Scientific Perspective of Inquiry Alzheimers Disease Essay

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressively degenerative disorder that results in brain cells wasting away and eventually die. It is the most common cause of dementia since it causes a continuous decline in an individual’s social and behavioral skills. Therefore, disrupting the person’s ability to function independently (MayoClinic, 2018). While there is no known cause for the condition, Alzheimer’s disease results from a combination of environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors. There are some genetic changes specific to the disease that guarantee an individual will have Alzheimer’s.

The earliest symptom of the disease is difficulty in remembering recent conversations and events. However, as the condition progresses the individual’s memory impairment worsens as other symptoms develop (Alzheimer’s Association, 2019). Some of the other symptoms include mood swings, wandering, apathy, a loss of inhibitions, a change in sleeping habits and delusions.

There are several risk factors associated with the disease. Family history and genetics is one of them. One is at risk of getting the disease if a first-degree relative, such as a sibling or parent, also has the disease (MayoClinic, 2018). The second factor is the individual’s sex since women are more likely to get the disease. Thirdly, the individual’s age is the greatest known risk factor for the disease. While Alzheimer’s is not a part of the aging process, the chances of getting it do increase as one gets older. The fourth risk factor is Down syndrome. Down syndrome results in a change of the same genes that lead to Alzheimer’s, a person with the condition has an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with the condition. The last significant risk factors are the lifestyle and heart health of the individual. Therefore medical conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure tend to result in higher chances of having the disease.

Statistical Perspective

According to a 2019 statistical report, one in ten Americans from the age of 65 and older have the disease, which translates into 5.8 million diagnosed with the disease. Statistics also show that potentially 13.8 million people in America, will have the disease in the next 30 years especially if there will not be a workable vaccine or treatment for the disease. Besides that, about 50 million people have the disease worldwide, and with the current projections, there will be 152 people suffering from the disease in the next 30 years.

Mathematical Perspective

The mathematical perspective used on Alzheimer’s disease is one that makes use of various variables. The variables used include the neurofibrillary tangle found inside and outside the neurons, live neurons, astrocytes, microglia, dead neurons, and reactive oxygen series amongst others (Hao & Friedman, 2016). The research conducted was done over ten years in which the scientists were able to identify how the different parameters affect the likelihood that an individual will have the condition. The neurons tend to die at a rate of five percent every year. The macrophages and microglia are responsible for clearing the dead cell in the brain at the same rate the neurons are dying. Hence, increasing the astrocytes in the human brain resulting in the neurodegenerative disorder of AD.

Conclusion

While there is not much that one can do to prevent getting the disease, taking steps such as exercising regularly, eating properly and avoiding smoking reduces the likelihood significantly. There should be more education and awareness about the disease as scientists work to develop a cure and vaccine for AD.

References

Alzheimer’s Association. (2019). 2019 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 15(3), 321-387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2019.01.010

Alzheimer’s Facts and Statistics for 2019: Everything You Need to Know. (2019, June 11). Being Patient. https://www.beingpatient.com/alzheimers-disease-facts/

Hao, W., & Friedman, A. (2016). Mathematical model on Alzheimer’s disease. BMC systems biology, 10(1), 108. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5116206/

MayoClinic. (2018, December 8). Alzheimer’s disease – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447

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