alzheimer's disease

Eterna

there seems to be an alarming rate of concern for this disease.could the able doctors enlighten us on this matter particularly the following:
1. what is this disease
2. what are the causes of this disease
3. what age does this disease occur
4. what are the symptoms of this disease
5. is there a known cure for this
6. how can this be prevented.
7. is this disease synonymous to senility.

likewise, id like to know if there is an effect of using tin or aluminum wares in causing such disease.

thank you and more power!

Ira

1. what is this disease

Alzheimer's disease is neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive decline in memory, judgement and the ability to reason and sustain intellectual function. For some unknown reason, abnormal senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles replace normal brain tissue.

2. what are the causes of this disease

The cause is still unknown.

3. what age does this disease occur

Alzheimer's disease is usually seen in people more than 65 years old, but a rare, agressive form of Alzheimer's disease can also attack people as young as 40.

4. what are the symptoms of this disease

The onset of symptoms is gradual and has 3 stages:

a. Early/mild stage (1st 2-4 years)- Forgetfulness-- eg confusion to time and place, memory impairment, difficulty in math, loss of initiative, poor judgement.

b. Moderate stage (the longest; 2-10 years)-difficulty in doing things that require planning, decision-making, and judgment, beginning social withdrawal, beginning poor hygiene.

c. Severe/terminal stage (1-3++ years)- bedridden, cannot recognize himself or his family, weight loss, inability to take care of himself, inability to talk, mood changes (agitation, depression, anxiety), seizures, difficulty eating, inability to control urination.

5. is there a known cure for this

None, although a drug called Tacrine seems to be effective in improving symptoms of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's. At best, though, it will just delay, not stop, the symptoms.

6. how can this be prevented.

Known risk factors are increasing age, Down's Syndrome, and being female. Probable risk factors are stroke, head trauma, NO intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), postmenopausal women who are deficient in estrogen, heart disease, hypertension, deficiency in intake of antioxidants, and a family history of Down's syndrome. Controversial issues regarding risk for AD include poor educational level, poor writing/talking ability, history of seizure, and exposure to aluminum and large amounts of zinc. So prevention is basically trying to avoid the controllable risk factors, eating a balanced diet, taking in daily multivitamins, and staying mentally active even in your older years.

7. is this disease synonymous to senility.

No, it isn't.

likewise, id like to know if there is an effect of using tin or aluminum wares in causing such disease.

Aluminum is found in abundance in the neurofibrillary tangles, that's why it's associated with AD. However, aluminum is not only found in cookwares--it is found in abundance in the environment around us, including water. There is an increased risk of developing AD if your water contains more than 11 mcg/L aluminum. However, a definite link has not yet been made, and a lot of scientists still do not believe that a link exists. If you want to be safe, just check the aluminum content of your water, or stick to distilled water (but be sure to take daily multivitamins).

thank you and more power!

You're welcome.

Eterna

doc Ira, thanks again for enlightening me on this subject.

pls oblige me again with the following queries:
1.do all people go through the stage of senility.

2.does sex determine the chances of being senile.

3.how do you take care/deal with relatives having AD/senility.

again my deepest gratitude.God Bless!

Ira

Originally posted by Eterna:
1.do all people go through the stage of senility.

No. Senility is not a natural companion of aging.

2.does sex determine the chances of being senile.

No.

3.how do you take care/deal with relatives having AD/senility.

Some ways to care for senile and AD patients:
1. Have an ID bracelet/necklace made with his name, address and phone number, in case he gets lost.
2. Be patient--always remember that a senile/AD patient is not in full control of himself.
3. Check your house--is it easy to get out of your house? If so, install more secure gate and window locks.
4. Develop a routine for the person.
5. As much as possible, train the person to be self-reliant--but be realistic about his limitations and capabilities.
6. Good health and nutrition should be maintained. Bring the patient to a doctor for periodic check-ups.
7. If you are the caregiver, do take some time off from taking care of an AD/senile sufferer.

Eterna

hi doc, me again.

can you please expound more on the subject of senility? thanks!

Ira

Senility is just a symptom of a problem. It is not a normal progression of aging. It's practically synonymous to dementia, and exhibits the following symptoms: poor memory, loss of abstract thinking, impaired judgement, impaired movement, personality changes, and impaired language skills. Causes of senility include Alzheimer's Disease (most common), strokes (whether symptomatic or asymptomatic), nutritional deficiency, thyroid problems, infections, tumors, head injury, depression, alcoholism, and medications.

PUGSLEY

hello doctor's!!!

Have a question, is this disease inherited?

If it is to what degree/generation is manifested?

Thanks

Ira

There are 2 types of AD--Familial and Sporadic. Obviously, there is an inheritance pattern in Familial AD, with a dominant pattern of inheritance with a 100% penetrance. A vast majority of AD, however, is Sporadic AD, in which patients with no family history of AD will still be at high risk for AD if they carry the gene apo E.

rainwater

doc ira, saang chromosome no. located ang gene na apo E? :spiral:

PUGSLEY

Originally posted by Ira
There are 2 types of AD--Familial and Sporadic. Obviously, there is an inheritance pattern in Familial AD, with a dominant pattern of inheritance with a 100% penetrance. A vast majority of AD, however, is Sporadic AD, in which patients with no family history of AD will still be at high risk for AD if they carry the gene apo E.

My granny who is already dead had A.D. Is there a possibility that I might have it?

I hope and pray that I don't.

By the way does intelligence have something to do with one likely to inherit it?

Thanks

Ira

It's located in chromosome 19.

Just because your grandmother has it doesn't mean you're going to get it. As I've said already, a vast majority of AD is sporadic. So unless everyone in your family has AD, it doesn't follow that you'll get it in the future. Intelligence (or lack thereof) doesn't have anything to do with having AD.

rainwater

thanks doc ira!

btw, pugsly, may i ask where exactly are you located in baguio?
i used to study there..