When a person's brain is affected by Alzheimer's disease, it undergoes irreversible changes. Unfortunately, this disease cannot be cured. For more than a century, doctors have been struggling with the question of what causes disorders in brain cells and what becomes the catalyst.
Major versions
Scientists are divided on Alzheimer's syndrome. Some of them connect the onset of the disease with degeneration nerve cells into peculiar tangles (neurofibrillary plaques). Their occurrence interferes with the transmission of signals between cells.
Manifestations of Alzheimer's disease also include the fact that sufferers act and behave in ways that may disgust or mock you. Keep in mind that this is the result of an illness and is not a cause for concern. Learn to deal with these difficult situations. Patients with Alzheimer's disease often have difficulty understanding the meaning of an object, but they are very sensitive to what they say. Always try to communicate with a smooth and calm melody. The communication method selects the no-intersection notification.
For example, a place where you can ask: “Do you want to go out?”, Let me know: “You have a bath, here is your purse.” Distract the patient's attention. The patient wants to go out, for example. A place where you could say: Where do you want to go now? You can't leave alone. Say, “Before you go, come here with a little help.” The patient's attention will be focused on something else and will soon forget what he wanted to do in the first place. Avoid discussing realities. Patients are often unaware of reality and cannot distinguish between the past and the present.
There is an assumption that the development of the disease is associated with a lack of calcium ions in the cells; this occurs when the structure of certain proteins on the membranes of the nerve cell begins to deteriorate. There is also an opinion that the cause is the accumulation of a certain protein in the body - beta-amyloid. Its accumulation in large quantities in brain tissue causes memory loss. The toxic theory has also become widespread. Its supporters claim that nitrates are to blame. They accumulate in the body throughout life and in old age contribute to the destruction of brain neurons. Some scientists are confident that changes in the brain are caused by aluminum molecules that enter the body from the environment.
He may even forget who you are. This is, of course, very inconvenient, but you are not holding onto your version of reality, so there will be even more stress. Instead of saying, “You can't call your father, he's been dead for so many years,” they say, “He's not at home at all.”
Planning daily activities for patients Patients with Alzheimer's disease often feel bored. They would like to do something, but they don't know what or how. That's why it's good idea prepare them for every day. It is appropriate if the actions are repeated. If you want, work together on the sore and difficult part of your workouts. Take care to keep yourself and your poor in the best physical condition. A great step is a walk in nature. Exercise relieves anxiety and improves sleep.
However, most researchers have come to the conclusion that heredity plays a role in the causes of Alzheimer's disease. main role. At this stage, there are two main risk factors: age and genetics. Genes that are damaged for one reason or another are unable to transmit the correct information to cells, as a result of which they fail. As a result, brain cells change their structure and plaques form.
For contacts at social institutions, peer services, suppliers medical services etc. Which provide care to patients with Alzheimer's disease, visit these websites -. You can find a place where you can help with patient placement, ability to request helplessness, etc. in the News section where you can get help with this information.
Alzheimer's disease is a serious neurodegenerative brain disease that causes the gradual death of brain cells and leads to complex mental and physical decline human personality, to dementia. As for the increase in morbidity in recent decades, now this phenomenon is a social phenomenon and is among the diseases of civilization. Life expectancy ranges from 8 to 20 years from outbreak.
How dangerous is bad heredity?
Many people whose loved ones suffer from Alzheimer's disease are concerned about their personal health. Can we say that the disease is inherited? Definitely not, the predisposition is inherited, but not the disease itself.
If you are still affected by this problem, pay attention to. The methods that experts offer are very simple and easily applicable in everyday life. In addition, following the recommendations will help you avoid many other unpleasant diseases, as well as maintain physical and mental activity.
Diseases resulting from the breakdown of proteins, called amyloids, are stored in the brain at a dangerous increase in the number of diseases. They prevent the transmission of electrical impulses between nerve cells that are essential for memory, orientation and learning. Defects lipid metabolism are closely related to the occurrence of atherosclerosis, which causes narrowing blood vessels and sites of subsequent major ischemic disease. Multiple strokes can also cause dementia.
