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A problem of growing concern for older individuals is Alzheimer's disease, a degenerative disorder of the brain that results in irreversible memory loss. Along with the memory loss are other symptoms, such as intellectual and personality deterioration. Many patients lose the ability to perform more than simple body functions (Cummings & Victoroff, 1990).
There are several objective scales that are used to diagnose Alzheimer's, including the Standardized Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale. However, an exact diagnosis is currently not possible until an autopsy is performed. Researchers in this area have been attempting to improve diagnostic techniques. For example, Lavenu and colleagues (1997) found that persons with probable Alzheimer's disease often showed atrophy of medial temporal lobe, measured by CAT scan. When Alzheimer's disease occurs in the elderly, as it often does, it's sometimes referred to as senility. But dementia may occur in people as young as forty. The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not known, but it appears that a decrease in the neurotransmitter acetylcholine plays a role. Engelborghs and Deyn (1997) found deficits in acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and serotonin areas of the brain in Alzheimer's patients. Researchers are testing various drugs, such as Nicergoline, that increase the level of acetylcholine in the brain and might slow the progression of the disease (Winblad, 1997). To date, treatment has been ineffective in preventing the inevitable intellectual decline in afflicted patients. One line of research has focused on genetic factors in Alzheimer's disease. Early research found that individuals with Down syndrome almost always develop Alzheimer's disease if they live long enough (Holland & Oliver, 1995). Research has focused on amyloid protein, which causes plaque that accumulates and causes the acetylcholine neurons to degenerate (Selkoe, 1991). Several genes have been discovered that control the structure of amyloid precursor protein. This research gives insight into the role acetylcholine plays in memory and also may provide a lead in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Recent research also focuses on ways to slow the progression of the disease through nonmedical means. Vittoria (1998) found that when hospital staff members encouraged an Alzheimer's patient's sense of identity and "self" they were able to maintain their identity for a longer period of time. Research is continuing as scientists learn more about this disorder. |
To find out more about Alzheimer's Disease,
Connect to these sites:
Alzheimer Disease homepage
Memory and Aging
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