Grief and BereavementMedical Author:
Lynn Barkley Burnett, EdD, MS, LLB
Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Life and Death in ContextThere is an appointed time for everything, and there is a time for every event. Whatever our beliefs may or may not be as to a specific "appointed time," each of us knows the inherent truth of the well-known Bible verse. One day, death comes to us and to everyone we love. Mere knowledge of this inevitability does not lessen our suffering. Poet Maya Angelou wrote, "I answer the heroic question, 'Death, where is thy sting?' with 'It is here in my heart and mind and memories'"—a reflection that death takes from us the physical presence of people who are precious, with effects that often bring piercing pain and indescribable depression. Although the walk through the valley of the shadow of death is the toughest part of life for the human spirit to endure, most of us move beyond the shadows and once again enjoy the sunlight. Let us gather insight into some of the feelings and experiences you may have in your walk through this valley of shadows, and let us offer hope that sorrow will not be your constant companion for the rest of your years. |
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Alzheimer's Disease Overview
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of
dementia in industrialized nations. Dementia is a brain disorder that interferes with a person's ability to carry out everyday activities.
- The brain of a person with Alzheimer's disease (see
Multimedia file 1) has abnormal areas containing clumps (senile plaques) and
bundles (neurofibrillary tangles) of abnormal proteins. These clumps and
tangles destroy connections between brain cells.
- This usually affects the parts of the brain that
control cognitive (intellectual) functions such as thought, memory, and
language.
- Levels of certain chemicals that carry messages
around the brain (neurotransmitters) are low.
- The resulting losses in intellectual ability are called dementia when they are severe enough to interfere with everyday functioning.
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Grief Support in the ED »
A worried father is brought to a private waiting area.
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