Neuroscience studies functionality and the structure of human nervous system. The multidisciplinary field encompasses molecular biology, cellular and molecular biology, pharmacology of the nervous system and the cognitive neuroscience ( Bassett & Sporns, 2017) . Neuroscience also studies diseases of the nervous system commonly termed as neurological disorders. The disorders are diseases affecting peripheral and the central nervous system such as the nerve roots, spinal cord, muscles and the brain. The conditions are assessed through neurological examination and treated within the neurology specialties. As Bassett and Sporns (2017) explain, causes of the neurological disorders vary but include abnormalities at or before birth, genetic predispositions, problems linked to the environment, injuries, infections and lifestyle changes. Some of the clinically recognized neurological disorders include brain tumors, Alzheimers disease, cerebral palsy, electromyography and carpal tunnel syndrome ( Tanzi, 2012) . This study will explore Alzheimers disease as an aspect of neuroscience in respect to causes, prevalence, symptoms and treatment of the neurological disorder.
Discussion
Alzheimers disease is a progressive brain neuron condition that makes the brain cells degenerate and die away. In other words, the disorder is characterized by mild memory loss which eventually leads to inability to appropriately respond to the environment and carry on a conversation ( Reitz, Brayne & Mayeux, 2011) . According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention Alzheimers disease affects the brain parts that control language, thought and memory. The condition impairs performance of routine activities. The disorder disrupts the ability to independently function, think properly and causes a contionous decline in social and behavioral skills.
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Prevalence
There has been an exponential growth in cases of Alzheimers diagnosis both in the US and in the global arena. Worldwide, an estimated 44 million people have reported symptoms associated with the disorder ( Hebert, Weuve, Scherr & Evans, 2013) . In America, close to 5.5 million people in different age categorizations are living with the neurological disorder. According to Hebert et al., (2013), of the 5.5 million victims, 5.3 million of them have attained 65 years and above while around 200,000 are younger with early onset Alzheimers symptoms. Additionally, about two-thirds of citizens living with the condition in the US are women which is equivalent to 3.3 million females and 2 million men. It is estimated that one person in the US develops symptoms of Alzheimers disease after every 66 seconds. Additionally, it is approximated that by the middle of the century, cases of Alzheimers will rise to 16 million in the USA by 2050 ( Hebert et al., 2013) . The neurological disorder prevalence is high Western Europe with minimal cases reported in Sub Saharan Africa. African Americans are twice as likely to suffer from the disorder as whites. Hispanics are 1.5 times likely to be diagnosed with the neurological disorder as whites. The National Institute of Aging reported that the risk of contracting Alzheimers disease doubles every five years after a person attains 65 years. In America, Alzheimers is ranked 6 th among the known causes of death, claiming more fatalities that prostate and breast cancers combined.
Symptoms
Memory loss is the number one symptom that characterizes Alzheimers disease. The sign manifests through difficulties in recalling recent events or conversations. The memory loss disrupts an individual’s ability to work at home. A person who has experienced memory loss starts to make repetitive statements, experiencing conversation forgetfulness, misplacing of personal belongings and getting lost in familiar environments ( Reitz et al., 2011) . The symptom also leads to trouble in finding the right words to express thoughts and identify objects. Worsening of the aforementioned symptom may make a person to eventually forget names of everyday objects and family members.
Second, impaired thinking and reasoning is a common Alzheimer diseases symptom. The sign manifests through difficulties in thinking and concentrating particularly on numbers and concepts. Multitasking becomes a challenging task coupled with inability to pay bills on time, managing finances or balancing check books. The symptom at times worsens to an extent of being unable to deal or recognize numbers.
Third, a person suffering from Alzheimer diseases experiences a declined ability to make reasonable decisions and judgments. For example, one may put on clothes that are inappropriate for the prevailing weather or make uncharacteristic choices in social interrelationships. According to Tanzi (2012), responding to everyday problems may become challenging for instance food burning or confusion during unexpected driving situations. A victim of Alzheimer diseases may start encountering difficulties in performing basic and familiar tasks such as bathing and dressing.
People diagnosed with Alzheimer diseases also present symptoms associated with changes in behaviour and personality. The signs affect a person’s moods for example depressions, loss of ambitions, delusions, apathy, social withdrawal, altered sleeping habits, mood swings and irritability. As the symptoms worsens, a person’s preserved skills such as reading, telling stories, doing crafts and reminiscing may also be affected.
Causes
Research has shown that Alzheimer disease is caused by an assortment of environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors which impair the brain functioning over time. Genetic predisposition guarantees that a person will develop the disorder particularly in middle age. Reitz et al., (2011) assert that although the exact cause of the neurological condition is not known, research has affirmed that failure of the brain proteins to work properly disrupts normal brain cells functioning ultimately unleashing toxic compounds that damage neurons or trigger lose cell connections. Research has focused on the role of two proteins whose disruption affect the brain cell functioning. The plaque is a fragment of a larger protein which produces toxic effect on neurons and causes disruption of cell communication when the fragment crush together. The tangles or Tau proteins are critical in supporting nutrient transportation. Alzheimer disease occurs when the tau proteins lose shape and reorganize into neurofibrillary tangles. Formation of the neurofibrillary structures induce toxicity into brain cells and disrupts the usual transport system ( Tanzi, 2012) . There are several known risk factors which increase the likelihood of contracting Alzheimer disease.
