had occurred. He documented what he had discovered, and the disease was named after him.
Today Alzheimer research is conducted around the world, in hopes of discovering a way to prevent, or treat this disease. Alzheimer research is opening the door to a variety of new information regarding this disease.
What Alzheimer Research Tells Us
Alzheimer research is conducted at many different clinics around the world. Yearly, Alzheimer researchers get together to discuss their findings, and make connections about what they have discovered.
Alzheimer research is leading to some interesting thoughts about Alzheimer’s. One theory that has been to spring forth is a connection between Alzheimer’s and insulin resistant Type 2 Diabetes. There seems to be some Alzheimer research to support a connection between a persons chances of getting Alzheimer’s and if they have Diabetes.
Another interesting discovery was that changes in the eye lens may indicate Alzheimer’s. The eye was exposed to a rapid non-invasive laser, and changes were noted. These were thought to correlate to the build-up on the brain of beta-amyloid. This is a plaque like substance that is found on the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferer. This test could help identify the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and help see if treatments are diminishing this build-up.
There is also Alzheimer research into a skin patch that can be used to administer a drug to help with Alzheimer’s. Caregivers preferred this patch method to the previously used pill form, and the effects seemed to be better when using the patch. This will continue to be monitored for its effectiveness. Alzheimer research takes many years when looking into new medications and ways to administer it.
Alzheimer research plays an important role in finding ways to not only treat this disease but also, discover it early enough to start treatment. Many scientists and pharmaceutical companies spend much of their time in Alzheimer research.
When the woman died, Dr. Alzheimer performed an autopsy of her brain and was shocked to find the deterioration that had occurred. He documented what he had discovered, and the disease was named after him.
Today Alzheimer research is conducted around the world, in hopes of discovering a way to prevent, or treat this disease. Alzheimer research is opening the door to a variety of new information regarding this disease.
What Alzheimer Research Tells Us
Alzheimer research is conducted at many different clinics around the world. Yearly, Alzheimer researchers get together to discuss their findings, and make connections about what they have discovered.
Alzheimer research is leading to some interesting thoughts about Alzheimer’s. One theory that has been to spring forth is a connection between Alzheimer’s and insulin resistant Type 2 Diabetes. There seems to be some Alzheimer research to support a connection between a persons chances of getting Alzheimer’s and if they have Diabetes.
Another interesting discovery was that changes in the eye lens may indicate Alzheimer’s. The eye was exposed to a rapid non-invasive laser, and changes were noted. These were thought to correlate to the build-up on the brain of beta-amyloid. This is a plaque like substance that is found on the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferer. This test could help identify the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and help see if treatments are diminishing this build-up.
There is also Alzheimer research into a skin patch that can be used to administer a drug to help with Alzheimer’s. Caregivers preferred this patch method to the previously used pill form, and the effects seemed to be better when using the patch. This will continue to be monitored for its effectiveness. Alzheimer research takes many years when looking into new medications and ways to administer it.
Alzheimer research plays an important role in finding ways to not only treat this disease but also, discover it early enough to start treatment. Many scientists and pharmaceutical companies spend much of their time in Alzheimer research.
Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan: Facing Adversity With Great Courage
Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan made Nancy Reagan, the former President’s wife very concerned about what could be done to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease which led her to explore the many possibilities that the research taking place regarding stem cell could make possible, and which could hopefully provide many uses in being able to treat the dreaded disease. This has led to much public interest as well with many more people voicing their support on finding the cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Letter From The Ailing President
With Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan, this support has gained in momentum and more human embryonic stem cell research is needed that can throw up means that will someday lead to the cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Before President Reagan died of Alzheimer’s disease he wrote a letter for the American people informing them about his condition. This was a very thoughtful thing for Reagan to do and the contents of his letter regarding Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan were sure to have elicited much positive response and concern about the former President’s well-being.
The contents of the letter show the courage and determination of the former President in meeting the challenges posed to him from this dreadful disease and not wanting to keep the Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan condition private was a bold move on his part in that by going public it would raise consciousness about Alzheimer’s disease and promote better understanding of the condition.
The letter goes on to state that he, the President was feeling fine and that he had the courage to face life even in spite of Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan thanks to the support he got from his wife Nancy and the rest of his family. There is however, he further states, the need for the family to be able to cope with the ‘painful experience’ that his family would surely go through, and that he was sure that with the help of the public such difficulties would be less for the former First Lady.