Due to symptoms that are initially typical of classical natural aging, in the first days it is not easy to recognize. Therefore, the basis is their timely identification and correct diagnosis, which allows changing the life pattern of the affected person so that the quality and meaning of his life remain as long as possible.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
You can simply determine the presence of symptoms of the disease by taking a test that identifies people at risk. You can take a test for Alzheimer's disease at your doctor's appointment; this text will soon appear on our website.
You should not be afraid of its results, since it is not direct evidence that you have Alzheimer's syndrome. The mechanism of action of the test itself is designed to identify problems with memory and identification. Based on the results, we can only assume the development alarming symptoms. The presence of the syndrome can only be determined by passing special tests and undergoing thorough examination from specialists in a medical institution.
It gradually overwhelms the individual brain centers responsible for memory, language, judgment and orientation. In the beginning, forgetful and distracted, in the end the person is unable to take care of himself - through his behavior and actions he becomes a child who needs to be taken care of. This stage, however, precedes the earlier stages when they gradually emerge - in confusion, anxiety and fear of the affected person and in the painful experiences of his or her relatives, individual problems with health and complications.
As already mentioned, the age at which the likelihood of occurrence increases sharply. At the age of 65, every twenty-one people are sick; in the case of people over 85, every fifth person is sick. Young people are especially threatened. Currently, there are various studies and studies medicines and treatments that could reverse the progression of the disease, but there are no clinically proven results yet. Effective treatment therefore does not exist - a combination of drugs and preventive measures can only slow down the progression of the disease.
For a final diagnosis, you will need to undergo a series of tests and undergo a CT scan.
It is impossible to diagnose Alzheimer's syndrome on your own, since the symptoms of the disease are very similar to those of other age-related diseases. Therefore, do not rush to conclusions; even experts make mistakes.
- Heredity and disease
- Methods of transmission of the disease
Many people whose relatives suffer from this terrible disease, fearing for their health, wonder whether Alzheimer's disease is inherited.
Various antioxidant supplements are recommended as part of therapeutic adjunctive therapy. Due to metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk cardiovascular diseases four times, movement is also important.
Genetic analysis is primarily focused on detecting mutations in the apolipoprotein E gene, which is one of the risk factors. Increases the risk of developing sporadic forms of Alzheimer's disease and late hereditary forms. There are four known for this protein different options gene. Apolipoprotein E is responsible for transporting fatty substances into the blood.
Doctors call this disease the epidemic of the 21st century. Degenerative processes in the nerve cells of the area of the brain that is responsible for cognitive activity, lead to the development of the disease.
The disease begins with such minor symptoms that they cannot be immediately noticed. Over time, the patient's condition worsens more and more, the changes become irreversible. A little forgetfulness turns into big memory problems, speech becomes slurred, and everyday activities are difficult. All this leads the sick person to a state in which he cannot do without outside help.
This inspection also reveals possible risks atherosclerosis as the main cause of cardiovascular diseases, including brain damage. Mutations are congenital, which means that the test can be carried out at any age, and its results do not change throughout life.
If you are interested in an examination, we will take your blood directly to the Medipon clinic, or we will send you an oral mucous removal kit to your address. The result will be presented in the form of a score sheet available directly from the laboratory and will be issued against a valid document or can be mailed to permanent place residence. The result sheet also contains, in case of a positive conclusion, an interpretation of the result and recommendations for further action. The results can be reviewed in writing and by telephone with the laboratory manager.
- The genetic test results for both tissues are identical.
- We will send you exact instructions for buckwheat.
- We will notify you of the test result within 10 working days.
People with Alzheimer's disease live about 10 years from the onset of the disease. Death usually occurs from lack of food or from pneumonia. About 10% of the elderly population (over 65 years old) suffer from this disease. There are significantly more sufferers among those who have crossed the 85-year mark. More than half of them are like that.
