What Is Alzheimer's Disease Early

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Casen Stevens Prof. Matthew Hyden English 099 Dec. 5, 2012 Alzheimer’s Disease: Test Early Alzheimer ’s disease currently affects one in eight people, which is over five million people in the United States (“Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures”). The disease is quickly becoming one of the six leading causes of the death (Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures). Unlike heart disease and cancer, there has been no real progress made in diagnosing Alzheimer’s diseases before it robs someone of their memories and takes control of their life. Annual breast cancer screenings are recommended when a woman turns forty. With Alzheimer’s disease, there are no recommended screens or test to determine if one is predestined to have the disease, even for those…show more content…
Researchers have known that plaques and tangles in the brain are the hallmarks of the disease (Mayo Clinic Staff). The researches still debate which is more important, tangles or plaque, in indentifying the disease (Nash). Researchers have focused on these two items, but it is highly possible that with more early testing there may be various causes of Alzheimer’s disease which have yet to be discovered (Nash). Early testing may also aid researches in finding different treatments or preventions for the disease. Researchers are already looking at possible interventions such as immunization and therapy for Alzheimer’s (“Alzheimer’s Fact and Figures”). A diagnosis of cancer used be a death sentence, but with all the research one can be cancer free today after having the disease (Park). The same results can happen with Alzheimer’s through early testing which will allow researchers to continue looking for additional causes of the disease, better treatment and cures for the…show more content…
The disease affects the rich and poor, famous and everyday person. It not only affects the patient, but also those that must care for the patient. On November 5, 1994, President Ronald Regan announced that he had entered the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (Fife). President Regan wrote, “I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life …. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience” (Fife). By testing early for Alzheimer’s disease, we may be able to help spare loved ones from the painful experience that Mrs. Regan endured. Treatments for the disease could be started before any symptoms appear. Lifestyle changes that may be contributing to the disease could be made which may slow the progression of the disease. Patients could make their own care plans and spare their loved ones from these stressful decisions. When we started screening for cancer, we did not have cures and still have no cure for cancer, but we continue with the research. Like screening for cancer, early testing for Alzheimer’s could lead to a possible cure or even treatments to put the disease in remission to give a patient more quality years of life. Clearly, these positives outweigh any negative impact early testing may
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