What is a person without their memories? Furthermore, what is a memory? By definition, memory is the brain’s capability to take in information, and then process, store, and retrieve that same information. However, in a more literal sense, memories are the experiences that shape a person's sense of being. Furthermore, this sentiment leads one to ponder what happens when people begin to “lose” their memory. Contrary to popular belief, memory loss is not a normal byproduct of ageing. Memory loss is often a symptom of a much larger problem such as Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, or Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia that interferes with thinking, memory, and behavior. Furthermore, it is always fatal. This article will discuss the neurobiology of Alzheimer’s well as the stages and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
Neurobiology of Alzheimer's Disease
The brain is made up of two kinds of specialized cells: glia and neurons. The glia act as the neuron's insulators, as they protect and nourish the neuron. The neurons are responsible for our thoughts, words, and actions. Furthermore, neurons act like telephones as they allow neurons to communicate with each other. One can visualize the relationship between the glia and the neurons by imagining a chocolate chip cookie. The cookie dough represents the glia, while the chocolate chips represent the neurons. The cookie dough insulates the chocolate chips, just like how the glia protects the neurons. The brain naturally shrinks with age and loses a small number of neurons. However, when a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer's they lose large amounts of neurons and neural connections, this is due to a buildup of the beta-amyloid protein as well as neurofibrillary tangles. The beta-amyloid protein is created during the breakdown of the amyloid precursor protein. In a brain affected by Alzheimer's, abnormal amounts of beta-amyloid build up in between neurons, negatively impacting brain function. The buildup of the tau protein inside neurons is known as neurofibrillary tangles. Furthermore, a healthy neuron is supported by microtubules which are stabilized by the tau protein. However, in a brain affected by Alzheimer's the tau protein separates from the microtubules and adheres to other tau proteins, ultimately causing thread-like structures to tangle inside the brain.
Stages and Symptoms
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, as it accounts for 60%-80% of all Dementia cases. Furthermore, it primarily affects people who are 65 years or older. When Alzheimer's strikes a patient under the age of 65, it is classified as younger-onset Alzheimer's. It is classified as a progressive neurodegenerative disease. In its Early-Stage, people with Alzheimer's will experience difficulty coming up with the right words or names, planning and organizing events, as well as minimal memory loss. People with Early-Stage Alzheimer's will be able to live independently. Middle-Stage Alzheimer's is the longest stage, as it can last 2-4 years. During this stage patients may experience greater levels of confusion, often get angry and frustrated, have trouble controlling bladder functions, frequently wander off, as well as feel withdrawn and moody. People who have Middle-Stage Alzheimer's may require assistance to participate in daily activities. Furthermore, they can live alone but will need someone to check in with them from time to time. Late-Stage Alzheimer's is the final stage of Alzheimer's. Patients in this stage will lose the ability to communicate, respond to their environment, and undergo significant personality changes. Patients experiencing this stage of Alzheimer's will require all-day personal care, which can be provided by hospice care centres.
Works Cited
Alzheimer's Association. “What Is Alzheimer’s?” Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, Alzheimer’s Association, 2022, www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers.
National Institute on Aging. “What Happens to the Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease?” National Institute on Aging, 2017, www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease.
“Stages of Alzheimer’s.” Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, 2021, www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/stages#:~:text=stages%20may%20overlap.-.
Pennmedicine.org, 2022, www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/memory-loss#:~:text=Common%20types%20of%20dementia%20associated. Accessed 30 Aug. 2022.
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