Alzheimer's Disease Research Paper

Alzheimer's Disease Research Paper

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disease. It is a form of dementia most common in older individuals, identifiable to scientists by the presence of amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Most individuals associate the disease with memory loss, unusual behavior and moods, and watching their loved ones fade away. While there are recognized genetic risk factors that may contribute to disease–onset, environmental and lifestyle factors also play a role in disease development. Five FDA approved medications are currently on the market to treat symptoms, but none are capable of halting or slowing progression of the disease, nor are they capable of treating underlying causes. Though there is currently no known cure, scientists are working to ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...There are two important physiological abnormalities that define the disease: amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Abnormal protein deposits throughout the brain form amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Amyloid is a normally harmless protein that appears throughout the body. Cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein by β–secretase and γ–secretase leads to the formation of beta–amyloid, a toxic version of the protein, which leads to the death of neurons. While the mode of action of beta amyloid is still not definitively known, a 2012 study by the University of Michigan supports the idea that it damages neuronal membranes (Moore). According to this theory, the plaques poke tiny holes in the membrane, allowing calcium to flow into the neuron uncontrollably, leading to the eventual death of the neuron. Another theory is that the beta amyloid breaks down to form free radicals that attack the neurons. The degenerated neurons and the amyloid protein combine to form sticky clumps, known as amyloid plaques, that the body is incapable of breaking down naturally. As a result, these plaques build up throughout the brain, leading to the loss of connections between neurons. According to research, plaque formation first occurs in the hippocampus, which plays a vital role in memory formation. Overtime, additional brain structures are affected, and significant brain tissue shrinkage

... Get more on HelpWriting.net ...