Alzheimer! s disease (AD) is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder that most frequently affects elderly people. It is the fourth leading cause of death among Americans. Currently there are approximately 4 million people in the US diagnosed with AD, and half of those over 85 years of age have AD. Although the cause of AD is not known, genetics play a role. Recent data suggests that those who take antioxidants in their diet, or who take anti-inflammatory medication have less AD.
In Alzheimer! s disease, parts of the brain degenerate, destroying brain cells and reducing the response of the brain! s chemical messengers. Abnormal plaques and proteins can be observed by autopsy. The first sign may be forgetting recent events, though sometimes it starts with depression, fear, anxiety, or personality changes. Speech patterns may change. Over time the individual may deteriorate to the point where social interaction is very difficult. Alzheimer! s disease is the most common cause of dementia.
Dementia is a decline in mental functioning in which memory, thinking, judgement and the ability to concentrate are impaired. There also may be a change in personality. Dementia can develop suddenly when a severe injury, disease, or toxin destroys brain cells, or it can develop slowly especially in senior citizens. Most commonly, short term memory loss and the reduction in learning ability is a response to atherosclerosis in seniors. Dementia is very serious decline in mental ability.
The Essay on Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Dementia is a set of conditions, medically diagnosed, and leading to recognized and measurable behavioral changes in an individual. Dementia of the Alzheimer’s type is a chronic cognitive disorder that is manifested in impairment of either short-term or long-term memory or even both. It has a slow onset and its etiology is unknown, although many speculate that genetics may play a role as ...
It usually develops over time. Memory and the ability to recognize people, places, and objects diminish over time. Usually there are problems with word usage and abstract thinking. In Chinese medicine, memory depends on the state of the Spleen, Kidneys and Heart and there is a considerable overlap among these three organ! s functions. The Spleen houses intellect and influences memory in the sense of memorization, studying and concentrating. The Heart controls memory because it houses the Mind.
The Heart is responsible for the memory of long-past events. The Kidneys house Will-Power and influence the brain since the Kidney-Essence produces Marrow which nourishes the brain. The Kidneys are responsible for memory in the sense of memorization of everyday events, names, faces, etc. The kidney is in charge of storing the essence which is closely relate to growth, development and aging of the human body. The essences which are formed from the Kidney, Lung and Spleen (Stomach) are used as the foundation of the body and the root of the mind. Thus if essence is strong, the mind will be balanced and alert.
If essence is depleted, the mind will suffer and may become depressed, anxious and clouded. Thus, a person with strong essence can think clearly, has good memory, the state of consciousness and insight are sharp, the cognitive function is clear. However, if essence is depleted, a person is unable to think clearly, memory is poor, the consciousness is clouded and cognitive function is not so clear. Although there are few organs involved in poor memory, the Kidney would be the main organ responsible for Dementia. Thus, in people who are suffering from Dementia, one can see some signs indicating kidney essence deficiency such as dementia, deafness, fearfulness, low back pain and exhaustion with a weak pulse and pale tongue.
clearly there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease right now. However, it is possible that combination of eastern and western medical modalities could help to find a solution for the disease. It is still a new area to explore.
