Alzheimers disease history begins in 1906, when a German physician by the name of Alois Alzheimer performed an autopsy on a woman who died after years of suffering from severe memory problems and confusion. He found twisted bands of nerve fibers in the brain, as well as dense deposits on and around the nerve fibers. This is where Alzheimers disease gets its name, and to this day the diagnosis of the illness is generally dependent upon the detection of these elements.

Alzheimers Disease History Continues

Since the beginning of Alzheimers disease history, there has been plenty of new studies and research that have been conducted. However, there is still no known cure on the horizon of Alzheimers disease history, and there are even very few options available for treating the symptoms of the illness. It has been found that Alzheimers disease is often genetic, and the incidence of early onset Alzheimers is actually increased by a genetic mutation of three different chromosomes. In late onset Alzheimers, which occurs after the age of 65, other factors that increase the risk besides genetics include education, diet and environment.

As Alzheimers disease history progresses, there has been new research in exactly how these other factors can play a role in a persons risk for developing this illness. Researchers are also constantly looking for medications and other treatment options that will slow the progression of the disease and hopefully bring a greater amount of quality time for families as a result. Ultimately, medical researchers are hoping against hope to find a cure for this very debilitating illness.

Medications are Discovered and Developed

In 1993, researchers found a medication that will help to slow the early stages of Alzheimers, called Cognex. Since that time, three other medications have been approved for use in slowing the decline of Alzheimers patients by improving cognitive functioning during the illness. All of these three medications have less harmful side effects than the original drug that was developed, showing a definite positive progression in the research occurring in Alzheimers disease history.

While Alzheimers disease history has shown the discovery of a degenerative illness that is as difficult for the patient as it is for the family members caring for him, there does seem to be hope on the horizon. As more medications come into the medical world that can help Alzheimers patients to function for longer periods of time, one can only hope and pray that a cure will not be too far behind.

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