1. A project by Jamie Nichole Norman

2. - Alzheimer's disease is a
progressive, degenerative
disorder that attacks the
brain's nerve cells, or
neurons, resulting in loss of
memory, thinking and
language skills, and
behavioral changes.

3. These neurons, which produce the brain chemical, or
neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, break connections with
other nerve cells and ultimately die. For example, short-
term memory fails when Alzheimer's disease first destroys
nerve cells in the hippocampus, and language skills and
judgment decline when neurons die in the cerebral cortex.

4.  Are older. However, developing AD is not a part of normal aging.
 Have a close blood relative, such as a brother, sister, or parent with AD.
 Have certain genes linked to AD, such as APOE epsilon4 allele
The following may also increase your risk, although this is not well
proven:
 Being female
 Having high blood pressure for a long time
 History of head trauma
There are two types of AD:
 Early onset AD: Symptoms appear before age 60. This type is much less
common than late onset. However, it tends to get worse quickly. Early
onset disease can run in families. Several genes have been identified.
 Late onset AD: This is the most common type. It occurs in people age 60
and older. It may run in some families, but the role of genes is less clear.
 The cause of AD is not clear. Your genes and environmental factors seem
to play a role. Aluminum, lead, and mercury in the brain is no longer
believed to be a cause of AD.

5. Two types of abnormal lesions
clog the brains of individuals
with Alzheimer's disease:
Beta-amyloid plaques—sticky
clumps of protein fragments and
cellular material that form
outside and around neurons;
and neurofibrillary tangles—
insoluble twisted fibers
composed largely of the protein
tau that build up inside nerve
cells.
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Although these structures are
hallmarks of the disease,
scientists are unclear whether
they cause it or a byproduct of
it.

6. Dementia symptoms include difficulty with many
areas of mental function, including:
• Emotional behavior or personality
• Language
• Memory
• Perception
• Thinking and judgment (cognitive skills)
• Dementia usually first appears as forgetfulness.
• Mild cognitive impairment is the stage between normal
forgetfulness due to aging, and the development of AD. People
with MCI have mild problems with thinking and memory that do
not interfere with everyday activities. They are often aware of
the forgetfulness. Not everyone with MCI develops AD.
• Difficulty performing more than one task at a time
• Difficulty solving problems
• Forgetting recent events or conversations
• Taking longer to perform more difficult activities

7. Facts About Alzheimer's Disease
Every 70 seconds, someone is diagnosed with
Alzheimer's disease.
The current estimate of 5.1 million Americans
affected by Alzheimer's is expected to surge to
nearly 14 million by 2050.
By slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease
by just five years, we can reduce the number of
cases by up to 50 percent. And if the onset of
Alzheimer's can be delayed by 10 years, scientists
tell us that the disease would essentially be
eradicated

8. Currently there is no cure for AD.
The goals of treatment are:
Slow the progression of the
disease (although this is difficult
to do)
Manage symptoms, such as
behavior
problems, confusion, and sleep
problems
Change your home environment
so you can better perform daily
activities
Support family members and
other caregivers

9. The good news is that emerging
evidence suggests there are steps
you can take to help keep your
brain healthier as you age. These
steps might also reduce your risk of
Alzheimer’s disease or other
dementias

10. Physical exercise is essential for
maintaining good blood flow to
the brain as well as to encourage
new brain cells. It also can
significantly reduce the risk of
heart attack, stroke and
diabetes, and thereby protect
against those risk factors for
Alzheimer's and other dementias.

11. Research suggests that high cholesterol
may contribute to stroke and brain cell
damage. A low fat, low cholesterol diet is
advisable. And there is growing evidence
that a diet rich in dark vegetables and
fruits, which contain antioxidants, may
help protect brain cells.

12. Social activity not only makes physical
and mental activity more enjoyable, it
can reduce stress levels, which helps
maintain healthy connections among
brain cells

13. Mentally stimulating activities strengthen
brain cells and the connections between
them, and may even create new nerve
cells.

14. Book: Alzheimer’s & other Dementias by Harry Clayton, Dr. Nori Grahmn, and Dr. James Warner.
-This book gave me insight on the technical background of the brain disease.
Articles:
 Bashar, M. R., Yan, L., & Peng, W. (2012). Study of EEGs from Somatosensory Cortex and
Alzheimer's Disease Sources. International Journal Of Biological & Life Sciences, 8(2), 62-66.
-This article gave direct content to the plaque build up in your brain
 Wierenga, C. E., & Bondi, M. W. (2011). Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: What We Know
Now. Generations, 35(2), 37-45.
-This article gave me information in regards to symptoms and treatment
 Additional Sources:
 http://www.namenda.com/About/Symptoms.aspx?WT.srch=1&guid=327223877
 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001767/
 http://www.alz.org/
 http://www.alzfdn.org/AboutAlzheimers/definition.html
 http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1249&bih=416&q=alzheim
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