He closes the letter pertaining to Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan with the hope that he would meet the problem squarely and he thanks his Maker for having been given the opportunity to serve the nation as its President. It is indeed a touching letter and the public should be glad that Reagan had the courage to go public with his condition.
It is really a good demonstration of courage in the face of adversity, and it is for the common good of the American people to know that their First Citizen had the courage to face the problems raised by Alzheimer’s disease which would only help provide others with hope that they too could deal with the problem without flinching nor being downcast whatever the difficulties life throws up.
Letter From The Ailing President
With Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan, this support has gained in momentum and more human embryonic stem cell research is needed that can throw up means that will someday lead to the cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Before President Reagan died of Alzheimer’s disease he wrote a letter for the American people informing them about his condition. This was a very thoughtful thing for Reagan to do and the contents of his letter regarding Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan were sure to have elicited much positive response and concern about the former President’s well-being.
The contents of the letter show the courage and determination of the former President in meeting the challenges posed to him from this dreadful disease and not wanting to keep the Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan condition private was a bold move on his part in that by going public it would raise consciousness about Alzheimer’s disease and promote better understanding of the condition.
The letter goes on to state that he, the President was feeling fine and that he had the courage to face life even in spite of Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan thanks to the support he got from his wife Nancy and the rest of his family. There is however, he further states, the need for the family to be able to cope with the ‘painful experience’ that his family would surely go through, and that he was sure that with the help of the public such difficulties would be less for the former First Lady.
He closes the letter pertaining to Alzheimer’s Ronald Reagan with the hope that he would meet the problem squarely and he thanks his Maker for having been given the opportunity to serve the nation as its President. It is indeed a touching letter and the public should be glad that Reagan had the courage to go public with his condition.
It is really a good demonstration of courage in the face of adversity, and it is for the common good of the American people to know that their First Citizen had the courage to face the problems raised by Alzheimer’s disease which would only help provide others with hope that they too could deal with the problem without flinching nor being downcast whatever the difficulties life throws up.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
The Progression Of Alzheimers Disease: Stages Of The Disease
Alzheimer disease is a very well known disease that is on the forefront of research. Scientists are trying to discover how this disease works, and treatments that can be used to counter the progressive nature of the disease. The progression of Alzheimers disease can vary from patient to patient, but it does seem to travel in a similar manner.
The Typical Progression Of Alzheimers Disease
Through years of research, doctors have determined the progression of Alzheimers disease. The initial stage is considered stage 1. During this period, there are no symptoms or signs of Alzheimer disease.
The next step in the progression of Alzheimers disease is stage 2. During this stage little symptoms begin to show. Becoming forgetful is one of the classic symptoms during this stage of the progression of Alzheimers disease. People may experience forgetting where they put something like keys or glasses. The symptoms do not appear that obvious, and are sometimes associated with being too busy or just getting older.
The third stage is when other people begin to notice the changes in a person’s memory or abilities. This part of the progression of Alzheimers disease is when many begin talking to a physician and looking for answers to their forgetfulness. At this stage many people are beginning to have problems at work, reading something and then forgetting what it said. The symptoms are becoming more noticeable and severe.
The next stage in the progression of Alzheimer disease is stage four. The memory continues to decline and the ability to perform tasks becomes more of a problem. Just being able to plan an event, or do the checkbook is difficult.
The progression of Alzheimers disease then hits stage 5, where the individual may not remember their address, or phone number. They may become confused at simple questions. They will still be able to use a bathroom by themselves, but are becoming more confused during social situations.
The next two stages show an increase in the patient’s inability to physically take care of themselves. Stages 6 and 7 in the progression of Alzheimers disease are when constant care needs to occur. Patients may loose their ability to communicate, to swallow and they will need supervision. They may become unable to walk, sit-up by themselves and their muscles become rigid.
The average life span of a patient with Alzheimers is 8 years, but they can live anywhere from 3 to 20 years. The progression of Alzheimers disease is difficult for family members to watch as the stages indicate; it becomes a completely disabling disuse. If symptoms are noticed it is important to consult a physician for a complete evaluation.
The Typical Progression Of Alzheimers Disease
Through years of research, doctors have determined the progression of Alzheimers disease. The initial stage is considered stage 1. During this period, there are no symptoms or signs of Alzheimer disease.