Risk Factors
First, age is a predisposing factor that increases likelihood of developing the disease. Though the neurological condition is not part of the human normal aging, the likelihood of showcasing Alzheimer symptoms as a person grows older increases. One empirical study reported that annually, there occurs two new diagnosis per 1000 people whose ages are between 65 to 74 years and 11 diagnosis of Alzheimers’ per a thousand people aged 75 and 84 years. There were also thirty seven (37) new diagnosis per a thousand people aged 85 years and above therefore confirming the assertion that the risk of Alzheimer increases with age.
Second, family genetics and history predisposes one to Alzheimer disease. In case a first degree relative has ever suffered the disorder, the risk of developing the condition is usually higher. For example, variation of the APOE e4 gene increases the risk of contracting the neurological disorder, though not everyone with the said gene variation develops Alzheimer ( Serrano-Pozo, Frosch, Masliah & Hyman, 2011) . Scientists have ascertained that inheritance of any of the three mutated genes guarantees development of Alzheimers’. Third, Down syndrome puts a person at risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer disease. The three copies of chromosome 21 leads to formation of beta-amyloid. People living with Down syndrome tend to develop Alzheimers 10 to 20 years earlier than people in the general population.
Sex is also a risk factor since research has shown that women have the tendency to develop Alzheimer symptoms more than men. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) increases a person’s risk of contracting the condition. People living with MCI experience memory loss and other symptoms associated with Alzheimers. Poor sleep patterns characterized by difficulties in falling asleep increases the probability of being diagnosed with the disorder ( Reitz et al., 2011) . Research has asserted that the risk for contracting the neurological disorder can be associated with lifestyle and heart health. Factors such as obesity, poorly managed diabetes, failure to work out, high blood pressure and smoking behaviour increases the risk for Alzheimer disease. Race and ethnicity also predisposes a person to the disorder. African Americans have a higher risk of showing the symptoms followed by Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites respectively.
Prevention
Although Alzheimer disease cannot entirely be prevented, some of the risk factors can be modified to lessen the likelihood of developing the disorder. Empirical evidence indicates that diet change, habits and exercise can significantly lower the risk for suffering from Alzheimer disease ( Serrano-Pozo et al., 2011) . Adhering to the treatment regimen of diabetes and hypertension and quitting from smoking plays a vital role in minimizing the risk developing Alzheimers.
Diagnosis
Assessment of Alzheimer disease can be done through self-reporting. Information can also be passed through a close family member. The doctor can diagnose the disorder by administering thinking skills and memory assessment exam. Laboratory blood and image tests can be employed to rule out other causes that might present similar symptoms ( Ridge, Mukherjee, Crane, Kauwe & Consortium, 2013) . A physician can also perform physical and neurological exam to asses overall neurological health by for example testing coordination, balance, reflexes, sense of sight and muscle strength. Mental assessment can also provide details on the state of memory and thinking capability. Brain imaging is used by doctors to reveal visible abnormalities and detect specific brain changes attributed to Alzheimer disease. Brain imaging encompasses computerized tomography and Magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment
Drugs are used to help improve memory symptoms and other cognitive brain changes. Cholinesterase inhibitors boost cell to cell communication and preserve depleted chemical messenger. The drugs also improve neuropsychiatric symptoms for example depression and agitation. Namenda or memantine slows Alzheimer progression symptoms and strengthens cell communication network ( Serrano-Pozo et al., 2011) . Creation of a supportive and safe environment is a crucial part of Alzheimer disease treatment plan. Steps such as keeping medications in a secure location, arranging for finances, removing excess furniture, wearing medical alert bracelet and installing hardy handrails can lower the symptoms of Alzheimer disease.
Alternative medicine for example supplements, herbal remedies and vitamins support cognitive health and delays progression of Alzheimer symptoms. Examples of such treatments include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, ginkgo and curcumin. Lifestyle and home remedies are crucial in promoting good health and maintaining brain cognitive functioning. Regular exercise is a vital treatment plan that maintains proper functioning muscles, heart and joints. Healthy options, uptake of water and overall good nutrition is critical in slowing down Alzheimer disease signs and symptoms ( Ridge et al., 2013) . Social engagement and activities such as listening to music or dancing, participating in social events, planning activities with children, reading or listening to audio books can support the preserved skills and overall wellbeing of a person diagnosed with the disorder.
Conclusion
Alzheimer brain disorder is a progressive neurological condition that results after degeneration of brain and nerve cells. The brain condition leads to impaired memory, flawed thinking, behavior and personality changes. Alzheimer disease causes a precipitous decline in intellectual skills functioning. There are currently no known causes of Alzheimer disease. However, there exists risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the neurological disorder. The risk factors include age, genetic predispositions and lifestyle changes. Alzheimer disease has no treatment which can reverse the condition to normal brain functioning.
References
Bassett, D. S., & Sporns, O. (2017). Network neuroscience. Nature neuroscience , 20 (3), 353.
Hebert, L. E., Weuve, J., Scherr, P. A., & Evans, D. A. (2013). Alzheimer disease in the United States (2010–2050) estimated using the 2010 census. Neurology , 80 (19), 1778-1783.
Reitz, C., Brayne, C., & Mayeux, R. (2011). Epidemiology of Alzheimer disease. Nature Reviews Neurology , 7 (3), 137.
Ridge, P. G., Mukherjee, S., Crane, P. K., Kauwe, J. S., & Consortium, A. S. D. G. (2013). Alzheimer’s disease: analyzing the missing heritability. PloS one , 8 (11).
Serrano-Pozo, A., Frosch, M. P., Masliah, E., & Hyman, B. T. (2011). Neuropathological alterations in Alzheimer disease. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine , 1 (1), a006189.
Tanzi, R. E. (2012). The genetics of Alzheimer disease. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine , 2 (10), a006296.
