Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is a progressive degenerative disorder of the brain that that attacks the brain's nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes and their development overall (Alzheimer's Foundation of America,2016). As of 2017 AD, about 5.5 million Americans live with Alzheimer's, an estimated 5.3 million are age 65 and older and approximately 200,000 individuals are under age 65 and have younger-onset Alzheimer's. This disease continues to plague individuals every day by mid-century, someone in the United States will develop the disease every 33 seconds (Alzheimer’s Association,2016). The risk factors for AD varies, including age, gender, genetics, and …show more content…
Ultimately, there is no cure for AD, however promising research and development for early detection and treatment is underway (Shayne, 2008-2009). The purpose of this research paper is to bring awareness of the effects of Alzheimer’s on individuals are in middle to late adulthood, the impact it has on relationships, being family dynamic or in relation with friends, and people's awareness of this disease in general. This paper will solely focus on adulthood as this is the stage the disease is most prominent and relevant. My overarching thesis statement attempts the various aspects of the disease in relation to human development: Progression of the disease, Effects of Alzheimer’s, Causes of the disease, Treatment options, and Impact on family friends. In this study, qualitative research was used. Qualitative research includes data collection from the primary research attained by the results of the surveys conducted at Ajax high school, in the cafeteria during the lunch hour. Similarly, the secondary resources include data analysis and the drawing of conclusions by the comparison of both primary and secondary