The next step in the progression of Alzheimers disease is stage 2. During this stage little symptoms begin to show. Becoming forgetful is one of the classic symptoms during this stage of the progression of Alzheimers disease. People may experience forgetting where they put something like keys or glasses. The symptoms do not appear that obvious, and are sometimes associated with being too busy or just getting older.
The third stage is when other people begin to notice the changes in a person’s memory or abilities. This part of the progression of Alzheimers disease is when many begin talking to a physician and looking for answers to their forgetfulness. At this stage many people are beginning to have problems at work, reading something and then forgetting what it said. The symptoms are becoming more noticeable and severe.
The next stage in the progression of Alzheimer disease is stage four. The memory continues to decline and the ability to perform tasks becomes more of a problem. Just being able to plan an event, or do the checkbook is difficult.
The progression of Alzheimers disease then hits stage 5, where the individual may not remember their address, or phone number. They may become confused at simple questions. They will still be able to use a bathroom by themselves, but are becoming more confused during social situations.
The next two stages show an increase in the patient’s inability to physically take care of themselves. Stages 6 and 7 in the progression of Alzheimers disease are when constant care needs to occur. Patients may loose their ability to communicate, to swallow and they will need supervision. They may become unable to walk, sit-up by themselves and their muscles become rigid.
The average life span of a patient with Alzheimers is 8 years, but they can live anywhere from 3 to 20 years. The progression of Alzheimers disease is difficult for family members to watch as the stages indicate; it becomes a completely disabling disuse. If symptoms are noticed it is important to consult a physician for a complete evaluation.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
How to Recognize the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease can be a difficult illness to recognize at first because the symptoms of Alzheimer’s come in stages, and can progress over a period of many years. Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s are not always as clear and the symptoms in the middle and later phases, which become the classic symptoms that you often hear about. For example, the inability to recognize family and friends or the potential for wandering away from home and becoming lost. It is good to have an idea of what the preliminary symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease look like as well, so that you can begin to prepare for the illness as early as possible.
Early Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
The early symptoms of this illness can surface a number of years before the disease progresses to the next phase of symptoms. These first signs can include a shorter attention span and a difficulty completing tasks. Lapses in memory, poor judgement and subtle personality changes can all be early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. You may notice that a family member is beginning to forget names more frequently, or that words don’t seem to come to them as easily in conversations. A patient in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may begin to put things in odd places, like his wallet in the dishwasher or socks in the refrigerator. Sometimes people who are beginning to show the signs of Alzheimer’s will appear more withdrawn, frustrated or angry than usual.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Middle Stage
At this stage of Alzheimer’s disease, a person may begin to forget who family members are and get them confused with each other. The ability to follow written instructions fades, and even simple tasks like getting dressed can become confusing and difficult to complete. You may find that your family member will show symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease like confusion over the time of day or year. Urinary and fecal incontinence is also a sign of the mid-stages of this illness. This may become the time when an Alzheimer’s patient develops a tendency to wander and get lost, which becomes a huge safety issue for the family members who are caring for the person.
Late Stage Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
At the end of Alzheimer’s disease, many patients will lose the ability to walk unassisted, and some will not even be able to sit up without help. Many will no longer be able to speak and will become completely incontinent. Because the act of swallowing can cause choking at this stage, many will stop eating at this point as well. Some will live with this disease for only a few years and others will survive for a decade or more. The average life span for someone with Alzheimer’s is usually around eight years from the time of diagnosis. For those caring for someone with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, this can be a trying time indeed.
Early Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
The early symptoms of this illness can surface a number of years before the disease progresses to the next phase of symptoms. These first signs can include a shorter attention span and a difficulty completing tasks. Lapses in memory, poor judgement and subtle personality changes can all be early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. You may notice that a family member is beginning to forget names more frequently, or that words don’t seem to come to them as easily in conversations. A patient in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may begin to put things in odd places, like his wallet in the dishwasher or socks in the refrigerator. Sometimes people who are beginning to show the signs of Alzheimer’s will appear more withdrawn, frustrated or angry than usual.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Middle Stage
At this stage of Alzheimer’s disease, a person may begin to forget who family members are and get them confused with each other. The ability to follow written instructions fades, and even simple tasks like getting dressed can become confusing and difficult to complete. You may find that your family member will show symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease like confusion over the time of day or year. Urinary and fecal incontinence is also a sign of the mid-stages of this illness. This may become the time when an Alzheimer’s patient develops a tendency to wander and get lost, which becomes a huge safety issue for the family members who are caring for the person.
