Abstract : This research provides an outlook to the characteristics of Alzheimer's disease and its significance through biological statuses. A common variety of Dementia [ Loss of cognitive functionality ] with a chronic nature, that has major contributing factors to mental behavior, resulting in dreadful interferences in daily lives. The Disease itself holds the potential of generating mood disorders including severe depression, hence its contagious effect on individuals. Surely a certain topic that should be taken into account, and encourage modern society to understand an individual's story before disagreeable judgements. Thus, an in-depth perspective of the impact on humans this progressive disease is incapable of, will be discovered through the text.
The progressive Alzheimer's disease may seem like an ordinary Neural malfunction, in an instinct. However, its generation of proteins surrounding brain cells (amyloid) [NHS.uk] resulting in plaques, is what makes the vulnerability of an individual's limit to processing the surrounding environment. As the disease hovers over 55 million people's daily lives [WHO], the report hopes to deliver a meaningful message across the NIS community.
Just like any typical diseases / illnesses, there are significant changes that develop over the course of a time period. These long or short-term changes trigger chemical reactions that force the decrease in Neurons. Common signs individuals may witness before hand are ; Memory Loss, Poor Decision making, Lack of spontaneity / initiations, Losing tracks of dates /locations, More time for completing daily tasks, Repeating questions / forgetting recently learned information [NIA.gov].
Hence, the common side-effects are noticeably related to human cognitive functionality, where the mass concentration of the disease approaches the entorhinal cortex (EC) and the Hippocampus, later on spreading its characteristics onto the cerebral cortex [NCBI]. The two vital EC and Hippocampus regions within our brain are predominant involving consuming information and distributing them.
[‘Diagram of a normal brain compared to a brain of a person with Alzheimer’s’ : Wikipedia]
Furthermore, an online network platform ; SPIEGEL International, has conducted an interview with an Alzheimer Sufferer, known as former psychology professor Richard Taylor. At age 58 he has proclaimed his diagnosis in a developing dementia (Alzheimer's) disease [SPIEGEL.int]. His sudden occurrence, as claimed, has significantly changed and manipulated his relationships and perception of the society. Formally stated : “You're a person you don’t know anymore. And the one you knew disappears” - Dr. Taylor. Hence suggesting how memories being made and information being consumed would be forgotten to an extent where you're reliving a certain life every now and then.
[‘Psychology professor Richard Taylor. The American academic has written about his life with Alzheimer's’ : Jürgen Georg ]
Throughout the interview, his journey and perspective on this disease were specified. The realization of Dr Taylor having this certain disease was assumed by his wife, whereas noticing his absentminded conditions through daily essentials. Occasions of getting lost and forgetting important requirements, and a sudden change in late arrival times. In extent, influencing his emotional and mental status post-diagnosis.
Personally stated : “I ran out into the garden and cried so loudly.” , “I cried for weeks.” - Dr Taylor. Due to his realization, a period of depression has developed over the course of weeks, this included staying within his home and being highly unproductive and socially inactive. Alongside knowing that Alzheimer patients tend to have a 10-year life expectancy, his life completely changed in a matter of seconds.
Later on the director noticed how slowly and slightly sluggish he had spoken, yet his use of grammar was flawless. Furthermore, noticing he was eating a cake through the interview (questioning whether it was an impolite act caused by Dementia or an ordinary practice in Texas). Hence, this interview exhibited information and experience of what a vulnerable patient had to witness within his unfortunate expectancy. For further depth to the interview, visit ; https://www.spiegel.de/international.
In extent to neurons being disintegrated, vital networks are significantly impacted, including metabolism and processes of repairing. This may link to how a patient may have physical side effects, hence the reason why Physical assessments are mandatory when doctors are under investigation. They would complete examinations that aim to perceive any other conditions that may be altered. This may include signs of stroke, muscular weakness, and temporary paralysis (etc) [NHS.uk].
In conclusion, This short paper has reviewed the attributes dementia would have against daily lifestyles, and their dominant possession to over control the patient. While it is difficult to draw links between students and the disease, I believe in acknowledging the individual's perspective before judgments, especially within an academic environment where competitiveness and st ress are minor. Coming from the interview with Dr. Richard Taylor, not all individuals with dementia would be prohibited from flexibility in personal lifestyles, and that hope is substantial.
Lakotta, Beate. “A-076bf875-0001-0001-0000-000000688049.” DER SPIEGEL, Hamburg, Germany, 28 Feb. 2010, www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/interview-with-alzheimer-sufferer-you-turn-into-a-person-you-don-t-know-anymore-a-688049.html.
Medical History and Physical Exam for Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease – Health Information Library | PeaceHealth. www.peacehealth.org/medical- topics/id/hw135167#:~:text=The%20doctor%20will%20do%20a,speaking%2C%20hearing%2C%20or%20moving.
Website, Nhs. “Causes.” nhs.uk, 14 Sept. 2023, www.nhs.uk/conditions/alzheimers-disease/causes/#:~:text=Alzheimer%27s%20disease%20is%20thought%20to,form%20plaques%20around%20brain%20cells.
---. “Symptoms of Dementia.” nhs.uk, 18 Aug. 2023, www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/symptoms/#:~:text=stroke%2Dlike%20symptoms%3A%20including%20muscle,with%20attention%2C%20planning%20and%20reasoning.
“What Are the Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?” National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-are-signs-alzheimers-disease.
World Health Organization: WHO and World Health Organization: WHO. “Dementia.” www.who.int, Mar. 2023, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia#:~:text=Key%20facts,nearly%2010%20million%20new%20cases.
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