Causes Of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that impairs memory, thoughts and behaviour. The impairment of Alzheimer’s can lead to symptoms of forgetfulness, difficulty with time, language problems or the inability to recognize loved ones. (Colbert, 2013) The early stages of Alzheimer’s can be subtle; beginning with lapses in memory or difficulty remembering the correct words for inanimate objects. Common symptoms of Alzheimer’s vary with each individual according to the affected areas of the brain (see appendix one).

While a healthy brain may shrink due to age, it does not lose neurons in large quantities. However, in Alzheimer’s damage is extensive as many neurons stop functioning, lose connections with other neurons and ultimately die. Alzheimer’s

Plaques are abnormal clusters of protein fragments that build up between nerve cells; blocking cell signals. On the other hand, tangles form inside dying cells. Tangles are abnormal clumps of protein called tau. Healthy neurons are internally supported in part by structures called microtubules, which help guide nutrients and molecules from the cell body to the axon and dendrites. In Alzheimer’s, however, tau undergoes abnormal chemical changes that cause it to detach from microtubules and stick to other molecules, forming threads that eventually clump together to form tangles. The tangles disrupt the microtubule network and blocks in the neuron transport system and signalling system. Scientists deduct that abnormal tangles and plaques are the key reason behind

Doctors commonly prescribe cholinesterase inhibitors to delay the progression of cognitive symptoms. Contrasting a regular brain, a brain affected by Alzheimer’s has lower levels of the chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine helps send messages between nerve cells, however with Alzheimer’s there is a decline of nerve cells that use acetylcholine; leading to harsher symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Cholinesterase inhibitors prevent an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase from breaking down acetylcholine in the brain. Thus, the communication between the nerve cells doesn’t diminish; temporarily stabilising symptoms of Alzheimer’s. (N/A, 2013) The relief from symptoms vary for each individual; some will notice the effect improving whilst others may experience no