Heredity and disease
Doctors noticed that patients with Alzheimer's have relatives (in previous generations) with the same disease. And many research papers Scientists confirm this fact: the disease is hereditary. Statistics also show this. Moreover, if in one family there is more than one patient, then the risk of getting sick in subsequent generations of members of this family is 2 times greater. All this data confirms that Alzheimer's disease is a genetic disease.
Only 100% results can be guaranteed. Please respect them. The insurer does not pay for these tests. Doctors don't know exactly why some people get Parkinson's disease. Guilt is considered inherited, some chemical substances- such as pesticides - and lack of dopamine. The disease, which is mainly caused by tremors, is a problem for up to 20 thousand people in the republic. She recently spoke about her in connection with the famous actress Jan Hlavacheva.
Research has shown that among farmers and people who work with pesticides, the incidence of Parkinson's disease is three times higher than in other groups of the population. Thus, it appears that genetic assumptions and chemicals are involved in the development of the disease, in which the brain cannot properly control the movement of the body.
A lot is passed on to children from their parents: character, habits, external characteristics, illnesses. A large number of genes are responsible for this. All of them “live” in certain cell structures human body called chromosomes. Genes are made up of DNA molecules (deoxyribonucleic acid).
From both parents, the child receives 23 chromosome pairs (one set from mom, one set from dad). Each gene stores a piece of information about the structure of the human body. Various circumstances can affect genes - they change. In such cases, some kind of disease develops. If available serious violation, then the gene mutates.
Parkinson's disease affects the brain systems that affect automatic movements, muscle tension and coordination of movements. Typically, after fifty years of life, groups of nerve cells and their connections become damaged. Several years before the disease breaks out, it is reported only unnoticed - random jolts, kicks or slowdowns, stiff backs. All of these symptoms can be caused by stress, fatigue, insomnia or little movement. But years from now it may turn out to be Parkinson's disease.
Long-term treatment for Parkinson's disease
Main hallmark Parkinson's disease is uncontrollable tremors, but it may be a lack of facial expressions. Unfortunately, the onset of the disease is also prolonged. The patient must be patient with the doctor because they do not always find the medications they take on the first try.
Genetic scientists are confident that Alzheimer's disease and heredity are closely interrelated. Moreover, experts have identified which chromosomes are to blame for this, namely the 1st, 14th, 19th, 21st. Both types of the disease are inherited - the one in which the disease develops early (at 40 years of age and later), and the type that contributes to the disease at a later age (65 and older).
The main thing is not to give up and fight the disease. Yana Virerova, who also formulated the following advice. Follow the medication recommended by the neurologist, despite the difficulties, make sure that a large number of exercises physical activity It is best to keep the rhythm of the body by dancing and moving music to train the brain, but also the tongue, to keep in an optimistic mood - thanks to the support of the family and equally sick patients, for example, in the Parkinson's Association. Try to set up your apartment for the disabled and carefully maintain order in it - especially do not leave anything on the floor, equip stable home furniture on which you can rest, take the risk of a slipping disc. Drugs for this disease improve the transmission of stimuli, some help create dopamine, a substance that is essential to proper brain function.
But geneticists are confident that changes in gene structure are not the only cause of the disease. Hereditary predisposition, together with lifestyle, environment and natural conditions, contribute to the development of the disease. But it is heredity that is the main factor in the development of the disease.
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IN exceptional cases deep brain stimulation with an electrical stimulator implanted directly into the affected areas of the brain is chosen. In the context of Parkinson's disease, as well as depression or poor stress management, dopamine is missing. A substance the brain produces to better communicate anxiety. Manifestations of dopamine deficiency - fatigue, taste for sweets and coffee, decreased physical activity, Bad mood and reluctance to have sex.
Do you know the history of a person with Parkinson's disease, write to us or. In this chapter we can list four groups of diseases: dementia, mental retardation, behavioral disorders, some mental illness. It is now emerging that a large group of these diseases are associated with a familial and genetic component. Accurate genetic diagnosis is so difficult or impossible for most. About 10% of people over 70 have dementia, and about half of them have Alzheimer's disease.
