Alzheimer’s disease
Definition
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. It primarily affects older adults and is the most common cause of dementia.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Alzheimer's disease is linked to the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles in the brain.
- Proper nutrition, including antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins like B12 and D, may help slow cognitive decline.
- The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have potential benefits for reducing the risk of Alzheimer's.
- Gut health can influence brain health through the gut-brain axis, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome.
- Nurses play a crucial role in promoting nutritional interventions that support neurological health and potentially delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Review Questions
- What are two key pathological features found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease?
- How can nutrition impact the progression or risk of Alzheimer's disease?
- Why is gut health significant in the context of neurological wellness?
"Alzheimer’s disease" appears in:
Study guides (4)
- Nutrition for Nurses - 4.4 The Nurse’s Role in the Promotion of Gut Health
- Nutrition for Nurses - 5.1 Assess and Analyze the Impact of Nutrition on the Neurologic System
- Nutrition for Nurses - 6.1 The Impact of Nutrition on Neurological Wellness Across the Lifespan
- Nutrition for Nurses - 6.2 Nutrition and Chronic Neurological Illnesses
Related terms
Dementia: A general term for conditions characterized by a decline in memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking skills affecting daily life.
Amyloid-beta Plaques: Protein deposits found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease that disrupt cell function.
Gut-Brain Axis: The bidirectional communication network linking the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system.
