1. Brittany Northcutt
Spring 2015
CHEM 210
Finding a Cure to Alzheimer’s Disease
Introduction: “It is estimated that as many as 5.1 million Americans may have
Alzheimer’s disease” (Alzheimer’s Foundation of America 2015). Alzheimer’s
disease is a type of dementia and is also known as the most common form of
dementia. Symptoms usually progress over time becoming so severe that they are
unable to perform daily tasks. Alzheimer’s is not just a disease for older adults. More
and more people are getting this disease when they are in their 40’s and 50’s. It is a
progressive disease so when people are getting the disease early on, they are dying
young. “Those with Alzheimer’s live an average of eight years after their symptoms
become noticeable to others, but survival can range from 4 to 20 years, depending
on age and other health conditions” (Alzheimer’s Association 2015).
“Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States”
(Alzheimer’s Association 2015). There are also many different types of the disease;
there are approximately 7 different types. Some times people can get the disease
from alcohol induced, post stroke or even genetically. The most significant signs of
the disease are confusion, poor judgment and misplacing objects. Once this is
noticed, typically they should get a check up and have tests done by their doctor.
If I were a biochemist, I would create a medication that would cure this
disease. Many people young and old are finding out that they have this disease. Even
though there isn’t a way to cure the disease, I would start with finding a way to slow

2. down the progression of it to live a longer life. Maybe one day once they are
diagnosed, there will be procedures or medications that can reverse the disease and
save thousands or millions of lives.
Experimental: To start to find a cure or treatment to slow down the progression,
the biochemist needs to know the background of the disease. This disease occurs in
the brain and is diagnosed by the doctor. Most tests that are done are physiological
and neurological exam, lab tests, mental status testing, neuropsychological testing,
and brain imaging. “Another important goal is to detect the disease before it causes
the symptoms targeted by current diagnostic techniques-at the stage when
Alzheimer’s may be most treatable as new drugs are discovered. This stage is called
preclinical Alzheimer’s disease” (Alzheimer’s Disease 2015). Seeing things during
the preclinical stage will help them to prevent the disease before it progressives
throughout the brain.
Thirty years ago researchers knew very little about the disease. Since then
there has been important advances in knowledge and research. Being a biochemist, I
would focus on genetics, biological and environmental factors. This will help to
better understand prevention of the disease. Knowing what specific factors cause
the disease will help in finding a way to prevent it. Many factors could take effect
with this so it will take time and a lot of testing to figure out what it is.
During preclinical trials, some patients didn’t show many symptoms;
although they still have toxic changes that are taking place in the brain. “Abnormal
deposits of proteins form amyloid plaques and tangle thought the brain, and once-
healthy neurons begin to work less efficiently” (Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia

3. 2015). Studying these deposits of protein and amyloid plaque will help to see what
it does to the brain. Seeing how they form will help to find a way to prevent them
from forming and find a cure to the disease; maybe even slowing down the
progression.
The cure for curing a disease is knowing the chemistry behind it. There are
many neurons within the brain and they may be interrupted. There are plaques that
are built up and can cause disruption to the brain. There are many different factors
that play a role in what the cause of the disease actually is. Much testing will be done
to see what it is and what side of the brain. Once they know where it is occurring
and what is causing it, we will be able to do more testing and find a treatment for it.
Conclusion: The first stage of the medication can have some dangerous side effects.
They should start taking it in small doses and slowly increase it until they see a
change in their cognition. If anything out of the ordinary happens, one should stop
the medication and consult with their doctor. If there is an improvement in their
memory and confusion, then they should stay at this dosage. After it seems to be
safe and effective, then it is a successful cure to the disease and can then be
distributed to the public.
There are many people affected by the disease young and old. Family
members have to see their loved ones go through the disease and help them the best
way they can. Some say that having the disease gives them an opposite personality.
People don’t realize who their loved ones are anymore after they have the disease.
Finding a cure will help to make them feel better about themselves and lives their

4. lives with their families as they should. Testing will take money and time but in the
end, the outcome will be great for everyone.
References:
1. "Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia | Alzheimer's Association." Alzheimer's Disease
& Dementia. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2015.
2. "Alzheimer's Disease." Tests and Diagnosis. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2015.
3. "Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia | Alzheimer's Association." Alzheimer's Disease
& Dementia. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2015.
4. "Alzheimer's Foundation of America." Alzheimer's Foundation of America. N.p., n.d.
Web. 06 May 2015.