Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes brain shrinkage and the death of brain cells. It is the most prevalent form of dementia, which is described as a progressive decline in cognitive, behavioral, and social abilities that limits a person’s ability to do daily tasks independently. The inability to recall earlier conversations or actions is one of the condition’s initial manifestations. As the disease progresses, a person’s memory deteriorates significantly, and they lose ability to perform daily life activities. Medications provide brief symptom relief or reduce the progression of the condition. Occasionally, these treatments can aid Alzheimer’s patients in optimizing their function and maintaining their independence. The patients and their care givers benefit from various support programs and services. There are presently no medications that can reverse or delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain. In the later stages of the disease, complications stemming from the significant loss of brain function, such as dehydration, malnutrition, and infection, are eventually fatal for these people.
Genetic Components of Alzheimer’s
The activities of every cell in a person’s body are determined by their genes. Genes play a role in determining fundamental aspects of a person’s appearance, such as the color of their eyes and hair. Some genes contribute to an increased risk of developing the condition. Other genes can increase a person’s risk of developing various disorders, including Alzheimer’s. The onset of AD is linked to several genes, as discovered by researchers. Deterministic genes are an example of gene, making it confident that a person will get a disease (Sims et al., 2020). Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form and typically manifests in patients over 65 (Sims et al., 2020). The Apolipoprotein E (APOE) risk gene is the one that is connected with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease more frequently than any other gene.
There are three common types of APOE; APOE e2, APOE e4, and APOE e6. Approximately 15 to 25 percent of the population carries the APOE e4 genotype (Sims et al., 2020). However, the most common APOE variant, e3, does not appear to raise the likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease. An individual inherits two copies of the APOE gene, one from each parent. If the person has at least one copy of the APOE e4 gene, their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is two to three times greater. If they have two copies of the APOE e4 gene, the risk of having the disorder is between eight and twelve times that of the average person.
Historical Perspective on Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease was first identified by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in the early 20th century when he studied the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unidentified mental condition. Researchers have come a long way in figuring out how this illness impacts the brain and how to best help those suffering from it and their loved ones. The terrifying event that occurred with Auguste is demonstrated by Dr. Alois, a pioneer in connecting symptoms to changes in the microscopic anatomy of the brain (Verkhratsky et al., 2019). This patient was suffering from cognitive decline and other disabling mental problems, and she also had irrational fears for the well-being of her loved ones. During the autopsy of the brain, Alois observed abnormal deposits and a drastic loss in size in and around the nerve cells (Verkhratsky et al., 2019). By developing close therapeutic contact with patients and using new scientific techniques to evaluate the association between symptoms and actual brain changes, he set a new benchmark in our understanding of neurodegenerative conditions due to this experience.
Ethical Considerations on Alzheimer’s Disease
People who care for people with dementia must deal with hard moral questions daily. Macha and McDonough (2012, p. 323) say that discrimination is the leading cause of the worst unethical events that affect various patients suffering from various ailments. Caregivers should balance the needs of many customers or residents while also considering patient confidentiality, abuse, and the pros and cons of various treatments and procedures. If patients can no longer articulate their wishes, people designated as decision-makers must assume control and make difficult decisions. The decision-makers must set their desires and needs aside and act following what they believe the person with dementia would do if they were competent. Those who offer medical care are regularly obliged to make ethical decisions and incorporate ethical principles into their profession (Chiong et al., 2021). It is particularly true in the complex and morally problematic realm of dementia care, which presents numerous obstacles. It is crucial to remember that dementia patients do not change much throughout their illness, even though their cognitive abilities may alter.
Patients have the right to know the complete truth about their ailment and any potential risks and benefits associated with suggested therapies. Patients have the freedom to decline treatment even if the most accurate and reliable information indicates that therapy would be beneficial, so long as their decision does not negatively impact the health or well-being of another individual. Chiong et al., (2021) agree that people with dementia are more vulnerable to harm, it is therefore vital that the allocation of resources supports dementia care. It is partially a matter of having appropriate resources and practical help, but it is also necessary for caregivers and care workers to be acknowledged and valued as individuals with essential skills and roles in society. In other words, this situation necessitates both adequate resources and substantial assistance. A fair allocation of benefits and expenditures should aid the Alzheimer’s patient in keeping as much independence as possible.
References
Chiong, W., Tsou, A. Y., Simmons, Z., Bonnie, R. J., & Russell, J. A. (2021). Ethical considerations in dementia diagnosis and care. Neurology, 97(2), 80–89. Web.
Macha, K., & McDonough, J. (Eds.). (2012). Epidemiology for advanced nursing practice. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Sims, R., Hill, M., & Williams, J. (2020). The multiplex model of the genetics of alzheimer’s disease. Nature Neuroscience, 23(3), 311–322. Web.
Verkhratsky, A., Parpura, V., Rodriguez-Arellano, J. J., & Zorec, R. (2019). Astroglia in alzheimer’s disease. Neuroglia in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 273–324. Web.