28 Questions
Which age group is Alzheimer's disease most likely to onset?
Over 65
Who is more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease?
Women
What is the most common cause of dementia?
Alzheimer's disease
Which of the following genetic factors is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease?
Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4)
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, what happens to the cognitive deficits?
They become more global and severe
Which area of cognitive decline is typically observed first in Alzheimer's disease?
Learning and Memory
Which of the following is NOT a cognitive decline found in Alzheimer's disease?
Dysexecutive syndrome
Which of the following associated features are NOT commonly observed in individuals with cognitive decline?
Incoherence and uncontrolled motor movements
What are amyloid plaques, and when do they typically occur in the course of developing Alzheimer's disease?
Sticky protein deposits found in the earlier stages of the disease
What are neurofibrillary tangles, and when do they typically occur in the course of developing Alzheimer's disease?
Tangled threadlike filaments found in the later stages of the disease
How long can amyloid plaques be present in a person's brain before the development of Alzheimer's disease?
More than 20 years
Which of the following is the main limitation of current neuroimaging methods for detecting amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease?
They lack clinical availability and are not widely used
How is the definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease typically made, given the current limitations of neuroimaging?
Post-mortem, through microscopic examination
Where are amyloid plaques typically located in the brain relative to neuron cells?
External to the neuron cell body, often on the cell body
What is the primary location of neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease?
Within the axons of neurons
What happens to neural impulse transmission in the presence of phosphorated Tau within the axon, as it relates to the development of Alzheimer's disease?
Phosphorated Tau within the axon disrupts and essentially stops neural impulse transmission
Which brain changes are commonly observed in Alzheimer's disease?
Functional and structural
Which brain regions in Alzheimer's disease may exhibit hypofunction and/or atrophy?
Parietal and medial temporal lobes, and the hippocampus
What is the typical pattern of cortical atrophy seen in Alzheimer's disease as the condition progresses?
Generalized cortical atrophy
Which term refers to the natural shrinkage of the brain that occurs as we age, distinct from the severe atrophy associated with Alzheimer's disease?
Normal age-related cortical atrophy
What is the primary cause of the severe brain atrophy associated with Alzheimer's disease?
Destruction of brain tissue causing spaces between gyri
Which type of medication is used to prevent Alzheimer's disease?
Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, galantamine)
What is the primary goal of cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil and galantamine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease?
To prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine
What is the typical evidence regarding the efficacy of cholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease treatment?
They slow down the rate of decline, but decline continues
Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action for recent developments like Donanemab and Lecanemab in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease?
Clearing amyloid plaques in the brain
What types of medications are commonly used to address mood and behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease, as mentioned in the content?
Antidepressants and antipsychotics
What is a primary focus of cognitive rehabilitation and stimulation in the context of Alzheimer's disease intervention, as mentioned in the content?
Teaching compensatory strategies
In the realm of behavioral management and environmental changes for Alzheimer's patients, what are caregivers often educated on, according to the content?
Offering choices and redirecting behavior
Study Notes
Alzheimer's Disease Overview
- Alzheimer's disease is most likely to onset in older adults, with the risk increasing after the age of 65.
- Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than men, and the risk increases with age.
Causes and Risk Factors
- The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases.
- The APOE ε4 genetic variant is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Cognitive Decline
- As Alzheimer's disease progresses, cognitive deficits worsen, leading to significant impairment.
- The area of cognitive decline typically observed first in Alzheimer's disease is episodic memory.
- Apraxia (difficulty with coordinated motor movements) is not a common cognitive decline found in Alzheimer's disease.
Brain Pathology
- Amyloid plaques are abnormal protein deposits that accumulate outside neurons, typically occurring in the brain 10-20 years before Alzheimer's disease symptoms appear.
- Neurofibrillary tangles are twisted fibers that build up inside neurons, typically occurring in the brain 5-10 years before Alzheimer's disease symptoms appear.
- Amyloid plaques can be present in a person's brain for 10-20 years before the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Diagnosis and Imaging
- The main limitation of current neuroimaging methods for detecting amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles is the inability to accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease in its early stages.
- A definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is typically made through autopsy or biopsy.
Pathology and Brain Changes
- Amyloid plaques are typically located in the brain outside neuron cells, while neurofibrillary tangles are found within neuron cells.
- Phosphorylated Tau blocks neural impulse transmission in the axon, contributing to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
- Common brain changes observed in Alzheimer's disease include cortical atrophy, ventricular enlargement, and hippocampal atrophy.
- Brain regions that may exhibit hypofunction and/or atrophy in Alzheimer's disease include the hippocampus, temporal lobe, and parietal lobe.
Treatment and Management
- Cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil and galantamine are used to treat Alzheimer's disease by increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the brain.
- The primary goal of cholinesterase inhibitors is to slow down cognitive decline and improve symptoms.
- Donanemab and Lecanemab are recent developments that target amyloid plaques to slow down cognitive decline.
- Mood stabilizers and antidepressants are commonly used to address mood and behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease.
- Cognitive rehabilitation and stimulation focus on preserving cognitive function and improving quality of life.
- Caregivers are often educated on behavioral management and environmental changes to support Alzheimer's patients.
Test your knowledge on Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia. Learn about the age of onset, genetic factors, and common symptoms associated with this condition. See how much you know about this prevalent disease that affects millions worldwide.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
