1. The Mind behind the Brain
By Nixza Y. Hernandez
Dec. 2014
ften, we take for granted where our abilities stem from or what
we would do without the ability to process our thoughts with
logic and follow-through. It’s a fact that many times we find it
difficult to “turn off” our minds to relax. With all the daily
responsibilities and challenges, we routinely face, it becomes a source of
pride to successfully accomplish and master complex tasks. Having
dominion over logical thinking, memories, education, learning ability and
experience are only a few mental dexterity skills we enjoy succeeding at and
mastering. We also enjoy stepping up our abilities with new challenges to think critically to perpetuate our
own satisfying sense of accomplishment. However, as we age, we begin to realize how our bodies and minds
do not respond with the same physical and mental agility as before. Thus we begin to worry and even feel
frighten as we start to lose some of the independence we have become accustomed to as functioning adults.
It is frightening to become aware that our cognitive ability is slipping away, becoming a bit harder to continue
doing the things we had already mastered or enjoyed, like doing crossword puzzles or enjoying a rousing
game of chess; working on a vehicle or preparing family favorite meals. These may be early signs of dementia
or even Alzheimer’s disease. Neither of these are particularly welcomed and frighten and limit the aging
individual.
Alzheimer’s begins at the back of the brain in the hippocampus as two abnormal proteins
known as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This is where short-term memory
is stored. The aging individual will insist that anyone can forget a few minor details, and
this is usually why critical diagnosis goes undetected for several years. While this is true
enough that the progress of these plaques and tangles cause the degeneration of the
brain, it is these two abnormal structures that are ultimately responsible for the loss of
the mind behind the brain and mark the development of Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s gradual and relentless consumption of the mind continues by robbing its
victims of their cognitive ability, problem-solving and logical thinking process, general
language skills, and their emotions. Next, these two proteins move to the front of the brain, destroying more
cells, inflicting illogical fears and hallucinations, and lastly, progressing to its victim’s most cherished
memories. During the final stages, victims will lose all basic motor skills and will eventually need help
breathing until their heart simply ‘forgets’ to do its job. Usually, pneumonia is the final indicator for an
Alzheimer victim before dying.
Alzheimer’s is currently an incurable and devastating disease, afflicting 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 or
younger. Sadly, this statistic is growing annually and no one is immune to its ravenous effect. It afflicts every
culture, social class and gender. As the dreadful disease continues its consumption of the mind and brain,
we need to become more aware of its signs and symptoms -especially in our loved ones-, because only we
know what behavior is typical or unusual for them. If you suspect you or a loved one of potential Alzheimer’s,
begin with a neurological examination, and have as much of a logical conversation with your medical provider
and loved ones. Create a plan for final wishes and obtaining a Power of Attorney to handle the plans for you
or a loved one for when there is inability to follow-through later on. In the meantime, we can all help by
doing our part. Learn more at: www.AboutAlz.org and join the fight to find a cure against this horrific disease.
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