By: Laine Lyles Alzheimer’s Disease

Case Background 78 year old man Confusing names of relatives Having trouble controlling emotions Having trouble making simple calculations Does not remember how to play a card game Adamant on the fact that he is clean Trouble recognizing people that he has known for years Trouble finding items such as glasses and keys

What happens in the brain? When Alzheimer’s Disease begins the brain actually begins losing cells and tissue. Electrical signals cannot be sent between cells. The brain begins to lose synapses and nerve cells. Neurotransmitters cannot travel between cells.

Alzheimer’s Stages Alzheimer’s is commonly classified into three different stages: Early Mild or Moderate Severe

Early Alzheimer’s In the Early Stage of Alzheimer’s: The brain begins losing some of its synapses and cells begin dying. Tau’s begin tangling Tau’s control the lining up of the proteins in the brain, and when they begin tangling the proteins are no longer aligned, they begin to die, and nutrients cannot be transported to the areas of the brain where they need to be. Proteins form in the areas between nerve cells Beta amyloid pieces in the brain begin to stick together and prevent signals from being transmitted between cells. Mainly effects frontal cortex and the hippocampus.

Mild or Moderate Stage In the Mild or Moderate Stage the brain continues losing tissue and nerve cells due to lack of nutrients. Tangles and proteins continue forming. Person begins losing memories, having trouble organizing thoughts, and remembering familiar people. They may also have trouble expressing themselves and dealing with money. This stage is when most people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Severe Stage In the Severe Stage of Alzheimer’s Disease people have excessive nerve cell and tissue loss, and have a very shrunken hippocampus. They can no longer communicate or take care of themselves.

How long does each stage last? In a typical Alzheimer’s patient: The Early Stage Begins about 20 years before diagnosis The Mild or Moderate Stage Lasts from 2 to 10 years The Severe Stage Lasts from 1 to 5 years Most people with Alzheimer’s live from 8 to 20 years after diagnosis.

Life with Alzheimer’s People with Alzheimer’s will: Begin to have trouble communicating with others Need the assistance of a caregiver Need constant labels or reminders in order to remember important information or people Need assistance bathing or remembering to bathe May need assistance in choosing what to wear Should only drive in the earliest stage if able, and only on familiar roads for short periods of time. Need assistance remembering to eat or preparing meals Need assistance in regulating sleep patterns Need assistance using the restroom or may need to wear adult diapers. Need attention to prevent wandering.

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Occupations that Help Gerontologist Neurologist Assist elderly in coping Bachelor’s Degree $39,530 a year Neurologist Deal with disorders of the nervous system Diagnose illnesses and prescribe treatments Bachelor’s Degree, Complete Medical School, 3 to 8 years of internship and residency $193,667 a year

Sources http://www.alz.org/braintour/tour_links.asp http://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081017085735AAB7pIz http://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/livingwith/everydaylife.html http://www.bing.com/images?FORM=Z9LH www.webMD.com http://alzheimers.about.com/od/workingwithyourdoctor/a/specialists.htm http://www.jobdescriptions.net/health/gerontology/ http://www.healthcaresalaryonline.com/neurologist-job-description.html http://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/neurologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,11.htm