Are They Still in There? A Study of Alzheimer's Disease

The Hospice Foundation of America estimates that there are some four and a half million Americans stricken with Alzheimer's Disease (Doka 1). The Alzheimer's Association however puts this number closer to 5.2 million, with statistics that claim that 1 out of every 8 persons over the age of 65 suffers from this genetic disorder and someone else is diagnosed with the condition every 71 seconds. Though it is true that Alzheimer's seems to strike more women than men, more African-Americans than Caucasians, and those who have less education versus those with higher education, in reality the disease knows no gender or ethnicity and could care less about environment or social classes.

Alzheimer's Disease is devastating, progressive and irreversible. It can take away years of memories, a lifetime of language, and the very identity of its victim. It is the third most costly disease behind only heart disease and cancer, placing a burden on our health care system in excess of 100 billion dollars each year (Coste xi). As many as eighty percent of those diagnosed with dementia, are also given a diagnoses of Alzheimer's, making it the most common cause of the mental state. It is also the 7th leading cause of death among the nations population (Ham)

Patients with Alzheimer's lose motor functions and mental capacities making them unable to speak coherently, make sound judgments or execute physical tasks. They may have difficulty swallowing. Many don't recognize people, objects or surroundings which can lead to unsafe wandering and socially inappropriate behavior.

The specifics for what makes a person susceptible to Alzheimer's Disease is still unknown, though scientists believe that multiple factors are at fault, rather than one single cause (Rabins 23).

BACKGROUND: