Tag: Genes

Cause of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of a mental disorder that is also known as “dementia”, a brain disorder that affects and seriously impedes the brain’s ability to process rational or normal thought. This usually results in limiting the amount of daily activities that require the use of cognitive abilities of its sufferers. Alzheimer’s is a debilitating disease because it affects the part of the brain that is responsible for thought, memory, and language.

Alzheimer’s is especially one of the most disabling diseases that can affect the older population. What makes Alzheimer’s disease a very serious affliction is that it is a progressive disorder that can slowly kill the irreplaceable nerve cells in the brain. Although Alzheimer’s is detected more often among patients over 60 years old, there are some individuals as young as 50 years of age who can show signs of Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s disease holds no boundaries. It can equally affect people of different cultures and is found to afflict both males and females in equal proportions. Not one particular test is known to be used for diagnosing Alzheimer’s. A variety of methods and tests are being used to diagnose 90 percent of Alzheimer’s cases. A 100 percent accuracy in diagnosing the disease can only be achieved upon autopsy to check for plaques and tangles in the sufferer’s brain.

The root cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not yet quite well understood despite the many years of research on the debilitating condition. Alzheimer’s is a complex disease that can be caused by a number of different influences.

The main cause of Alzheimer’s disease that researchers today have found out is damaged brain cells that die for unknown reasons. The cause of Alzheimer’s disease, which was first isolated by the German neurologist Dr. Alois Alzheimer, is the abnormal clumping together of brain cells. These clumps, also known as plaques, and knots or tangles which disrupt normal brain functioning, are considered as the main definitive characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Its Cause

Genetics are also being studied as a possible cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Another possible cause of the disease is seen to be a slow developing viral infection that results in brain inflammation. Although the actual cause of Alzheimer’s disease may not yet be known and still in the discovery stages, there are a number of risk factors that is known to increase the likelihood of Alzheimer development.

Age is known as a risk cause of Alzheimer’s disease. As a person ages, the likelihood that he or she will develop Alzheimer’s also increases. The average age of diagnosis for Alzheimer’s is about 80 years old. Gender is also seen as involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, but studies for this may still be inconclusive. The reason as to why the risk is seen to be greater in women is that they tend to live longer than the men.

Hereditary tendency is being looked into as another risk cause of Alzheimer’s disease. The presence of some defective genes and genetic mutations within the same bloodlines has also been seen to increase the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Another possible cause of Alzheimer’s disease that is being looked into is the malfunction of the immune system and protein imbalances that occur in the brain. Certain environmental factors such as the presence of aluminum in the home or workplace are also being put under investigation as a possible cause of Alzheimer’s disease.

Arthritis–Can it be Prevented?

