Alzhimers

Essay by EssaySwap ContributorCollege, Undergraduate February 2008

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Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's disease also known as (AD) is a progressive disease with an irreversible brain disorder with an unknown cause or cure. Alzheimer's is a disease characterized by memory loss, language deterioration, impaired visual spatial skills, poor judgment, and indifferent attitude. Alzheimer's usually begins after age 65; however, its onset may occur as early as age 40, the course of the disease increases and decreases from person to person. Some people have the disease only for the last 5 years of their life, while others may have it for as much as 20 years. It attacks and slowly steals the minds of its victims. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of irreversible dementia.

There is no cure for AD and no way to slow the progression of the disease. For some people in the early or middle stages of the disease, medication's such as tacrine may alleviate some cognitive symptoms.

Aricept (donepezil) and Exelon (rivastigmine) are reversible acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors that are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Other medications may help control behavior symptoms such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression. These treatments are aimed at making the patient more comfortable.