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Avery Bautz

Final draft

English 2

April 20, 2019

Alzheimer

Alzheimer’s ranks among the sixth leading cause of death in the US. (Alzheimer &

Dementia for Dummies) Most people have heard of Alzheimer’s but do not really know what it

is or how many people it is effecting. People pay attention to heart disease and cancer but often

overlook Alzheimer’s. In 2013, 84,767 people died from Alzheimer’s (Alzheimer & Dementia

for Dummies). As you can see from the stats above Alzheimer’s is killing many people and we

could benefit from more research and education. As a studying geriatric, social worker making

people more aware of this deadly disease is part of my everyday life. Understanding what

happens to someone’s brain and body is the first step. After we know all about this disease and

increase research for this disease we should soon be able to find a cure. Alzheimer’s is affecting

more and more people every year. People need to understand what Alzheimer’s is, how to care

for Alzheimer’s patients, what care is available or realistic, and how it is affecting the loc This

picture shows how Alzheimer’s eats away at someone.

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This photo shows how this disease eats away at

the brain over time.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder that causes brain cells to waste away

(degenerate) and die. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia — a continuous

decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills that disrupts a person's ability to function

independently (“Alzheimer's Disease.”). Memory loss is a normal part of aging, but Alzheimer’s

is not. “Just because you forgot an item on your grocery list doesn’t mean you are developing

dementia. Most people have occasional memory lapses, which increase with age. The memory

problems that characterize warning signs of Alzheimer’s are usually more frequent, and they

begin to interfere with safe or competent daily functioning: forgetting to turn off the stove,

leaving home without being properly dressed or forgetting important appointments.” (Belluck,

Pam). Some signs and symptoms include: challenges in planning or problem solving, changes in

mood, confusion with time or place, decreased or poor judgment, difficulty completing familiar

tasks, memory loss that disrupts daily life, misplacing things, losing ability to retrace steps, new

problems with words and speaking, and withdrawing from work or social activities. (Werner,

Ruth). Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia, the most common form of dementia. There are many

types of dementia such as; Alzheimer's disease, Vascular dementia, Dementia with Lewy bodies
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(DLB), Mixed dementia, Parkinson's disease, Frontotemporal dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob

disease, Normal pressure hydrocephalus, Huntington's disease, and Wernicke-Korsakoff

Syndrome (Alzheimer’s & Dementia for Dummies). Few people know how Alzheimer’s was

found because it’s a more recent finding. Dr. Alzheimer was doing an autopsy he found a deposit

surrounding some nerve cells. He was intrigued and proceeded to do more information. It later

became known as Alzheimer’s which is a slowly progressive disease that affects memory

problems, confusion and difficulty understanding things. (Dean, Carolyn). Alzheimer is known

for the memory loss but not the other side effects. Some other side effects would include;

disorientation, mood/behavior changes, deep confusion, difficulty speaking, swallowing,

walking. (“About Alzheimer’s”). Alzheimer is caused by the brain and neurons not producing

the right signals. Alzheimer’s Association explains it like this:

“The brain has 100 billion nerve cells (neurons). Each nerve cell connects with many

others to form communication networks. Groups of nerve cells have special jobs. Some are

involved in thinking, learning, and remembering. Others help us see, hear, and smell. To do their

work, brain cells operate like tiny factories. They receive supplies, generate energy, construct

equipment, and get rid of waste. Cells also process and store information and communicate with

other cells. Keeping everything running requires coordination as well as large amounts of fuel

and oxygen. Scientists believe Alzheimer's disease prevents parts of a cell's factory from running

well. They are not sure where the trouble starts. But just like a real factory, backups, and

breakdowns in one system cause problems in other areas. As damage spreads, cells lose their

ability to do their jobs and, eventually die, causing irreversible changes in the brain.”

These changes in the brain cause the body to not be able to function like it normally would,

which then causes the side effects. Scientists have found abnormal developments in the brain
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called plaques and tangles, even though it is not proven to cause Alzheimer there is some

correlation. Alzheimer’s Association states;

“Two abnormal structures called plaques and tangles are prime suspects in damaging and

killing nerve cells. Plaques are deposits of a protein fragment called beta-amyloid (BAY-tuh

AM-uh-loyd) that build up in the spaces between nerve cells. Tangles are twisted fibers of

another protein called tau (rhymes with “wow”) that build up inside cells. Though autopsy

studies show that most people develop some plaques and tangles as they age, those with

Alzheimer’s tend to develop far more and in a predictable pattern, beginning in the areas

important for memory before spreading to other regions. Scientists do not know exactly what

role plaques and tangles play in Alzheimer's disease. Most experts believe they somehow play a

critical role in blocking communication among nerve cells and disrupting processes that cells

need to survive. It's the destruction and death of nerve cells that causes memory failure,

personality changes, problems carrying out daily activities and other symptoms of Alzheimer's

disease.”

After knowing all of this it hard to image what it would be like to live with Alzheimer’s.

