Alzheimer's


 * Alzheimer's Disease **


 * Alzheimer's is... **
 * autosomally dominant
 * a gene mutation of the amyloid precurser protein and presenilin proteins one and two
 * polygenic


 * Characteristics of Alzheimer's: **
 * a form of dementia
 * 5.3 million people in America are affected with this disease!
 * the 7th leading cause of American death


 * Alzheimer's Patients Have Difficulty With... **
 * language
 * memory
 * perception
 * cognitive skills,
 * recognizing people


 * How Does Alzheimer's Affect It's Patients? **
 * gradually worsens over time
 * affects memory, thinking and behavior
 * patients often die earlier than normal
 * final phase lasts months or years and immobilizes/ disables the person

-symptoms may include: diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, cramps and fatigue.
 * Treatments of Alzheimer's: **
 * no cure
 * drugs slow the rate of symptoms from worsening, but benefits are small
 * the list of available drugs include: donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine and memantine.
 * supplemental vitamins may help


 * Alzheimer's Can't Always Be Prevented, But One Should... **
 * consume a low-fat diet
 * stay mentally and physically active
 * eat foods like fish that are rich in omega-3
 * increase intake of vitamins E and C and antioxidants


 * Testing: **
 * CT Scans and MRI's can be done to look at dementia in the brain
 * tests can be done to detect Alzheimer's and see if their are signs of dementia
 * Physical Exams and Mental Status Exams

CITATIONS: www.nia.gov/Alzheimers/publications/geneticfs.htm http://cat.inist.fr/?amodele=affisheN&cpsidt=13386549 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001767 www.arc.org