According to Fiorillo, 2023, Alzheimer’s is a type of brain disease caused by damage to nerve cells known as neurons in the brain. Neurons transmit information throughout the human body. Using electrical and chemical signals, neurons direct all of the required functions of life, such as thinking, walking, talking, and all human activities.
In Alzheimer’s, the brain areas affected by damaged neurons are memory, language, and thinking. These brain changes symptoms may begin as far back as 20 years before the symptoms start. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that worsens with time. As more neurons are damaged in the brain, more assistance is required for the affected patient. The patient’s family, friends, and caregivers must help these afflicted patients carry out daily activities (Fiorello, 2023).
Patients with Alzheimer’s can show signs of moodiness or behavioral changes. One behavioral change in particular is walking away from a location and being unable to find their way back. This can place the person in a dangerous situation, resulting in injury or death. Ultimately, the disease is fatal due to neuron changes affecting the essential functions of walking, swallowing, and eventually being bed-bound.
Per Dr. Aisem, breakthroughs may occur through improved risk identifiers. Functional and cognitive performance assessment, genetic testing, and imaging are a few identifiers. Other improved risk identifiers are cognitive and social engagement interventions, agents targeting amyloids aimed at the neuroinflammatory/metabolic dysfunction hypothesis, and treatment of the disease using agents targeting amyloids for Alzheimer’s patients (Aisen et al. 2020).
Aisen, P. et al (2020). Prospects for Future Advances in Alzheimer’s Disease. USC Schaeffer, Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics.
https://healthpolicy.usc.edu/research/prospects-for-future-advances-in-alzheimers-disease
Fiorillo, S. (2023). Health Awareness Months 2023. Clinical Advisor.
https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/home/news/health-awareness-months/