By: Tasso Skountzouris David Schiano

General Description  Alzheimer’s is one the most common form of Dementia  Dementia causes a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior

Parts of the Nervous System affected  Alzheimer’s disease deteriorates the brain by destroying nerve cells. Once the nerve cells begin to deteriorate it causes a reduction of responses to other nerve cells.  The condition spreads out, causing chemical interruptions, the transmission of impulses slow, and tissues in the brain begin to get worse.

Causes  Scientist’s are not completely sure what causes Alzheimer’s; however, they have found a correlation between protein build-up in the brain and Alzheimer’s. These build-ups manifest themselves as plaques and tangles(tau).  Alzheimer’s also has a genetic link, and people who suffer severe head trauma may also be more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s

Therapy  There is no complete treatment for Alzheimer’s, yet some therapies may improve the severity of it.  Aromatherapy, listening to familiar music, spending time with pets.  Donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine.

Pharmacology  Most drugs used to treat Alzheimer's are aimed at slowing the rate at which symptoms become worse. The benefit from these drugs is often small, and patients may not always notice much of a change.  Donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne, formerly called Reminyl

Progression  Early signs of Alzheimer’s include: difficulty doing familiar tasks, problems using language, and disorientation to time and place.  Stage 1: No impairment Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline Stage 3: Mild cognitive decline Stage 4: Moderate cognitive decline Stage 5: Moderately severe cognitive decline Stage 6: Severe cognitive decline Stage 7: Very severe cognitive decline

Recovery  There is no true recovery from Alzheimer’s, it continues to wear away a person’s memory as time goes on.