Alzheimer's Disease Quiz

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

• Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that worsens over time, characterized by changes in the brain that lead to protein deposition, brain shrinkage, and eventually death.
• It is the most common cause of dementia, resulting in a gradual deterioration in memory, thinking ability, behavioral and social skills.

Genetic Basis

• Alzheimer's disease exhibits genetic heterogeneity, with two main types: Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease (EOAD) and Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease (LOAD).
• EOAD is caused by mutations in three key genes: APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which affect the gamma-secretase complex and lead to increased amyloid-beta production.
• LOAD is influenced by multiple genes, including APOE, TREM2, SORL1, and CLU, and their interactions with environmental factors.

Pathophysiology

• Abnormal processing of APP leads to the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques, which disrupt cell-to-cell communication and activate immune responses.
• Hyperphosphorylation of tau protein leads to the formation of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, which disrupt microtubule function and impair nutrient and organelle transport.
• Amyloid plaques and tau tangles disrupt synaptic function, leading to synaptic loss and neuronal damage.
• Chronic inflammation in the brain, including microglia and astrocytes, contributes to neuroinflammation and exacerbates neuronal damage.

Epidemiology

• Alzheimer's disease affects approximately 5-10% of individuals over the age of 65, with a higher prevalence in older populations.
• The primary risk factor is age, but genetics, gender, and geographic factors also play a role.
• Alzheimer's disease is the 5th leading cause of death in adults over 65 years old and the 6th leading cause of death overall.

Clinical Manifestations

• Alzheimer's disease can only be diagnosed definitively by autopsy, but clinical suspicion can be confirmed using biomarkers and neuroimaging such as MRI, CT, and FDG PET.
• Treatment options include pharmacological interventions, such as cholinesterase inhibitors, and non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive therapy, physical exercise, and lifestyle modifications.

Oral and Dental Manifestations

• Alzheimer's disease can lead to poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, mouth ulcers, and gingival hyperplasia due to cognitive decline, medication use, and behavioral changes.
• Dental management challenges include behavioral issues, difficulty in cooperating during dental treatments, and the need for specialized care and accommodations.

Test your knowledge of Alzheimer's disease, its causes, symptoms, and effects on the brain and behavior.