Health-Disease.org

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder and neurodegenerative disease that in its most common form is found in people over age 65. Three genes have been discovered that cause early onset (familial) AD. Other genetic mutations that cause excessive accumulation of amyloid protein are associated with age-related (sporadic) AD. More than 5 million Americans now have Alzheimer’s.The early symptoms of AD, which include forgetfulness and loss of concentration, are often missed because they resemble natural signs of aging.  Symptoms of the disease include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, personality changes, disorientation, and loss of language skills. People who have had severe head or whiplash injuries appear to be at increased risk of developing dementia. Boxers who receive continual blows to the head are also at risk. People in the middle stages of AD may forget how to do simple tasks like brushing their teeth or combing their hair. 

Alzheimer’s disease has a long history, although the disease wasn’t given a name until the collection of symptoms was first described during the early part of the 20th century. Alzheimer’s disease has been identified as a protein misfolding disease, or proteopathy, due to the accumulation of abnormally folded amyloid beta protein and tau protein in the brains of AD patients. Alzheimer’s disease may also include behavioral changes, such as outbursts of violence or excessive passivity in people who have no previous history of such behavior. In the later stages, deterioration of musculature and mobility, leading to bedfastness, inability to feed oneself, and incontinence, will be seen if death from some external cause (e.g. heart attack or pneumonia) does not intervene. Alzheimer’s disease causes changes or deterioration in certain areas of the brain that control thinking, communication, and behavior. 

Scientists believe that genetics may play a role in many Alzheimer’s disease cases. Genetic factors are suspected, and dominant mutations in three different genes have been identified that account for a much smaller number of cases of familial. Mutationson chromosomes 1, 14, 21 increase risk as do possibly chromosomes 10, 12.  One risk factor for this type of Alzheimer’s disease is a protein called apolipoprotein E (apoE). Family history is another risk factor. As has head trauma following vascular damage from such diseases as stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitis and atherosclerotic disease.  Smaller brains and head size leading to fewer connections within the brain have also been suggested in causation of Alzheimer’s disease. Attempts have been made to associate environmental causes, such as high levels of aluminium with Alzheimer’s.

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