Alzheimers Disease

(AD)
Annabelle Nielsen
Ms. Krafty
Period 2
 What is Alzheimers Disease?
Alzheimers disease is a fatal disorder that develops
over a long period of time that results in the loss of
memory, and deterioration of thinking and language
skills.
Chances of developing the disease are increased by
genetics
 Causes
Caused by genetic mutation
Linked to metabolic conditions
 How it works
Alzheimers starts by attacking the neurons in the brain.
The neurons become unable to produce the neurotransmitter,
acetylcholine, and therefore die. This is what causes short term
memory loss.
As the disease progresses, other areas of the brain that control
language and motor skills are effected and those abilities
decline.
Eventually leads to a dramatic decrease in brain tissue and size.
Tracked in three stages of mild, moderate, and severe
Many people see symptoms start to appear in mid 60s
 Three Stages
Stage One (Mild): Symptoms are just beginning to appear
enough to be diagnosed. A person is still able to function
independently. Loss of words or names of familiar objects
and people.
Stage Two (Moderate): Longest stage that may last for
years. Person may become increasingly angry or irritated
at normal activities. Person cannot recall own life events
or personal information. Includes trouble controlling
bladder and sleep pattern. Behavioral changes like
wringing of hands. Decreased apetite.
Stage Three (Severe): An individual cannot respond to
their surroundings. Cannot control movement and
eventually the ability to chew or swallow.
 Treatment

No known cure
It can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet and
exercising
If caught in early stage, medication can be prescribed to
slow the progress of the disease.
Ex: Namzaric capsules
 Facts

Many Alzheimers patients die from choking on their

food
Life expectancy is generally 4-8 years but some can live
up to 20 years with the disease
6th leading cause of death in the united states
Every 66 seconds someone in the US develops this
disease
Kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer
combined
 Works Cited
AFA Staff. "Alzheimer's Foundation of America - Alzheimer's Disease and Caregiving
Support." Alzheimer's Foundation of America - Alzheimer's Disease and Caregiving Support.
Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 2012. Web. 07 Apr. 2017. <http://www.alzfdn.org/>.

Alzheimer's Association Staff. "Stages of Alzheimer's & Symptoms." Alzheimer's Association.

Alzheimer's Association, 2017. Web. 07 Apr. 2017.
<http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp>.

NIA Staff. "Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center." National Institutes of Health.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2017. Web. 07 Apr. 2017.
<https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers>.

"2012 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures." Alz.org. Alzheimer's Association, 2012. Web.
06 Apr. 2017. <http://www.alz.org/downloads/facts_figures_2012.pdf>.
Thank you! Questions?