It not only affects the person but loved ones as well. When dealing with a loved one with

Alzheimer it is important to not make them feel worthless and dependent. Some helpful tips

would be; approach from front, make eye contact, speak slowly, use simple words, listen to

them, do not interrupt, ask one question at a time (Dean, Carolyn). It might be necessary to

move your loved one into a nursing home. Certain nursing homes have specialized care for

people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. When someone has Alzheimer’s, they need care and

attention more as their disease progresses. If you cannot provide them this care and attention it is

advised to look into nursing homes. It is also extremely important you find a doctor that you and
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your loved one feel comfortable talking to and going to see on a regular basis. It is important that

you keep the doctor informed of any changes in the personal behavior. Loved ones all can be

affected differently but it is okay to be scared or sad. Some tips for dealing with theses emotions

are having a journal, talking to a doctor or other loved one and enjoying the time you have with

loved ones. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be very demanding but should not make

advantage of self-care. Therapist are used as a support tool for some care givers due to how

demanding the task can be.

Care and caregivers of a person with Alzheimer’s are very important because they ensure

the health of that person. Some types of care home health services, adult day services, assisted

living, nursing home and Alzheimer’s special care units. Home health services is a good option if

person does not want to leave their home. These services include health aides, nurses, and people

to help out around the house. Adult day services provide a worth active geared towards those

with Alzheimer’s. Art therapy and music are some actives they would do. Assisted living is for

those who need a little help like getting dressed of remembering to take medications. Assisted

living still gives the induvial some freedom and sense of independence. Nursing home is for

those that need more skilled medical attention and have a hard time doing day to day actives.

Alzheimer’s special units is normally a floor or wing in a nursing home that is strictly for

dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. This allows for those individuals get the medical and

personal attention they need ( 6 Alzheimer’s Care Options). There are also medications that can

help slow down the process of Alzheimer’s. These medications cannot cure Alzheimer but only

help slow down this awful disease. Some of these medications include; Aricept, donepezil,

Exelon, Rivastigmine, Namenda, Memantine, Namzaric, Razadyne, or Galantamine. (Mischley,

Laurie). Talk to your doctor before starting any of these medications to figure out what which is
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best for the patient. Some nonmedical treatments would be herbal remedies, gingko biloba,

vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, Huperzine A, VITACOG, aromatherapy, reminiscence therapy,

and music therapy.(Alzheimer’s & Dementia for Dummies). None of these can cure

Alzheimer’s just like the medications. These forms of treatment can help the induvial feel better

and have less intense behavioral changes. Doctors normally recommend medication and

specialized care. However, medication and specialized care can become very expensive.

Depending on the insurance you have and how much money you can afford to put towards

Alzheimer’s care correlates with the financial burden.

In Ohio, nursing homes and other centers are improving their Alzheimer’s care units.

Recently, Alzheimer care units have been put in many nursing homes all through Ohio. Sunrise

senior living has a floor just for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. They employ people that are

specialized to care for people with Alzheimer’s and make sure that floor especially has more

than enough employees. After talking to a friend, Mykl, whose grandma had Alzheimer, he

explained that his family struggled with money and getting her the right care. Mykl explained

that they had her on medication until she was in the last stages. After she could no longer live by

herself was when they put her in a nursing home. He said she lived in the home for three years

and the staff was extremely helpful but they did not have a specialized floor. Mykl said he thinks

if there had been an Alzheimer care unit that it could have helped his grandma more. He

explained that towards the end she had severe behavioral issues. Realistically, medication and

nursing homes seem to be the most widely available and less of a financial burden.

Alzheimer’s is a newer medical discover so there is still research that needs to be done.

There are walks, foundations, and educational programs but there needs to be more in order for

us to find a cure. The major foundation and researcher is the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
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(AFA). Their mission is “is to provide optimal care and services to individuals living with

Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses and to their families and caregivers” (Mission &

History). “AFA has grown to a network of more than 2,600 member organizations nationwide

that provide direct care and services. To date, AFA has trained more than 13,000 healthcare

professionals in dementia-specific care, provided free, confidential memory screenings to over

3.5 million people, and provides support, counseling and education to thousands” (Mission &

History). Alzheimer’s Association is another foundation. They sponsor walks all across America

to raise money for research. Alzheimer’s Association provides support, research, advocates, and

allows people to join the cause. For example, this is a quote from their website:

“The Alzheimer's Association funds independent researchers worldwide through our

International Research Grant Program. Currently, the Association is investing over $165 million

in more than 450 projects in 25 countries. Since awarding our first grants in 1982, the

Association has invested over $440 million in more than 2,900 scientific investigations, funding

some of the most instrumental research in Alzheimer's science.” (“About Alzheimer’s.”).

This is the logo for the Alzheimer’s association. Now when you see this
logo you will know it is a reliable source.
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People have developed many myths over the years about Alzheimer’s and how you can

get this disease. Some people think dementia and Alzheimer is something that come with old

age. This is not the case, memory loss is something that happens as you age but, Alzheimer’s is

more than just memory loss. Another myth is that dementia and Alzheimer’s are the same thing.

