Memory: Alzheimer's Disease
Memory is defined as stored information. It is a complex and dynamic process that relies on series of factors. (Remembering and Forgetting) There are two types of memory, explicit memory, and implicit memory. There are also three major memory stages: sensory, short-term, and long-term, and finally three processes that are important to long-term memory: encoding, storage, and retrieval. Even though we have all these types, stages, and processes of how the memory works, unfortunately, we can also forget everything we learn.
I am mainly going to be focusing on a brain disorder called Alzheimer. It is a progressive brain disorder that damages and eventually destroys brain cells, leading to memory loss and other brain functions. (Alzheimer's Association) Alzheimer's is a brain disease that develops slowly and gets worse as brain function declines and brain cells eventually die. This usually affects elderly adults in there 40's and 50's. Unfortunately, there is currently not a cure for this brain disorder.
10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawl from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
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| An example of how badly a person loses their memory, with the brain disorder, is this artist attempts of a self-portrait for 5 years until he could barely remember his own face. |
I have always been wanting to learn about what is Alzheimer's disease and what may be early signs for it. I haven't had anyone close to me that has had this disease, but I have heard of a lot of others people close to me suffer from having a family member who has this brain disorder. When they would tell me about this circumstance I did not know how to react because I did not have much knowledge of this disorder, now after this blog research have learned more than I need to know. I also believe this may benefit me in the future because I plan to become a nurse. I know will know how to detect and handle this disorder if I ever encounter it in the future.Doctors and researchers are working to develop a vaccine for Alzheimer's disease. The vaccine would block the toxins that accumulate in the brain and preserve the acetylcholine connection that is so vital to memory. (Remembering and Forgetting) There may not be a current cure for this disorder, but hopefully, we meet a day where the cure is found. It would prevent a lot of people from experiencing this horrible pain.
Sources:
Alzheimer's Association
https://www.alz.org
Remembering and Forgetting
http://www.learner.org/series/discoveringpsychology/09/e09expand.html
ScienceDirect Topics
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/alzheimers-disease
Hey Aylin! This post was awesome! It was very informative! I like how you focused on only one disorder of the brain. Good job on using plenty of sources. I never really knew all this about the Alzheimer's disease. You also had a lot of pictures which is very eye-catching to the reader. Good job! I am excited to see what you write about in the future.
ReplyDeleteHey Aylin! Your blog was very informative and easy to read! I have also always wondered about Alzheimer's disease but never really researched it so your blog was very helpful in growing my understanding of the disease. I liked how you included the ten early warnings signs in list form, because it made your blog easier and more interesting to read! Overall you wrote a great blog and I cannot wait to read more!
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