Arthritis–Can it be Prevented?
Karen Cole-Peralat

Overview of Arthritis
Effective help is currently available for people to proactively manage arthritis and enjoy life to the fullest. But the actual prevention of arthritis itself is yet another story.
With rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the membranes or tissues lining the joints become inflamed. There is no known way to prevent any form of this disease, including osteoarthritis, adult-onset arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The exact causes of all these conditions are unknown.
It’s very important for people who fear they are at risk of rheumatoid arthritis to realize that at this time there are no medications to take or lifestyle modifications to make that can completely prevent this crippling disease. However, by making changes to your weight and diet and engaging in moderate exercise, you may be able to slow or even halt the disease’s onset and progress.
But you can only really take the measures needed to control arthritis after it is diagnosed. Until it is known for sure if certain bacteria or viruses trigger the disease, contact with people suffering from it will not change your risk of developing it.
Traditionally, medications and physical therapy have been used to manage the disease. A massive amount of nutrient research has also shown the effect diet and supplements have on the body’s healing processes. Lifestyle changes can also make a big difference.
Causes of the Disease
Joint injuries caused by accidents or overuse increase the occurrence of some types of arthritis. You can also inherit certain genes that may increase your risk. More research is needed to find out how to reduce the disease’s onset from these factors.
Some individuals have an inborn tendency to degenerative joint disease because they have changes in the structure of the important protein-building blocks of the articular cartilage which covers the surface of their joints. These seemingly small but significant abnormalities predispose their joints to wear and degeneration. In other cases, joint injuries may contribute to the development of DJD.
No foods have been definitively shown to cause or exacerbate arthritis in most individuals. A variety of diets and “hand-me-down” information exists about certain foods and arthritis, in particular the night shade plants, but none of it has been proven.
There is a rare form of arthritis called Spure which is caused by allergies to wheat products. Avoiding those will eliminate this disease. Associated features include weight loss, diarrhea and osteoporosis. Consult your health care provider if this is a concern.
There are things you can do to reduce your risk for getting certain types of arthritis or to reduce disability if you already have arthritis.
Overweight and obese people have a higher frequency of arthritis. Excess weight increases risk for developing osteoarthritis in the knees, and possibly in the hips and hands. Women are at special risk. In men, excess weight increases the risk for developing gout. It’s important to maintain your recommended weight, especially as you get older.
Arthritis Prevention Programs
The Center for Disease Control has implemented programs in several states to reduce the onset and consequences of arthritis. The National Arthritis Action Plan: A Public Health Strategy delineates the actions necessary to better understand the arthritis burden in the USA and helps to fully apply known and effective interventions.
This document represents the combined efforts of nearly 90 organizations, such as the Arthritis Foundation, government agencies and many other groups and individuals with an interest in arthritis prevention and control.
The NAAP proposes a nationally coordinated effort for reducing the occurrence of arthritis and its accompanying disability by focusing on these three areas:
1. Surveillance, epidemiology and prevention research to strengthen the science base.
2. Communications and education to increase awareness and provide accurate information about arthritis.
3. Programs, policies, and systems promoting increased quality of life for people with arthritis and facilitating arthritis prevention measures.
The CDC continues to accumulate scientific knowledge on the benefits of physical activity. Because healthy eating reduces a person’s risk of becoming overweight, good nutrition plays an important role in preventing knee osteoarthritis. In addition, moderate physical activity is essential for maintaining the health of joints.
The information outlined in this article is originally from: HealingWithNutrition.com, Arthritis Facts, Disease Prevention and Treatment Strategies, http://www.healingwithnutrition.com ; Center for Disease Control, Framework for Arthritis Prevention and Control, http://www.cdc.gov ; Web MD Health, http://mywebmd.com ; and the University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, http://www.orthop.washington.edu , Frequently Asked Questions About Arthritis.
About the Author
Executive Director and President of Rainbow Writing, Inc., Karen Cole-Peralta writes. RWI at http://www.rainbowriting.com/ is a world renowned freelance writing, copyediting, ghostwriting, graphics and CAD, search engine optimization, publishing helpers, internet marketing, free professional services, and supercheap dedicated web host and website development corporation.

Long Term Anxiety Characterized as Generalized Anxiety

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by long-term anxiety, excessive worry, and tension, even though there appears to be no reason to feel this way. This disorder affects about 6.8 million American adults (and twice as many women as men). The disorder usually develops gradually. It can start at any age but the highest-risk years are between childhood and middle age, a rather large time span. Evidence shows that genes play a modest role in GAD.
Those who suffer from GAD will go through the day feeling worried and aprehensive. They often anticipate disaster in even minor situations and are usually overly concerned about various issues such as health, money, family problems, or difficulties at work. It may even be hard getting started in the morning because of the thought of what lies ahead of them for the day.

If you find you have been over-worrying about many every-day problems for at least 6 months, you may be diagnosed with GAD. Although you may realize that your concerns are exaggerated, the problem still persists. Not being able to relaxe, startling easily, having difficulty concentrating are all symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Other problems include having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Physical symptoms that often accompany the anxiety include fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, trembling, twitching, irritability, sweating, nausea, lightheadedness, having to go to the bathroom frequently, feeling out of breath, and hot flashes.

