Alzheimer's Disease (AD) Basics

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What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes dementia from a normal part of aging?

It is not a normal part of aging (correct)

It is a type of neurodegenerative disease

It is a syndrome that occurs as a normal part of aging

It is a disease that affects only older adults

What is the main difference between familial AD and late-onset AD?

Familial AD is a result of multiple factors, while late-onset AD is caused by a single factor

Familial AD is caused by genetics, while late-onset AD is caused by environment (correct)

Familial AD is caused by environment, while late-onset AD is caused by genetics

Familial AD occurs in people over 60, while late-onset AD occurs in people under 60

What is the main risk factor associated with developing AD in people with Down syndrome?

Advanced age (correct)

Environmental factors

Inheriting the Apoliprotein E (APOE Ɛ4 allele)

Genetic mutations

What is the name of the gene associated with increased risk of developing AD?

Apoliprotein E (APOE Ɛ4 allele) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical age range of people affected by familial AD?

30 to 60 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome for individuals with Down syndrome in relation to AD?

They are more likely to develop AD Signup and view all the answers

By what age do autopsy studies show that the brains of almost all individuals with Down syndrome have significant levels of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles?

40 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the APP protein?

To undergo continuous 'processing or breakdown' into shorter pieces Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the α-secretase activity on the APP molecule?

Cleavage at residue 687 Signup and view all the answers

What is the ratio of Aβ40 to Aβ42 in healthy humans?

~9:1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of mutations in APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2?

Elevation of steady-state levels of Aβ, particularly Aβ42 Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the amyloidogenic pathway of APP processing?

Formation of full-length Aβ1–40/42 peptides Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of Aβ42 peptide aggregation?

Formation of extracellular plaques Signup and view all the answers

Which apolipoprotein E allele is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease?

APOE ε4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of having more APOE ε4 alleles on the risk of Alzheimer's disease?

Increased risk of disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of Aβ oligomers binding to diverse neuronal targets?

Impaired synaptic transmission Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended frequency for reviewing patients who continue on the drug?

Every 6 months Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of antipsychotic drugs in elderly patients with dementia?

Stroke Signup and view all the answers

What is a non-pharmacological treatment for anxiety in patients with mild-to-moderate dementia?

Cognitive behavioural therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of cognitive rehabilitation?

To achieve a personal goal Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of reminiscence and life story work?

To improve mood and wellbeing Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of Aβ production inhibitors in future AD treatments?

To limit β- or γ-secretase activity Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential future treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

When should antipsychotic drugs be offered to patients with dementia?

If they are at risk of harming themselves or others Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dosage and duration for antipsychotic drugs in patients with dementia?

The lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the carer in cognitive rehabilitation?

To work with a trained professional to achieve a personal goal Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of protein misfolding and aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases?

It is similar to the behavior of infectious prions in prion diseases Signup and view all the answers

In which brain regions do Aβ plaques develop first?

Basal temporal and orbitofrontal neocortex Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of AChE inhibitors?

Increasing the levels of acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended treatment for patients with mild-to-moderate AD?

Monotherapy with donepezil hydrochloride, galantamine, or rivastigmine Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of AChE inhibitors?

Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea Signup and view all the answers

In which stage of AD do tau inclusions or tangles develop in the hippocampal formation and some parts of the neocortex?

Stages III and IV Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of memantine hydrochloride?

Blocking the N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors Signup and view all the answers

In which patients is memantine hydrochloride suitable as an alternative to AChE inhibitors?

Patients with moderate AD who cannot take or are unable to tolerate AChE inhibitors Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of specialist clinicians in the management of AD?

Initiating drug treatment in newly diagnosed patients Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the progression of AD?

Spreading of protein misfolding operates at different levels Signup and view all the answers