Alzheimer's Disease: Causes and Impact

This assignment delves into the multifaceted aspects of Alzheimer's disease. It examines various contributing factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and inflammation, highlighting their influence on neuronal damage and cognitive decline. The document also discusses the clinical manifestations of the disease, including memory impairment, behavioral changes, and the progressive deterioration of brain function. Furthermore, it analyzes the societal impact of Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the need for research, early diagnosis, and effective treatments.

Diagnosis and management
(Alzheimer's)

ABSTRACT
Alzheimer's is referred as one of the degenerative neurological disorder that is characterized
by changes in behaviour pattern accompanied by memory loss. Usually it is nit recognised in the
initial stages of life but with the help or range of investigative procedures it can be identified. The
study has explored various physiological characteristics that are associated with the disease. Range
of treatments, investigative methods have also been discussed in the report. Lastly the study
identified the prognosis and long term effects which cause impact on physical and mental health of
the patient.

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Physiological origin of Alzheimer’s.........................................................................................4
1.2 Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s.........................................................................................4
1.3 Contributory factors to the onset of Alzheimer's.......................................................................4
2.1 Process of referral to identified specialist services in Alzheimer's............................................5
2.2 Investigative processes and procedures involved in assessing..................................................5
3.1 Compare and contrast care services available in relation to Alzheimer's..................................5
3.2 Roles and responsibilities of the professionals in relation to Alzheimer's.................................5
3.3 Ranges of treatment available for patients with Alzheimer's.....................................................5
3.4 Monitoring processes involved for Alzheimer's........................................................................6
4.1 Extent to which an individual diagnosed with Alzheimer's would need to adapt his/her
lifestyle.............................................................................................................................................6
4.2 Range of strategies that would help individuals cope with Alzheimer's....................................6
4.3 Prognosis and potential long term outcomes for the individual for Alzheimer's.......................6
CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES.....................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Alzheimer's disease generally referred as a type of neurological disorder is characterized by
difficulty in remembering things (Tanzi, 2012). This is also known as short term memory loss
accompanied by severe cases of dementia. It can broadly be defined as neuro-generative disorder in
which the nerves and tissues associated with the central nervous systems starts degenerating with
time (Mayeux and Stern, 2012). This disease is generally noticed in old age citizens. The
neurological disorder is also characterised by disorientation, behavioural changes, loss of
confidence and motivation and finally death of the patient.
1.1 Physiological origin of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is defined as one of the common form of dementia that is characterized by loss of
memory and intellectual disabilities that can interfere in daily routine. It is reported to be occurring
in more than 80% of dementia cases (Komurcu and et.al, 2016). It worsens over time and till date
no perfect cure has been identified to treat dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Genetics have been
considered as the origin of Alzheimer's because based on many researchers and studies it has been
reported that this is an autosomal dominant disorder that is caused due to mutations attributed in
three types of genes in the body (Zlokovic, 2013). Environmental changes also increases the risk of
this disease to a higher extent, Greek researchers and philosophers reported that this generative
disorder is increased or progressed due to the increasing age. 56% of old age individuals are likely
to suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's at early or alter stages of life.
1.2 Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Dementia has been widely classified into various stages depending upon the signs and
symptoms exhibited by an individual. Pre-dementia is a case in which neurological testing system
can reveal the presence of cognitive disabilities associated with Alzheimer's (Porsteinsson and et.al,
2014). The most common symptoms of this disorder is that a person tends to forget everyday
activities which he/she performs daily. They suffer from severe mood swings which is accompanied
by abrupt behavioural changes and unusual attitude. They report difficulty in remembering
everything which has recently occurred in their life. They also face problem in learning different
things due to early progression of disease. (Mayeux and Stern, 2012). They also turn their behaviour
in abusive and anxious which also results in depression, anxiety and mental trauma.
1.3 Contributory factors to the onset of Alzheimer's
There are many contribution factors that increases the risk of Alzheimer's ion later stages of
life. These factors are discussed below.
Age: With increasing age the risk of developing Alzheimer's increases. At the age of 65 the disease
starts progressing at a very high intensity (De Felice and Ferreira, 2014).

Gender: According to the survey it has been reported that women are more likely to cause
Alzheimer's then men.
Family history: If Alzheimer's is present in the history then the members of the same family are
likely to encounter the same disease at later stages of life.
Genetic disorder: During pregnancy if a child is diagnosed with down syndrome genetic disorder
then there are more chances that he/she will suffer from Alzheimer's in later stages of life
(Sankaranarayanan and et.al, 2013).
2.1 Process of referral to identified specialist services in Alzheimer's
Generally referrals in the case of Alzheimer's are identified when GP is not able to handle
the patient without the support of specialist (Komurcu and et.al, 2016). It usually involves the
transfer of responsibility from one GP to another health professional so that they are treated
effectively. Referrals are made so that proper diagnosis and treatment are provided to all the patients
who are suffering for degenerative neurological disorder.
2.2 Investigative processes and procedures involved in assessing
Alzheimer's is usually investigated by reviewing the medical history of the patient. Various
physical test can be applied in order to study the neurology associated with the disease (Cohen and
et.al, 2013). Advancement in magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and single proton
emission tomography can be used so that the physicians can have a detailed idea about the cerebral
pathology and stages of Alzheimer's that has been affected patient's central nervous system. There is
one more method known as assessment of intellectual functioning which helps in determining the
memory reattainment of an individual (Ju and et.al,2013).
3.1 Compare and contrast care services available in relation to Alzheimer's
There are varieties of care services that is available for patients suffering from Alzheimer's.
All the service users should be given independence and mobility so that can be physically active
and mobile throughout the day (Petersen and et.al, 2013). Carers who are associated with specific
individuals should also provide them with physical support and care so that they are able to perform
various activities. GP can offer range of services to all the patients who are suffering from
Alzheimer’s. General advice can be given by all GP to prevent further illness and promoting health
and fitness (Zlokovic, 2013). Medical treatment and advice can be given to all the patients.
Referrals to different specialist can help them in gaining back their mental and physical health
3.2 Roles and responsibilities of the professionals in relation to Alzheimer's
The main role and responsibility of health and social care professionals is to provide
appropriate information and advice, support and care to all the patients who are suffering from

