s genetic, and it may be. Scientists say that if the disease is genetic, then it only occurs in every 4th or 5th generation, but that the disease must be turned on by some outside factor. Doctors cant seem to figure out what the outside factor is. Some scientists even believe that Alzheimers may be caused by an excess of estrogen in the brain (Gillick).Alzheimers Disease is considered non-reversible. Many of the symptoms can be treated, but not the actual disease. To date, no chronic degenerative disease, Alzheimers or others, can be cured. Most therapies currently being used are experimental (Medical). The drugs Tacrine and Donepezil are the only two drugs proven effective in slowing the progress of Alzheimers Disease, and even they dont have a vast effect. Selegilin, the drug used to treat Parkinsons Disease, has been shown to delay symptoms of Alzheimers by about seven months in test cases, but doctors are not sure if it is safe for people yet (Davis). Some doctors suggest for people to take one ibuprofen a day, to help lower the risk of developing Alzheimers Disease. Daily supplements of vitamin E can help too. Thanks to medical breakthroughs and healthier lifestyles, Alzheimers patients can live longer then ever.There are no screening tests for Alzheimers Disease. In fact, brain tumors, blood clots, hypothyroidism and vitamin deficiencies have all been mistaken for Alzheimers. The reason for these mix-ups is that a head scan can not show Alzheimers Disease until well in to the disease. If the tumors or clots are small enough they might not be seen either and can produce nearly the same results (Alzheimers).Alzheimers disease is a serious and growing medical, social and economic problem. It affects millions of people in the United States and millions more around the world. When we look at elderly people and cast them off as crazy or senile we should stop and consider the root of their problems. We know more about ...
