Memory Related Disorders and Forgetting

Memory makes us who we are. Our memory is used as a storage unit to facilitate and organize the information we gather day to day. Think of the who, what, when, and where you recognize everyday, without memory those key senses would not be a factor in your life. You pretty much wouldn't be able to function. Unfortunately, there are some memory disorders present in our environment that can cause neurological damage and can harm the recollection of memories. Two disorders I want to focus on today are the Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease.



Alzheimer's disease:
"Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior." (alz.org). Alzheimer's disease are extremely progressive, meaning that they gradually get worse over time, slowly but surely. Alzheimer's is not a normal effect of aging, but it's much more common in older age, specifically 65 or older. Alzheimer's disease is divided into three stages: mild, moderate, and severe. The mild stage allows the individual to still function independently but may cause them to forget familiar words or locations of common objects. The moderate stage is the most frustrating stage for the individual as this is the longest stage. The level of care will increase as time passes on this stage increases difficulty perform routine task and express thoughts. The severe stage is the final stage in which causes an individual to lose the ability to carry on an individual, and respond to their own environment. This may ultimately lead to death. The discoverer of this disease is Alois Alzheimer.



Huntington's disease:
Huntington's disease is another progressive disease that breakdown the nerve cells in the brain. Unlike Alzheimer's disease in which is more common in older age, Huntington's disease is common in the prime working years of an individual, (30-50). When dealing with family, every child that has a parent with Huntington's disease has a 50/50 chance of receiving that particular gene for that disease. This disease also contains three stages, the early stage deals with changes in coordination, involuntary movements, and difficulty thinking through problems. The middle stage progresses the difficulty in movement disorders, trouble swallowing and poor speech may occur. In the late stage, an individual may be totally dependent of others for care. Choking is likely to be more of a problem and this stage will inevitably lead to death. Weight loss is a huge symptom when dealing with all the stages.



Unfortunately, my great grandfather got Alzheimer's disease as he into his old age. I did not know him personally due to him reaching his death before we ever got to meet. My father discussed with me, having to take him in his last couple of years due to him not being able to care for his own well-being. The emotional toll of the disease is not only taken upon the individual affected but their loved ones as well. My dad would talk to me about the days his grandfather would forget who his own grandson and daughter is. I couldn't imagine of the frustration and emotional pain that would inflict on them.

Works Cited:

• https://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp 
• http://hdsa.org/what-is-hd/ 
• https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-are-signs-alzheimers-disease 
• https://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/mental-fitness/brain-exercises-for-memory.aspx