Neurodegenerative Diseases Overview
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Neurodegenerative Diseases Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which neurodegenerative disease is characterized by protein misfolding and the formation of amyloid plaques that disrupt neuronal communication?

  • Huntington's disease
  • Alzheimer's disease (correct)
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

    • What is the role of chaperone proteins in neurodegenerative diseases?

  • To facilitate neuronal regeneration
  • To assist in the proper folding of misfolded proteins (correct)
  • To tag proteins for destruction
  • To promote protein aggregation

    • In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, what does the ubiquitination reaction accomplish?

  • It provides energy for neuronal activity.
  • It repairs damaged neurons.
  • It promotes the formation of new synapses.
  • It signals damaged proteins for degradation. (correct)

    • What impact do neurodegenerative diseases generally have on cognitive and motor functions?

    <p>They lead to progressive degeneration and eventual loss of these functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant limitation regarding neuronal regeneration in adults with neurodegenerative diseases?

    <p>Dead neurons are not replaced in the adult CNS.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which neurodegenerative disease is linked to the degeneration of motor neurons?

    <p>Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What types of diseases are characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS)?

    <p>Neurodegenerative diseases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following mechanisms do NOT help reduce the effects of misfolded proteins in neurodegenerative diseases?

    <p>Formation of amyloid plaques</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for the accumulation of misfolded proteins in neurodegenerative diseases?

    <p>Disruption of protein degradation mechanisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes necrosis?

    <p>An uncontrolled response to cell injury</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does intracellular calcium overload play in neuronal death?

    <p>It is a contributing factor to excitotoxicity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which substance is primarily associated with excitotoxicity causing damage to neurons?

    <p>Glutamate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major consequence of oxidative stress in neural cells?

    <p>Accumulation of reactive oxygen species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor is essential in preventing apoptosis in neurons?

    <p>Neuronal growth factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary process by which energy is produced in the brain?

    <p>Aerobic respiration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of impaired mitochondrial function within neurons?

    <p>Increased reactive oxygen species production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary contributor to neuronal depolarisation during ischaemia?

    <p>Release of glutamate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a pathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease?

    <p>Copper accumulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which genetic mutation is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease?

    <p>ApoE4</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism by which Memantine operates in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease?

    <p>Antagonism at NMDA receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following drugs is NOT approved for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease?

    <p>Trazodone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant cellular outcome follows glutamate acting on NMDA receptors during ischemia?

    <p>Calcium ion accumulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What part of the brain is primarily affected by the loss of cholinergic neurons in Alzheimer’s disease?

    <p>Hippocampus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common side effect of Memantine?

    <p>Shortness of breath</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Neurodegenerative Diseases

    • Characterized by the progressive degeneration or death of neurons in the CNS
    • Result in the loss of cognitive and motor functions
    • Can lead to disability and death
    • Common examples: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease
    • Dead neurons are not replaced in the adult CNS
    • Interrupted axons cannot regenerate
    • Limited neuronal regeneration makes pharmacological intervention difficult

    Protein Misfolding and Aggregation

    • Initial step in many neurodegenerative diseases
    • Aggregates accumulate with age, forming amyloid deposits
    • Amyloid plaques disrupt neuronal communication and trigger inflammatory responses, leading to neurodegeneration

    Protective Mechanisms

    • Chaperone proteins bind to misfolded proteins and assist in folding them correctly
    • Ubiquitination tags defective proteins with ubiquitin, signaling their destruction within the proteasome

    Mechanisms of Neuronal Death

    • Necrosis: Uncontrolled cell death due to acute injury, infection, or insufficient blood supply
    • Excitotoxicity: Glutamate toxicity due to calcium overload, leading to neuronal death
    • Apoptosis: Programmed cell death, where cells shrink and are safely removed
      • Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to apoptosis
      • Neuronal growth factors (nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor) prevent apoptosis
    • Oxidative Stress:
      • The brain has high energy needs, requiring ATP production
      • Oxygen reduction during ATP production generates reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      • Oxidative stress occurs when ROS production exceeds the cell's ability to neutralize them, leading to damage
    • Ischemic Brain Damage:
      • Interruption of blood supply to the brain initiates neuronal damage
      • Depolarization of neurons leads to glutamate release and calcium accumulation
      • Nitric oxide production increases

    Drugs for Neurodegenerative Diseases

    • Cholinesterase inhibitors (Donezepil, Rivastigmine) and Memantine are currently approved for treating Alzheimer's disease
    • Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist, potentially inhibiting excitotoxicity
    • Memantine has a long half-life
    • Memantine has a modest cognitive improvement in moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease but is not neuroprotective
    • Memantine adverse drug reactions: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, shortness of breath, and hypertension.

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    Lesson 16 - Neurodegenerative Diseases PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers key concepts related to neurodegenerative diseases, including their characteristics, common examples like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and the role of protein misfolding. It also highlights protective mechanisms such as chaperone proteins and ubiquitination involved in neuronal health. Test your understanding of these critical topics in neurology!

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