Understanding Alzheimer's Disease

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Questions and Answers

Which fragment of amyloid precursor protein (APP) is crucial in the formation of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease?

Delta-amyloid fragment

Alpha-amyloid fragment

Gamma-amyloid fragment

Beta-amyloid fragment (correct)

What type of test is primarily used to assess brain activity in Alzheimer's disease?

Electromyogram

MRI (correct)

Neuropsychological assessment

Psychiatric assessment

Which of the following is NOT a sign of Alzheimer's disease?

Increased energy levels (correct)

Difficulty performing familiar tasks

Problems with language

Changes in mood or behavior

Which pharmacological treatment prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger vital for learning and memory?

Donepezil Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of caregiving in Alzheimer's disease?

To manage everyday needs of the patient Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common neuropsychological symptom of Alzheimer’s disease?

Disturbances in short-term memory Signup and view all the answers

What approach involves reminiscence therapy as an intervention for Alzheimer's disease?

Emotion oriented approach Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging technique highlights decreased brain function in the temporal lobe associated with Alzheimer's disease?

PET scan Signup and view all the answers

What role did Alois Alzheimer play in the history of Alzheimer's disease?

He was the first to describe the disease. Signup and view all the answers

What pathological features are found in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients?

Neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT considered a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease?

Frequent exercise Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of individuals aged 85 and older may have Alzheimer's disease?

Nearly 50% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an environmental factor that may contribute to Alzheimer's disease?

Cigarette smoking Signup and view all the answers

What happens to brain cells in Alzheimer's disease?

They form clumps of protein known as plaques. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cognitive impairment does Alzheimer's disease primarily cause?

Impairment of intellectual functioning Signup and view all the answers

Which patient was first described by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, leading to the naming of the disease?

Auguste D. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disorder of unknown cause.
It is the most common form of dementia.
The disease affects nerve cells and neurotransmitters in the brain.
AD causes progressive memory loss, impaired thinking, disorientation, personality changes, and mood swings.
It typically starts in late middle age or old age.

Origin of Alzheimer's Disease

AD was first described by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1906.
The disease is named after him.
The disease was discovered while examining the brain of a patient named Auguste D, who exhibited symptoms of mental illness.
Examination revealed dense deposits (neuritic plaques) outside and around the nerve cells, and twisted strands of fiber (neurofibrillary tangles) inside the cells.

Incidence

Around 3% of individuals aged 65 to 74 have AD.
Nearly half of those aged 85 and older may have AD.
Approximately 360,000 new cases of AD are diagnosed each year.

Causes

The cause of AD is unknown.
Several factors are thought to be implicated, including:

Environmental Factors

Cigarette smoking
Certain infections
Exposure to metals, industrial toxins, or other toxins
Use of cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins)

Risk Factors

Down's syndrome
Family history/APOE allele
Chronic high blood pressure
Head injuries
Gender
Smoking and drinking

Pathophysiology

AD attacks nerve cells and brain cells as well as neurotransmitters.
This destruction leads to the formation of protein clumps around brain cells called plaques and bundles.
The presence of plaques and bundles deteriorates connections between brain cells, worsening the condition.
The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is cut into fragments by enzymes.
The beta-amyloid fragment plays a crucial role in the formation of senile plaques in AD.

Signs

Ten warning signs of AD:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Problems with language
- Disorientation to time and place
- Poor or decreased judgment
- Problems with abstract thinking
- Misplacing things
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Changes in personality
- Loss of initiative

Symptoms

Confusion
Short-term memory disturbances
Attention and spatial orientation problems
Personality changes
Language difficulties
Unexplained mood swings

Diagnostic Tests

Psychiatric assessments, including mental status examination and neuropsychological assessment.
Laboratory tests.
Brain imaging techniques:
- CT scan
- MRI
- PET
- SPECT
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Electromyogram

Pharmacological Intervention

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: Prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for learning and memory.
- Donepezil (Aricept)
- Rivastigmine (Exelon)
- Galantamine (Razadyne)
N-Methyl d-aspartate Receptor Antagonist (NMDA):
- Memantine – Blocks the NMDA receptor and inhibits overstimulation by glutamate (neurotransmitter).
Other medications:
- Antidepressants
- Anxiolytics
- Antipsychotics
- Anticonvulsants

Psychosocial Intervention

Behavioral approach
Emotion-oriented approach:
- Reminiscence therapy
- Validation therapy
- Supportive psychotherapy
- Sensory integration
- Snoezelen
- Simulated presence therapy
Cognition-oriented approach
Stimulation-oriented approach

Caregiving

As AD has no cure and gradually renders people incapable of self-care, caregiving is crucial and must be carefully managed throughout the disease progression.

Prognosis

Early stages of AD are difficult to diagnose.
A definitive diagnosis is typically made when cognitive impairment impacts daily living activities.
The person may still be able to live independently at this stage.

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Description

This quiz delves into Alzheimer's disease, examining its symptoms, historical origins, and incidence among various age groups. Explore the intricate details of this degenerative brain disorder named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer and its impact on memory and cognitive function. Test your knowledge on the causes and effects of Alzheimer's in this informative assessment.