Late Stage Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
At the end of Alzheimer’s disease, many patients will lose the ability to walk unassisted, and some will not even be able to sit up without help. Many will no longer be able to speak and will become completely incontinent. Because the act of swallowing can cause choking at this stage, many will stop eating at this point as well. Some will live with this disease for only a few years and others will survive for a decade or more. The average life span for someone with Alzheimer’s is usually around eight years from the time of diagnosis. For those caring for someone with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, this can be a trying time indeed.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
What Testing is used for Alzheimers Disease?
Testing for Alzheimers disease is an involved process, in reality it may be more of a series of tests rather than a single test. The reason for the complicated procedures involved when testing for Alzheimers disease is that it greatly resembles other forms of senile dementia. There are several classifications for the different testing for Alzheimers disease.
Patient History and Physical Exams
A patient’s history can be a very important indicator of whether or not they may be predisposed to Alzheimers disease or other forms of dementia. For example, if the patient had a parent and/or siblings that were affect by the disease they may be more likely to be affected by it as well.
Physical exams can help to eliminate other disease states that may appear to be Alzheimers or dementia. These exams also help doctors to get an overall picture of the patient’s health.
Mental State Exams and Laboratory Tests
Mental state exams are small tests that help doctors to see where their patient is at in regards to problem solving skills, attention span, and short-term memory. These tests can help to identify and problem areas.
Laboratory tests are standard when diagnosing many illnesses. There are literally hundreds of tests at a doctor’s disposal, many of which may come in handy when testing for Alzheimers disease. The most common laboratory tests are blood or urine-based. At times, testing spinal fluid may be done as well. There are new blood tests that can test for an Alzheimers gene with certain strains of Alzheimers.
Other Tests
There are a variety of other tests that doctors have had their disposal to help diagnose Alzheimers disease. The chest x-ray is a common diagnostic tool used by doctors mainly to rule out other diseases that could cause similar symptoms to Alzheimers disease. This tool shows doctors a picture of the inside of a person’s body with the use of small doses of radiation.
A CT or CAT scan (Computed Tomography) takes multiple pictures of a person’s body from different angles very quickly. These images are put into a computer which puts them together into images that show various areas of the body. These scans can be helpful when testing for Alzheimers disease because they may show atrophy (shrinking) of the brain (a common Alzheimers indicator) or possibly other causes for Alzheimers-like symptoms.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests can help when testing for Alzheimers disease by using radio waves to show images from a patient’s body. These images can reveal diseases like stroke or tumors that may cause Alzheimers-like symptoms.
Patient History and Physical Exams
A patient’s history can be a very important indicator of whether or not they may be predisposed to Alzheimers disease or other forms of dementia. For example, if the patient had a parent and/or siblings that were affect by the disease they may be more likely to be affected by it as well.
Physical exams can help to eliminate other disease states that may appear to be Alzheimers or dementia. These exams also help doctors to get an overall picture of the patient’s health.
Mental State Exams and Laboratory Tests
Mental state exams are small tests that help doctors to see where their patient is at in regards to problem solving skills, attention span, and short-term memory. These tests can help to identify and problem areas.
Laboratory tests are standard when diagnosing many illnesses. There are literally hundreds of tests at a doctor’s disposal, many of which may come in handy when testing for Alzheimers disease. The most common laboratory tests are blood or urine-based. At times, testing spinal fluid may be done as well. There are new blood tests that can test for an Alzheimers gene with certain strains of Alzheimers.
Other Tests
There are a variety of other tests that doctors have had their disposal to help diagnose Alzheimers disease. The chest x-ray is a common diagnostic tool used by doctors mainly to rule out other diseases that could cause similar symptoms to Alzheimers disease. This tool shows doctors a picture of the inside of a person’s body with the use of small doses of radiation.
A CT or CAT scan (Computed Tomography) takes multiple pictures of a person’s body from different angles very quickly. These images are put into a computer which puts them together into images that show various areas of the body. These scans can be helpful when testing for Alzheimers disease because they may show atrophy (shrinking) of the brain (a common Alzheimers indicator) or possibly other causes for Alzheimers-like symptoms.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests can help when testing for Alzheimers disease by using radio waves to show images from a patient’s body. These images can reveal diseases like stroke or tumors that may cause Alzheimers-like symptoms.
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