“This myth is like saying beer is the same as alcohol. Beer is a type of alcoholic drink, but it

certainly isn’t the only one” (Alzheimer’s & Dementia for Dummies). Alzheimer’s is a form of

dementia just like beer is a type of alcohol. However, Alzheimer is the most widely known form

of dementia. Another common myth is Alzheimer’s only affects elderly people. This disease is

most common among the elderly population but cases as low as late 30’s and 40’s have been

reported.(Alzheimer’s & Dementia for Dummies). People believe that aluminum can give you

dementia. Cooking with aluminum pot and drinking out of pop cans will not give you dementia.

As explained in Alzheimer’s & Dementia for Dummies:

“The myth describing a link between dementia and aluminum in cooking pots, pop cans,

and antiperspirants began in the 1960s. That is when some scientists took it upon themselves to

inject aluminum into the brains of live rabbits to see what happened. Not surprisingly, the rabbits

fared poorly: they developed protein tangles in their brains, similar to those found in people

diagnosed with AD. Consequently, these researchers linked AD to aluminum exposure, and a

conspiracy theory was born. Since then, further research hasn’t corroborated any link, so the

Alzheimer’s Association is very keen to dismiss this myth”

It is believed that more women get Alzheimer and dementia than men. It is true that more women

that have dementia than men but it is not because women are more likely to develop it. Women

live longer than men which, increases their chance of developing dementia. This increase the

number of women to have dementia compared to the number of men having this disease. Red
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wine does have some health benefits but it cannot reverse Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s & Dementia

for Dummies states;

“You may think this is purely wishful thinking, but scientific research is finding that a

compound in red wine may be beneficial in preventing or even treating AD. But the idea that

drinking a glass of merlot nightly will reverse AD is definitely false. Researchers have identified

that red wine contains polyphenols including resveratrol that have been shown to decrease

memory deterioration in mice by decreasing the development of amyloid plaques in their brains.

This study led to the idea that red wine may help prevent and treat AD. In 2015, the Alzheimer’s

Association funded a clinical trial to study the effect of these red grape-derived polyphenols in

people experiencing the early stages of AD. Hopefully, this study will identify a new approach to

AD treatment. But remember, no one is suggesting that drinking a lot of red wine will protect

your brain from AD. It’s clear that too much alcohol can negatively affect the brain. Although

the jury is still out, having one glass of cabernet sauvignon nightly may be beneficial.”

Talk to a doctor about what causes Alzheimer’s and how you can prevent this disease before

believing what is seen online or overheard.

Alzheimer’s is known for the severe memory loss but not all the other pain it can cause a

person and their family. Through education and research, we can improve things for these people

and their families. Alzheimer is a form of dementia but not they are not the same thing. There are

many other forms of dementia. Alzheimer directly affects a person’s brain but eventually affects

that person’s everyday life. When someone is diagnosed with this disease it not only affects them

but all of their loved ones as well. It is important to find to be proactive and start making
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decisions like type or care and what will happen after death. Finding a medication or type of care

that best fits that person can be a long process so start early. Medications and care can be very

expensive so make sure you compare and plan out what works best. Increasing research on this

disease is extremely important because it can help us find a cure. Donation or participate in

walks can help raise money and awareness. Alzheimer’s is an awful, deadly disease it is our job

to educate, increase research, and provide adequate care.

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Works Cited

“About Alzheimer’s.” Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org/about_us_about_us_.asp.

“Alzheimer's Disease.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8

Dec. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-

20350447.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia for Dummies. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2016.

“Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet.” National Institute on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services, www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet.

Belluck, Pam. “What Is Alzheimer's Disease?” The New York Times, The New York Times, 21

Dec. 2017, www.nytimes.com/2016/05/02/science/what-is-alzheimers-disease.html

Dean, Carolyn. The Everything Alzheimer Book. Avon, MA: Adams Media, 2004, Print

Hicks, Mykl. Personal interview. 16 April, 2019

Howe, Tanya Lee. Supporting parents with Alzheimer’s: Your parents took care of you: Now

how do you take care of them? Self-Counsel Press, 2013.

Mace, Nancy L., and Peter V. Rabins. The 36-Hour Day. Warner, 2007.

Mischley, Laurie. “Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease with Orthomolecular and

Lifestyle Interventions.” Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, vol. 27, no.1, Mar. 2012,

pp. 21-28. EBSCO

“Mission & History.” AFA's Membership and Screening Portal, alzfdn.org/about-us/mission-

history/.
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What Is Alzheimer's?” Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, www.alz.org/alzheimers-

dementia/what-is-alzheimers

Werner, Ruth. “Alzheimer’s and other dementing disease” Associated Bodyworks & Massage

Professional; April 20, 2019

“6 Alzheimer's Care Options.” Alzheimers.net, 29 May 2014, www.alzheimers.net/2014-05-

29/care-options-for-alzheimers/.