Alzheimer's Research Paper

Submitted By Dooga
Words: 1200
Pages: 5

Alzheimer’s is a currently untreatable disease that is characterized initially by the loss of functional memory, followed unavoidably by diminished motor and verbal memory and the subsequent inability to function. (Text book)

The central nervous system simply, is the processing center for the entire nervous system.
The central nervous system is comprised of a complex network of neurons that are responsible for interpreting information from all parts of the body. The two main organs of this system are the brain and spinal cord, which together send and receive information. This system not only responds to changes in the external environment but also coordinates organ functions as well.

The main functions of the digestive system are too absorb vitamins, nutrients and minerals from ingested food. The digestive tract includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The digestive system is not only responsible for the absorption and transportation of nutrients in the body; it also removes the unwanted food/waste from the body.

Lastly, the neuromuscular system is the combination of the nervous system and the muscles working together for any activity involving voluntary movement of the body. This system allows you to feel movement, maintain balance and also helps you to make movements without having to think about them. Each muscle in the body is controlled by its own nerve. In order to move a part of the body the brain sends a command signal down the spinal cord and allows a nerve to pass the message onto that muscle.

Those with Alzheimer’s disease can have many symptoms that change dramatically from day to day. However, those with the disease do get worse over time, especially regarding memory loss.

Common symptoms include:

Difficulty with short term memory
Forgetting recent events and conversations
Impaired orientation
Misplacing items
Poor judgment and insight
Loss of interest in hobbies
Difficulty with cooking, dressing, finances
Changes in behavior and mood
Depression
Anxiety
Irritability

Alzheimer’s affects the 3 body systems in a major way.

Alzheimer’s disease is primarily a disease of the central nervous system. Even though the cause of Alzheimer’s disease remains weakly understood, there are specific brain abnormalities that have been identified in patients with the disorder. It is these abnormalities that cause brain cells to malfunction and eventually die, reports the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (third age) Initially, the loss of working brain tissue that occurs with this disease causes problems with memory and learning. As the disease progresses, brain function, personality and mood are gradually more affected. And with the late stage of this disease, patients lose their sense of self and present circumstances. Alzheimer’s disease negatively affects the digestive system in a profound way. A common occurrence in those with advanced Alzheimer’s disease is swallowing difficulties. Patients often have difficulty eating without choking and are more prone to Pneumonia. Pneumonia remains a common cause of death among people with Alzheimer’s due to swallowing difficulties that lead to the accidental entry of food or liquids into the airways. (third age) Bowel control is also another impairment affected by the Alzheimer’s disease.

The neuromuscular system is greatly affected as well because patients in the late stage of the disease lose the ability to use their muscles in purposeful ways. They typically lose their ability to walk and maintain posture. Accidental injuries are also very common due to the patient’s decline in motor function.

Current Treatment and Prevention

Alzheimer's disease is complex, and it is unlikely that any one intervention will be found to delay, prevent, or cure it. That’s why current approaches in treatment and