, and (c) the impacts on their care givers. This paper examines the progress of AlzheimerÆs disease in patients through the degeneration stages of the disease. While AlzheimerÆs disease is most recognizable to the untrained observer through the behaviors of victims related to cognitive and other psychological deteriorations, the disease also has a biological component. The specific focus of this paper is on the patientsÆ physiological effects on associated with progression of AlzheimerÆs disease with particular emphases on the cardiovascular, circulatory, and muscular systems.
There are an estimated 4.2 million victims of dementia in the United States. Most patients with dementia are able to make some decisions affecting their own welfare. Nevertheless, such patients frequently defer decision making to trusted family members. Additionally, when decisions involve matters of great importance, family members and professional care providers may feel that it is advisable for family members and close friends to support the dementia patient in examining the issues involved (Christiansen & Grzybowski, 1999).
Senile dementia is a more severe form of dementia. Senile dementia describes a gradual loss of brain function that is associated with aging. The loss of brain function is manifested in ôslowing mentation, decreases ability to concentrate, decreased reasoning ability, confusion, and sometimes varying amounts of belligerenceö (Christiansen & Grzybowski, 1999, p. 284). People suffering from senile dementia also frequently experience aphasia (a loss of language skills) and object blindness. The physiological effects associated with senile dementia are not generally observable. These effects include increased lipofiscin concentrations and neurofibrillary tangles.
AlzheimerÆs disease is a form of senile dementia. At present, it is not known whether AlzheimerÆs disease is becoming more widespread or whether it is mere...