Choose A Disease On The Cover Page, Put The Name

Choose A Disease1 On The Cover Page Put The Name

Paper information : Chose a disease. 1. On the cover page, put the name of the disease. 2. Next, write about the historical perspective. 3. Next, put the description of the symptoms and sequela (side-effects/long term effects). 4. Statistics on morbidity and mortality (incidence, prevalence, data if gender specific, etc.) --( most important part of paper. 5. Risk factors- get specific (gender, age, weight, height, genetics, etc.) BCE- before the Common Era and ACE- after the common era 6. Current methods of prevention and treatment 7. Write 5 to 6 pages

Paper For Above instruction

The selected disease for this comprehensive review is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. Alzheimer’s Disease has become a significant public health concern due to its increasing prevalence in aging populations worldwide. This paper will explore the historical perspective, symptoms and long-term effects, epidemiology including statistics on morbidity and mortality, specific risk factors, and current prevention and treatment strategies.

Historical Perspective

Alzheimer’s Disease was first described by German psychiatrist and neurologist Alois Alzheimer in 1906. He investigated the case of Auguste D., a 51-year-old woman who exhibited memory loss, disorientation, and hallucinations. Upon her death in 1906, Alzheimer examined her brain and identified amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, pathological hallmarks that remain central to AD diagnosis today. Initially regarded as a rare form of dementia affecting middle-aged individuals, AD’s association with aging soon led to increased awareness as the global population’s lifespan extended. In the mid-20th century, research on the disease accelerated, culminating in advances in neuroimaging and biomarker identification that have enhanced understanding and diagnosis. The advent of genetics in the late 20th century, especially the discovery of the APOE ɛ4 allele as a genetic risk factor, has further deepened the understanding of its etiology. Over the decades, AD has shifted from a primarily clinical observation to a disease defined by molecular pathology, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention.

Symptoms and Sequela (Long-term Effects)

Alzheimer’s Disease manifests initially with subtle memory lapses, such as forgetting recent events or conversations. As the disease progresses, symptoms escalate to include confusion, disorientation, impaired judgment, and language deterioration. Patients often experience difficulty performing familiar tasks and exhibit changes in behavior and personality. In advanced stages, AD leads to severe cognitive impairment, loss of independence, and complete dependence on caregivers. Sequelae of AD extend beyond cognitive decline; patients are susceptible to weight loss, malnutrition, depression, and sleep disturbances. Long-term effects include decreased social interactions, institutionalization, and increased caregiver burden. Ultimately, AD results in death, often due to complications like pneumonia, dehydration, or falls. The progression varies among individuals but typically spans 8-12 years from diagnosis to death, highlighting the profound long-term impact on patients, families, and healthcare systems.

Statistics on Morbidity and Mortality

Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the leading causes of dementia worldwide, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Globally, an estimated 55 million people were living with dementia in 2020, with AD accounting for approximately 60-70% of cases (World Health Organization, 2021). The incidence of AD increases exponentially with age; it affects roughly 1 in 10 individuals aged 65 and older, rising to nearly half of those over 85 (Prince et al., 2015). Morbidity data indicate that women are disproportionately affected, representing approximately 65-70% of diagnosed cases, partly due to women’s longer lifespan (Seshadri et al., 2010). Mortality rates are high, with AD being the sixth leading cause of death globally (WHO, 2021). In the United States, over 6 million Americans aged 65 and older are estimated to have AD, with projections suggesting this number could triple by 2050 due to aging populations (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022). Mortality is primarily due to the disease’s progression, with pneumonia, cardiovascular complications, and dehydration as common causes of death among AD patients.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease, with some being non-modifiable and others modifiable. Age remains the most significant risk factor; the likelihood of developing AD increases sharply after age 65, doubling every five years thereafter (De la Fuente et al., 2018). Genetics plays a crucial role; carriers of the APOE ɛ4 allele have a threefold increased risk compared to non-carriers (Corder et al., 1993). Gender is another important factor; women are more susceptible, possibly due to hormonal changes and longer lifespan (Seshadri et al., 2010). Other non-modifiable factors include family history of dementia, Down syndrome (trisomy 21), and certain genetic mutations such as in APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2. Modifiable risk factors encompass cardiovascular health (hypertension, diabetes, obesity), lifestyle choices (sedentary behavior, smoking, poor diet), education level, and social engagement. Emerging research emphasizes the importance of managing vascular risk factors early in life to reduce AD risk. Environmental factors, such as exposure to air pollution and head trauma, are also under investigation for their potential roles in disease onset (Livingston et al., 2020).

Current Methods of Prevention and Treatment

Prevention strategies for Alzheimer’s Disease primarily target modifiable risk factors. Public health initiatives advocate for maintaining cardiovascular health through regular exercise, a balanced diet (such as the Mediterranean diet), smoking cessation, and managing hypertension and diabetes. Cognitive engagement, social activities, and continuing education are also associated with reduced risk (Livingston et al., 2020). Pharmacological treatments currently available aim to alleviate symptoms rather than halt progression. Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are prescribed to improve cognitive function temporarily, while NMDA receptor antagonists like memantine provide benefits in moderate to severe stages (Birks, 2006). Recently, disease-modifying therapies targeting amyloid plaques and tau proteins, such as aducanumab and lecanemab, have gained regulatory approval, representing a significant breakthrough, though their efficacy and cost continue to be debated (Seeliger et al., 2022). Non-pharmacological interventions, including cognitive training, physical activity, and behavioral therapy, have shown promise in improving quality of life. Ongoing research focuses on early detection through biomarkers and imaging, which could enable earlier interventions that might delay onset or slow disease progression (Jack et al., 2018).

In conclusion, Alzheimer’s Disease is a complex neurodegenerative disorder whose impact continues to grow with aging populations. Understanding its historical context, clinical presentation, epidemiology, and risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and treatments. Emerging therapeutics and heightened awareness offer hope for altering its trajectory in coming decades.

References

  • Alzheimer’s Association. (2022). 2022 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 18(4), 700-789.
  • Birks, J. (2006). Cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1), CD005593.
  • Corder, E. H., Saunders, A. M., Risch, N. J., et al. (1993). Gene dose of apolipoprotein E type 4 allele and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in late onset families. Science, 261(5123), 921-923.
  • De la Fuente, M., Madero, S., & Martín-Oliva, D. (2018). Age-related risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease. Geriatrics & Gerontology International, 18(6), 857-864.
  • Jack, C. R., Jr., Bennett, D. A., Blennow, K., et al. (2018). NIA-AA Research Framework: Toward a biological definition of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 14(4), 535-562.
  • Livingston, G., Sommerlad, A., Orgeta, V., et al. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care. The Lancet, 396(10248), 413-446.
  • Prince, M., Wimo, A., Guerchet, M., et al. (2015). World Alzheimer Report 2015: The global impact of dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease International.
  • Seshadri, S., Larson, E. B., & Klunk, W. E. (2010). The Role of Apolipoprotein E in Alzheimer’s Disease. Archives of Neurology, 67(1), 35-40.
  • Seeliger, J., Quanter, S., & Kurz, A. (2022). Advances in Alzheimer’s Disease therapeutics: Monoclonal antibodies targeting amyloid. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 21(3), 165-166.
  • World Health Organization. (2021). dementia fact sheets. WHO.

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