Running head: DISORDER OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM 1
Alzheimer’s Disease; Disorder of the Central Nervous System
Student’s Name
Institution Affiliation
, DISORDER OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM 2
Alzheimer’s Disease; Disorder of the Central Nervous System
Alzheimer's disorder is one of the central nervous system disorders which is
characterized by progressive loss of mental functions and degeneration of the brain tissue. It
is characterized by the development of neurofibrillary tangles. In its early signs, the
individual forgets the recent events which are later followed by confusion. These symptoms
progress to an extent that an individual cannot function independently and thus they become
dependent on other people. For the doctors who diagnose this disease, they base it on
physical examination of the patient. They also diagnose based on mental physical
examination, imaging tests, and mental status tests. This paper discusses Alzheimer's disease
which is a disorder of the central nervous system in terms of its causes, symptoms, diagnosis,
prevention and treatment.
The Causes of Alzheimer Disease
Majorly, Alzheimer's disorder is caused by genetic factors. Also, several gene
abnormalities may be involved in causing this disorder. The abnormalities of genes may
sometimes be caused by a child who inherits the parent’s gene if one of the parents has the
abnormal gene. In this, the abnormal gene is said to be dominant. For an affected parent,
there is a 50% chance of passing the abnormal gene to the child Bird, (2018). According to
research, about 65% of these children develop Alzheimer's disease before they reach the age
of 65. Changes in the brain also lead to Alzheimer's disorder. This is because part of the brain
degenerates causing abnormalities to develop in the brain tissue.
Symptoms
Aside from what propagates the disease, numerous signs can be used to note its
existence. Memory loss is a common indicator, especially in the early stages. This can be
expressed through being forgetful of the most basic information about oneself. Loss of
Alzheimer’s Disease; Disorder of the Central Nervous System
Student’s Name
Institution Affiliation
, DISORDER OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM 2
Alzheimer’s Disease; Disorder of the Central Nervous System
Alzheimer's disorder is one of the central nervous system disorders which is
characterized by progressive loss of mental functions and degeneration of the brain tissue. It
is characterized by the development of neurofibrillary tangles. In its early signs, the
individual forgets the recent events which are later followed by confusion. These symptoms
progress to an extent that an individual cannot function independently and thus they become
dependent on other people. For the doctors who diagnose this disease, they base it on
physical examination of the patient. They also diagnose based on mental physical
examination, imaging tests, and mental status tests. This paper discusses Alzheimer's disease
which is a disorder of the central nervous system in terms of its causes, symptoms, diagnosis,
prevention and treatment.
The Causes of Alzheimer Disease
Majorly, Alzheimer's disorder is caused by genetic factors. Also, several gene
abnormalities may be involved in causing this disorder. The abnormalities of genes may
sometimes be caused by a child who inherits the parent’s gene if one of the parents has the
abnormal gene. In this, the abnormal gene is said to be dominant. For an affected parent,
there is a 50% chance of passing the abnormal gene to the child Bird, (2018). According to
research, about 65% of these children develop Alzheimer's disease before they reach the age
of 65. Changes in the brain also lead to Alzheimer's disorder. This is because part of the brain
degenerates causing abnormalities to develop in the brain tissue.
Symptoms
Aside from what propagates the disease, numerous signs can be used to note its
existence. Memory loss is a common indicator, especially in the early stages. This can be
expressed through being forgetful of the most basic information about oneself. Loss of
