Alzheimer's disease

Definition

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual decline in cognitive function, memory, and the ability to perform daily activities. It leads to structural brain changes, including the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, impacting communication, attention, and overall brain health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases.
2. Early symptoms often include forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating, which progress to more severe cognitive decline.
3. The disease is associated with specific brain changes such as the formation of amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles.
4. Genetics can play a role in the risk of developing Alzheimer's, with certain genes linked to a higher likelihood of the disease.
5. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Review Questions

• How does Alzheimer's disease impact language and communication abilities?
  • Alzheimer's disease can severely affect language and communication due to cognitive decline. Individuals may struggle with finding words, understanding conversations, or following along during discussions. This can result from damage to brain regions responsible for language processing, making it difficult for those with the condition to express themselves or comprehend others.
• What role do neurotransmitters play in the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, particularly regarding attention and memory?
  • Neurotransmitters are crucial for communication between neurons in the brain. In Alzheimer's disease, there is often a significant decrease in acetylcholine levels, which affects attention and memory functions. This decline contributes to the cognitive difficulties experienced by individuals with Alzheimer’s, as acetylcholine is vital for learning and recalling information.
• Evaluate the relationship between synaptic plasticity and Alzheimer's disease in terms of learning and memory deficits.
  • Synaptic plasticity is essential for learning and memory, as it allows synapses to adapt based on experience. In Alzheimer's disease, synaptic plasticity is disrupted due to the degeneration of neurons and changes in neurotransmitter signaling. This impairment leads to significant deficits in learning new information and recalling past experiences, highlighting how altered synaptic function underlies some cognitive challenges faced by those affected by the disease.

Related terms

Dementia: A broad category of brain diseases that cause a decline in memory, thinking, and social abilities, interfering with daily life, with Alzheimer's being the most common form.

Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals between neurons; imbalances in neurotransmitter levels are often observed in Alzheimer's disease.

Synaptic Plasticity:

The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity; critical for learning and memory and affected in Alzheimer's disease.