Methods of transmission of the disease
Geneticists have identified two types of genes that contribute to the onset of Alzheimer's. In carriers of the first genotype, the pathology will certainly become hereditary. None external factors do not affect the process.
This genotype has its own variety:
- amyloid precursor (chromosome 21);
- PS-1 – presenilin 1 (chromosome 14);
- PS-2 – presenilin 2 (1st chromosome).
This gene affects heredity in such a way that the disease begins in a dominant autosomal pattern. This pathology is called family illness Alzheimer's.
It is typical for her early start development, long before age 60. Among this form of the disease, doctors often encounter the disease in a person in at a young age, 30-40 years old. But this type of pathology is rare: in the world it is diagnosed in less than a thousand families. This form of the disease is considered the most indicative and is one hundred percent hereditary.
Less than a hundred families around the world have a mutating amyloid precursor. This mutation helps increase protein production. And this is the root cause of the development of Alzheimer's.
No more than four hundred families on the planet have the PS-1 mutation. This type of hereditary disease affects a person at a very early age- about 30 years old.
Very few families (only a few dozen), mainly in the USA, carry the PS-2 gene. Compared to previous types of the disease, this form of the disease occurs at a later age.
Anyone who has one of these genes will definitely develop Alzheimer's disease. Heredity plays a major role in this. Symptoms appear early. Those people whose parents, brothers and sisters have this form disease, it is recommended to conduct a special test and consult with a specialist in genetic diseases with its results.
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Is heredity always a death sentence?
A form of late-onset Alzheimer's disease is much more common. It is also hereditary, but this does not mean that a person who has sick relatives will definitely get sick. Those changes in genes that occur during this disease, only affect the risk of developing pathology (it can be higher or lower), but do not relate to the direct cause of the development of the disease.
Among the genes that influence the disease, apolipoprotein has been studied more than any other. This gene can be identified by laboratory research, But practical medicine rarely uses this. It is usually detected in those who take part in special programs research.
This gene has a number of varieties. About 25% of people have the type of gene that is associated with increased risk development of Alzheimer's disease with increasing age and unfavorable external factors.
Geneticists have determined that about 2% of the population have the second type of this gene in double quantity - from mom and dad. The heir receives from his parents a 10-fold increased risk of developing the disease. But this does not mean that the incidence of the disease will occur one hundred percent.
Apoliprotein also has a third type. In the bodies of at least 60% of the population it is contained in double quantities. The risk of developing the disease is assessed as average. Approximately half of carriers, approaching the age of 80, become ill.
The apolipoprotein gene has another type that has interesting feature– the ability to defend oneself (in mild form) against Alzheimer's disease itself.
Carriers of this gene have the lowest risk of getting the disease.
Geneticists conclude that, at least this disease and is genetic, it is not in all cases transmitted to subsequent generations, and accordingly, it cannot be inevitable. And if you follow a number of rules (for example, maintaining a correct lifestyle), it is quite possible to avoid pathology.
Scientists do not stop their research, constantly making sure that there are many more genes that are associated with this disease. But their influence is not so significant.
Are preventive measures possible?
Alzheimer's disease causes irreversible processes in brain cells. Modern pharmaceuticals doesn't offer enough effective means against the disease, so you should follow some rules to prevent the development of the disease.
Prevention of the disease consists of following the recommendations that doctors advise for diseases associated with pathology of nerve cells. These are the following diseases:
- head injuries;
- neoplasms in brain cells;
- hypothyroidism;
- constant stress;
- decreased estrogen levels;
- diabetes.
Timely treatment of these conditions serves to prevent Alzheimer's disease.
TO preventive measures The following tips include:
- avoid stress, think positively;
- protect your body from the effects of various harmful substances (chemical, radiation, etc.);
- Healthy food;
- quit smoking and alcohol;
- engage in vigorous physical exercise;
- develop yourself intellectually;
- communicate with nice and smart people.
There are no better measures than to live full life, eat healthy food, constantly exercise hiking and do not overstrain the body.
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