1. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
By: Wendy Perng

2. Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease has been researched for
years and still it has no cure. AD involves
shrinkage of the brain tissue, neurofibrillary nerve
tangles, and deposits of tau proteins in the brain.
Symptoms include change in behavior, impulsivity,
social adequate and family recognition.
Alzheimer’s disease is often related with aging,
but there are studies of other factors as well. It is
affected all over the world in all different cultures
and ethnicities. Family caretakers hold an extreme
responsibility with their loved ones. It is more than
a full time job. It is a change of lifestyle and often
giving up a lot of time and jobs.

3. Introduction
 First case of Alzheimer’s disease was in 1906
 Dr. Alois Alzheimer diagnosed his patient with
the disease.
 Currently affects 5.1 million people in the world
(Alzheimer’s Association, 2007)

4. Biological Components
 No set diagnosis and no set symptoms
 Some cases are diagnosed very slowly
 Often times, it is a prefrontal dominance
disease (Delacourte, 1999)
 Symptoms include disorientation, dementia,
and differences in social behavior

5. Biological Components (cont…)
 Many AB plaques were discovered (Drzezga, 2008)
 Arguments about the relevance of Aging and
Alzheimer’s Disease
a. Alzheimer’s Disease forms alongside aging naturally
from a younger age and only affects the person when
they are older
b. Alzheimer’s is completely dependent on age, therefore
only starts developing when the person gets too old
c. Chemicals and Pathogens in the environment are a
main reason that Alzheimer’s Disease develops

6. Hereditary and Culture
 Gräsbeck, Horstmann, Nilsson, Sjöbeck,
Sjöström, & Gustafson, L. (2005) studied
frontotemporal dementia and organic
dementia.
 Limited research on other cultures and
ethnicities that have Alzheimer’s disease
 African Americans may have a higher risk of
developing AD (Dilworth-Anderson & Gibson,
1999) while Native Americans may be in the
lowest category

7. Hereditary and Culture (cont…)
 Head Traumas and other injury
 Different environments can have different
outcomes of Alzheimer’s disease
Anderson and Gibson’s study in 1999,
 Dilworth-
Japanese Americans in King Country, Washington
has a lower percentage of AD than Japanese
Americans living in Hawaii.

8. Family and Caretakers
 Main caregivers are family
 Responsibility increases over time
 Often times, family members must sacrifice
their jobs and time to take care of their loved
one.
 Counseling for those who are caretakers is
strongly recommended.

9. Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease has proven to be a very
complicated and stressful disease. There is no cure
and it is often difficult to diagnose. AD is related to
aging, environmental and lifestyle issues. In some
cases, there are genetic risks and factors. Families
that have loved ones with AD need a lot of patience
and knowledge about the disease. Through support of
family members and friends and counseling, they can
provide the care and lifestyle that their loved one
needs. Alzheimer’s may be a very difficult disease to
be a part of, but it is not impossible. Millions of
families throughout the years, in every different
ethnicity and culture, have shown their persistence in
fighting this disease and keeping their family member
close.

10. References
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caregiving role for a family member with alzheimer's disease or a
related dementia. Duquesne University).ProQuest Dissertations and
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Delacourte, A. (1999). Biochemical and molecular characterization of
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11. References (cont…)
Drzezga, A. (2008). Basic pathologies of neurodegenerative dementias
and their relevance for state-of-the-art molecular imaging
studies.European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular
Imaging, 35(16197070), 4-S4-11.doi:10.1007/s00259-007-0697-6
Gräsbeck, A., Horstmann, V., Nilsson, K., Sjöbeck, M., Sjöström, H., &
Gustafson, L. (2005).Dementia in first-degree relatives of patients
with frontotemporal dementia.Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive
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12. References (cont…)
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