The Intricacies of the Nervous System and Alzheimer’s Disease

The nervous system is an intricate and essential component of human biology, composed of numerous complex characteristics that enable us to process information and react accordingly. It is responsible for our five senses: touch, sight, smell, hearing, and taste. These senses allow us to interact with the world around us, providing essential information about our environment. The nervous system is comprised of three major organs: the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves. The brain is the central hub where information is processed and decisions are made.

This sophisticated process is initiated by stimuli, which can be internal or external triggers that elicit a reaction. The cerebrum of the brain is divided into two hemispheres, each responsible for different functions. The right hemisphere is associated with creativity and emotional expression, while the left hemisphere is linked to logic, intuition, and analytical thinking, enabling us to gather information from the past and present to make predictions about the future.

Located below the cerebrum, the cerebellum is responsible for motor control, coordinating our movements with precision. The brain stem, which connects the brain to the spinal cord, plays a vital role in relaying information throughout the body. The spinal cord serves as a conduit, linking all the nerves in the body to the brain. When a physical response is required, nerves transmit a message, or nerve impulse, to specific muscles, while a return message informs the brain that the action has been completed. Neurons, or nerve cells, facilitate the transmission of this information. Dendrites carry impulses toward the cell body, while axons carry them away. The synapse, a gap between the axon and another structure—such as a dendrite or muscle tissue cell—allows for the transfer of these impulses. The nervous system is divided into two sections: the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, encompassing all the nerves spread throughout the body.

Alzheimer's Disease: Impact and Causes

Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurological disorder, is responsible for 60-80% of all documented cases of dementia. In the United States alone, an estimated 200,000 individuals under 65 years of age have been diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer's. The disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. On average, individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's live for about eight years after symptoms become noticeable, although this can range from four to twenty years. Alzheimer's affects the nervous system by destroying neurons in specific brain areas and reducing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and a range of other symptoms as the disease progresses.

The exact causes of Alzheimer's disease remain elusive, but experts have linked it to metallic toxins, genetic factors, viruses, and abnormal neurotransmitter activity. Research suggests that early-onset Alzheimer's may be inherited through genetic mutations. Genes, located in chromosomes, are inherited from a person's parents and direct the synthesis of proteins. Mutations in these genes can result in the production of abnormal proteins, like beta-amyloid, which accumulates between neurons to form plaques. These plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer's, leading to the early onset of the disease in some individuals, typically in their 40s and 50s.

Symptoms and Consequences

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, with symptoms evolving as the disease advances through its stages. Initially, individuals may struggle to recall recently learned information, leading to confusion about recent events. Families often notice changes in behavior and mood, deviating from the individual's usual demeanor. As the disease progresses, confusion about events, time, and place becomes more pronounced, along with increased suspicion of family, friends, and caregivers. In advanced stages, individuals may have difficulty swallowing, walking, and speaking.

The social consequences of Alzheimer's are profound. Individuals with the disease gradually lose connections with loved ones, as their behavior and personality undergo significant changes. This creates a sense of distance between the individual and their family and friends. Those with Alzheimer's also experience a loss of identity as they become aware of the disease's progression and its impact on their abilities and interests. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, treatments are available to slow its progression and alleviate symptoms. Medications such as Donepezil, Rivastigmine, and Galantamine are FDA-approved for treating mild to moderate stages of the disease, although they come with side effects like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Memantine, another medication, may cause headaches, constipation, confusion, and dizziness. Regular exercise can help maintain cognitive abilities, improve mood, and combat depression, while non-medical options like crafts, reading, painting, and reminiscence therapy can enhance the quality of life for those with Alzheimer's.

Cultural Perspectives and Political Considerations

In many cultures, the elderly are revered for their wisdom and experience, with families revolving around their older members. However, in the United States, it is not uncommon for families to place elderly relatives in nursing homes, where they may face mistreatment or neglect. Alzheimer's patients, due to their age and cognitive decline, are often marginalized or dismissed as "crazy." As the disease progresses, individuals may wander from their homes and become lost, putting them at risk.

Politically, there has been little legislative action to address the needs of Alzheimer's patients. Laws that provide care for those diagnosed would enable family members to continue working, while universal healthcare could alleviate the financial burden of costly drugs and treatments. Research into Alzheimer's continues, focusing on the disease's development and risk factors, including diet, genetics, and hormone replacement therapy. Conditions like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension are also being studied for their potential role in Alzheimer's development.

The economic impact of Alzheimer's is significant. In 2010, the cost of healthcare and long-term care for Alzheimer's patients amounted to $172 billion, while U.S. businesses lost $36.5 billion in 2002 due to employees missing work or leaving their jobs to care for loved ones with the disease. Celebrities like Rita Hayworth and Ronald Reagan have helped raise awareness, with Hayworth's daughter advocating for Alzheimer's research following her mother's public announcement of the disease in 1981.

Reflecting on personal experiences, my grandmother, Ernestina De Luna Cabral, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and passed away in 2014. Despite her initial nonchalance about the diagnosis, the disease gradually took its toll. As the disease progressed, my family faced the challenges of caring for her, witnessing firsthand the emotional and physical toll Alzheimer's can take on both the individual and their loved ones. In conclusion, Alzheimer's disease slowly erodes a person's identity and connections, highlighting the need for continued research, support, and awareness. As society ages, addressing the challenges posed by Alzheimer's will become increasingly important, necessitating a commitment to understanding and combating this devastating disease.

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