Alzheimers Disease Essay Research Paper ALZHEIMERS 1 — страница 2

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planning, poor language skills, inhibition and impulse control and short term memory loss (Wallace, 1998). If any or all of these signs occur, the individual most likely has Alzheimer?s. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer?s but there are treatments for the disease to help with reducing or retarding the mental and behavioral processes. The first treatment is a drug called Tacrine, which slows the loss of mental abilities in about 30 percent of people with a mild or moderate case of Alzheimer?s disease (Posen, 1989). Another drug is Aricept, which increases the availability of acetycholine to decrease the symptoms of the disease. However, neither one of these drugs can stop or reverse the disease. It remains unclear how long patients should take them or even how long the

drug will be effective in the individual. To decrease the risks of getting Alzheimer?s there are certain prevention task that can be done. First of all, consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ALZHEIMER?S 5 drugs(NSAIDS) reduces the risk of Alzheimer?s by 30-60 percent (Johnson, 1989). Inflammation of the brain is one stage that causes the development of Alzheimer?s and taking NSAIDS may prevent this. Vitamin E and selegiline may also help in prevention. These substances prevent nerve cell damages and slow the rate of decline in those with moderate Alzheimer?s. Another factor related to women is estrogen. Recent studies show that estrogen replacement after menopause reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer?s by 30-40 percent (Johnson, 1989). The final task is mental

fitness. Leading an intellectual life can keep the mind fit and decrease the risks due to the increase in synapses when learning, which can delay the onset of Alzheimer?s. In conclusion, Alzheimer?s is a mental disease that cannot be cured. Fortunately, treatments and drugs are available to help slow the rate of progression of the disease. In addition, the risk factors and preventive measures are quite clear. These can help those who are unaware of what Alzheimer?s disease is or how it progresses. Future studies may prove to be beneficial in preventing the occurrence of Alzheimer?s, or at least the severity of its? progression. Informing people of this disease, the risk factors, and preventive measures at a younger age, can only prove beneficial in the decrease or possible

elimination of this physically and mentally altering disease. Living a healthy life now can only increase your chances of having a healthier life in old age. ALZHEIMER?S 6 Remember: A rolling stone gathers no moss, So exercise your brain now to reduce future loss. ALZHEIMER?S 7 References Johnson, Barbara S. (1989). Psychiatric mental health. (2nd ed.). New York. J.B. Lippincott Company. Posen, P.B (1995, Apr.). Alzheimer?s disease. [ www.document]. (Visited March 12, 2000). URL:Http://www.mayo.edu/research/alzheimers.center. Wallace, Robert. (1998, March). Alzheimer?s disease. [www.document]. (Visited March 12, 2000). URL: Http://www.alzheimers.org/pubs/adfact.htm).