Alzheimer's Disease

Research Paper # 92579

Aging
Medical and Health > Medical Studies
Women Studies

Alzheimer's Disease

An overview of Alzheimer's disease and a look at the research and studies being conducted as well its the prognosis for the future.

1,633 words () | 10 sources | MLA | 2001 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and debilitating disease affecting an estimated four million people in the United States. It looks at how it begins slowly and progresses over time and how symptoms may include memory loss, confusion, problems with thinking and learning and behavioral changes. It also discusses how, at this time, no known cure for Alzheimer's Disease exists and how researchers are testing a great number and variety of substances in hopes of finding ways to ease, slow, and eventually prevent Alzheimer's disease.

From the Paper:

"The symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease are caused by the destruction of brain cells. These symptoms include problems with memory and in later stages impairments in language and reason. Alzheimer's Disease progresses at varying speeds and symptoms may differ among patients. Characterizing features include its gradual onset, progressive decline in cognitive function, difficulty in learning and retaining new information, and finally disorientation and impaired judgement. In the later stages, there is a marked change in behavior and mood, leading to delusions, aggression, and wandering. "

Sample of Sources Used:

Alzheimer's Forum. "Drugs in Clinical Trials." Online. Available:www.alzforum.org/members/research/drugs/memantine.html. 3/3/01.
Alzheimer's Forum. "Treatment Guide." Online. Available: www.alzforum.org/members/research/treatment_guide.html. and www.alzforum.org/members/research/treatment_guide/PhaseIII.html. 2/8/01.
Alzheimer's Association. "General Statistics/Demographics." Alzheimer's Organization. Online. Available: www.alz.org/research/current/stats.htm. 2/26/01.
Alzheimer's Association. "Research on the Causes of Alzheimer's Disease." Online. Available: www.alz.org/research/current/causes/ 2/26/01.
"Estrogen: Alzheimer's Prevention and Treatment for Women." Health Library.Online. Available: www.alzheimers.com/health_library/treatment/treatment_02_estro.htm. 1/14/01.The Genesis Report