The level of severity of your GAD can vary greatly. If you are diagnozed with a mild case, you can function socially for the most part and hold down a job with little difficulty. If your GAD is severe, you can find it difficult even to complete what may seem like the simplest activities.

GAD is usually treated with medications and/or psychotherapy. You may benefit most from a combination of the two. It may take some trial and error to discover exactly what treatments work best for you.

Medications include antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), escitalopram (Lexapro), sertaline (Zoloft), venlafaxine (Effexor) and imipramine (Tofranil); Buspirone (BuSpar); and Benzodiazepines like clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and alprazolam (Xanax). Benzodiazepines are for the most part only used for relieving acute anxiety on a short-term basis (for example, when you are having an attack). However, they have a tendency to be addictive and some pretty serious side effects like drowsiness, reduced muscle coordination and impaired balance and memory.

Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy and psychological counseling, deals with trying to work out the underlying life stresses and concerns that may cause your GAD. Once these have been identified, it is possible to and make behavior changes that can reduce your anxiety. One of the most recognized types of psychotherapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Basically, short-term cognitive behavioral therapy aims to teach you specific skills that you can then use to identify negative thoughts and behaviors and substitute them with positive ones.

The above information about generalized anxiety disorder does not substitute medical advice given by a health professional.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder ( GAD ) is characterized by long – spell anxiety, excessive worry, and tension, even though there appears to be no reason to feel this way. This disorder affects about 6. 8 million American adults ( and twice as copious women as men ). The disorder usually develops gradually. It can start at any age but the highest – risk years are between childhood and middle age, a tolerably large time span. Evidence shows that genes flexibility a modest role in GAD.
Those who suffer from GAD will go through the day feeling worried and apprehensive. They often anticipate disaster in even minor situations and are usually overly concerned about various issues such thanks to health, money, household problems, or difficulties at work. It may even be hard taking begun in the morning because of the thought of what lies ahead of them for the day.

If you pride you have been over – worrying about many every – day problems for at least 6 months, you may be diagnosed with GAD. Although you may realize that your concerns are exaggerated, the problem still persists. Not through able to relax, startling easily, having difficulty concentrating are complete symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Other problems include having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Physical symptoms that often accompany the anxiety include fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, trembling, twitching, irritability, clement, nausea, lightheadedness, having to go to the bathroom frequently, feeling outermost of breath, and hot flashes.

The level of severity of your GAD can vary greatly. If you are diagnozed with a mild occasion, you can function socially for the most part and hold down a job with little difficulty. If your GAD is severe, you can find it difficult even to complete what may seem same the simplest activities.

GAD is usually treated secrete medications and / or psychotherapy. You may benefit most from a combination of the two. It may take some trial and error to discover exactly what treatments work best for you.

Medications include antidepressants like fluoxetine ( Prozac ), paroxetine ( Paxil ), escitalopram ( Lexapro ), sertaline ( Zoloft ), venlafaxine ( Effexor ) and imipramine ( Tofranil ); Buspirone ( BuSpar ); and Benzodiazepines like clonazepam ( Klonopin ), lorazepam ( Ativan ), diazepam ( Valium ), chlordiazepoxide ( Librium ) and alprazolam ( Xanax ). Benzodiazepines are for the most part only used for relieving acute anxiety on a short – term basis ( for example, when you are having an attack ). However, they have a tendency to be addictive and some pretty serious side effects like drowsiness, reduced muscle coordination and impaired report and recognition.

Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy and psychological counseling, deals with trying to work out the underlying life stresses and concerns that may cause your GAD. Once these keep been identified, it is possible to and make behavior changes that can reduce your anxiety. One of the most recognized types of psychotherapy is cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT ). Basically, short – term cognitive behavioral therapy aims to teach you specific skills that you can then use to identify negative thoughts and behaviors and substitute them with positive ones.

The above information about generalized anxiety disorder does not substitute for medical advice given by a health professional.

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