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.
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