Alzheimer's+Disease-+Molly+D

Alzheimer’s Disease
 * Description: **

The brain of someone with Alzheimer’s contains abnormal clumps of cellular debris, protein, and collapsed microtubules(support of cells). People with Alzheimer’s disease can start to forget simple, daily tasks. A normal neuron does not have tangles or plaque on them, but an Alzheimer’s neuron does.


 * Inheritance: **

Alzheimer’s is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Each child inherits a normal copy of the gene from mom, and either a normal or defective copy from dad.


 * Pedigree Chart: **
 * Symptoms: **

People with Alzheimer’s Disease slowly lose their ability to think since the disease destroys brain cells. First they may forget names or words, or have trouble remembering where things are. Later, as it worsens; so do the symptoms. They start to forget how to do simple tasks such as, brushing their hair. Some people may also feel nervous or sad.


 * Diagnosis: **

Alzheimer’s Disease has no test however; doctors use other tests to test the patient’s memory, language, and problem solving skills. These tests don’t determine weather the patient has the disease, but it can rule out other disorders with similar symptoms.


 * Treatment: **

Alzheimer’s has no cure however; its symptoms can be slowed with medication. Aricept is a drug that increases the amount of neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. Additionally, Namenda, a newer medicine, protects brain cells from a chemical called glutamate, which can damage nerve cells. Doctors can also prescribe them with anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medicines. People with Alzheimer’s usually need a caregiver to help them get around and do things they can no longer do.


 * Interesting Facts: media type="custom" key="9657216" **


 * Support Groups: **

One support group is the Alzheimer’s Association.


 * Sources: **

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 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pictures: [[image:alzheimer's_neurons.jpg width="309" height="238" align="left"]] **