Alzheimer's (Lock, 2013). If a person is not behaving in proper manner and is constantly forgetting
different things then it is the duty of GP or physician to make verbal or telephonic conversation with
the individuals. People who are appointed as community nurses should ensure that effective primary
care services is provided to all the patients. With the advancement in dementia or Alzheimer's stage
the care and support given to all the service users should be satisfactory (How health and social
care professionals can help, 2016).
3.3 Ranges of treatment available for patients with Alzheimer's
Different range of treatments has been identified by the physicians and researcher in order to
successfully treat individuals suffering from Alzheimer's. Medications, clinical interventions, care
services and feeding tubes are some treatments available for Alzheimer's (Tanzi, 2012). Drugs such
as rivastigmine, donepazil, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are some medications that are prescribed
to these patients. Psychosocial interventions involve emotional and behavioural cognition therapies
which can help in supporting to a great extent (Mayeux and Stern, 2012).
3.4 Monitoring processes involved for Alzheimer's
Generally there are two types of process which can help in monitoring Alzheimer's. The
initial one is baseline assessment and the second option is the ongoing evaluation on the basis of
diagnosis of Alzheimer's (Zlokovic, 2013). When, the patient initially visits for diagnosis and
evaluation then it is the duty of physician to maintain a mini mental state examination statement so
that they are able to primarily focus on cognition and functional disability associated with the
patient. The ongoing evaluation should be continued by the patient as per the direction of physicians
so that gradual positive changes are noticed in health of the individual (Porsteinsson and et.al,
2014).
4.1 Extent to which an individual diagnosed with Alzheimer's would need to adapt his/her lifestyle
It is very important to bring about considerable changes in the overall lifestyle of an
individual so that the impact of disease do not affect the mental state of a person to a greater extent
(De Felice and Ferreira, 2014). According to the cognitive return theory the neural functioning can
be gradually increased by engaging in positive brain activities such as playing music, brain puzzles,
social gathering and interactions and education.
4.2 Range of strategies that would help individuals cope with Alzheimer's
Developing daily routine will help a patient in providing care services in an effective manner
(Sankaranarayanan and et.al, 2013). In majority of the cases it is noticed that a person is not able to
tie their shoes or place clothes in a hamper but providing them care and support will help them in
practising their daily activities on independent basis. They should also be allowed to join various

social and help group so that social interactions is increased
4.3 Prognosis and potential long term outcomes for the individual for Alzheimer's.
It is very difficult to diagnose Alzheimer's at the initial stages because the progression of
these diseases is not enhanced during the starting years of life (Komurcu and et.al, 2016). The
symptoms can be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment to memory loss which increases at
later stages of life. The life expectancy of a person is reduced due to the occurrence of Alzheimer's
as this neurological disorder increases the degeneration as soon as a person grows older (Petersen
and et.al, 2013).
CONCLUSION
The overall report was based in diagnosis and management required in handling patients
suffering from Alzheimer's. Physiological characteristics were discussed in the report which were
accompanied by range of treatments, investigative procedures and interventions. Lastly the study
also included prognosis and long term outcomes of Alzheimer's.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Cohen, R.M. and et.al., 2013. A transgenic Alzheimer rat with plaques, tau pathology, behavioral
impairment, oligomeric aβ, and frank neuronal loss. The Journal of neuroscience. 33(15).
pp.6245-6256.
De Felice, F.G. and Ferreira, S.T., 2014. Inflammation, defective insulin signaling, and
mitochondrial dysfunction as common molecular denominators connecting type 2 diabetes
to Alzheimer disease. Diabetes. 63(7). pp.2262-2272.
Ju, Y.E.S. and et.al., 2013. Sleep quality and preclinical Alzheimer disease. JAMA neurology. 70(5).
pp.587-593.
Komurcu, H.F. and et.al., 2016. Plasma levels of vitamin B12, epidermal growth factor and tumor
necrosis factor alpha in patients with alzheimer dementia. International Journal of Research
in Medical Sciences. 4(3). pp.734-738.
Lock, M., 2013. The Alzheimer conundrum: Entanglements of dementia and aging. Princeton
University Press.
Mayeux, R. and Stern, Y., 2012. Epidemiology of Alzheimer disease. Cold Spring Harbor
perspectives in medicine.2(8), p.a006239.
Petersen, R.C. and et.al., 2013. Mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer disease in the
community.Annals of neurology.74(2). pp.199-208.
Porsteinsson, A.P. and et.al., 2014. Effect of citalopram on agitation in Alzheimer disease: the
CitAD randomized clinical trial. Jama. 311(7). pp.682-691.
Sankaranarayanan, R. and et.al., 2013. Assessing the French Alzheimer plan. Nat Genet.45.
pp.1452-58.
Small, S.A. and Petsko, G.A., 2015. Retromer in Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease and other
neurological disorders. Nature Reviews Neuroscience.
Tanzi, R.E., 2012. The genetics of Alzheimer disease. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in
medicine. 2(10). p.a006296.
Zlokovic, B.V., 2013. Cerebrovascular effects of apolipoprotein E: implications for Alzheimer
disease. JAMA neurology, 70(4). pp.440-444.
Online
How health and social care professionals can help. 2016. [Online] Available through:
<https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=175>.
[Accessed on 30th April 2016].