Alzheimer's disease

Definition

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes due to the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. This condition primarily affects older adults and is the most common form of dementia, impacting daily functioning and quality of life as it progresses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alzheimer's disease typically begins with mild memory loss but gradually worsens, leading to severe cognitive impairment and loss of ability to carry out daily tasks.
2. The disease is associated with specific brain changes, including the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which disrupt cell function.
3. Genetic factors, such as mutations in the APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes, can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's, especially in early-onset cases.
4. Current treatment strategies mainly focus on symptom management with medications like cholinesterase inhibitors, although research is ongoing into disease-modifying therapies.
5. Research into cell therapies aims to explore using stem cells to replace lost neurons or support damaged brain tissue in Alzheimer's patients, potentially slowing disease progression.

Review Questions

• How does the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's disease?
  • The accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles disrupts communication between neurons and leads to cell death. Amyloid plaques form outside neurons and prevent them from functioning properly, while tau tangles develop inside neurons, impairing their ability to transport nutrients and other essential materials. This combination results in progressive cognitive decline characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.
• Discuss the role of genetic factors in the development of Alzheimer's disease and how they inform potential treatments.
  • Genetic factors play a significant role in the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Mutations in specific genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 are associated with early-onset forms of the disease. Understanding these genetic links helps researchers identify potential targets for treatment and develop therapies aimed at modifying disease pathways before severe symptoms arise.
• Evaluate the potential impact of stem cell therapies on the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and how they may change current approaches.
  • Stem cell therapies hold promise for treating Alzheimer's disease by potentially replacing lost neurons or promoting repair in damaged brain areas. Research is focused on understanding how to effectively use stem cells to restore cognitive functions or even slow down neurodegeneration. If successful, this could lead to a paradigm shift from merely managing symptoms with medication to actually altering the disease course and improving long-term outcomes for patients.

Related terms

Neurodegeneration: The gradual loss of structure or function of neurons, leading to conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Amyloid Plaques: Abnormal clusters of protein fragments that accumulate between neurons, believed to play a key role in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Stem Cells: Undifferentiated cells with the potential to develop into various cell types, used in research for potential therapies in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.