Alzheimer’s disease: Brain assumes new shapes
February 21, 2010
Examination of Alzheimer’s patients have established that their brains assume abnormal shapes. These typical formations are known as plaques or tangles.
In fact, the initial medical and laboratory tests as well as scanning of the brain try to locate these formations in the brain as they are deemed as the tell-tale marks of Alzheimer’s disease. However, these distinctive abnormal formations develop in only those areas of the brain that are involved with the memory.
These slender, long tendrils are located within the neurons or nerve cells.
It has been found that these characteristic formations are born when the tau protein gets altered. Notably, the normal protein gives structural basis to the neurons. On the other hand, the same tau after getting altered collapses that very structural structure in Alzheimer’s patient.
The plaques or tangles are clumps of fibers. They conglomerate outside the neurons in the surrounding tissue of the brain.
It has also been conclusively proved that toxic tangles or plaques are formed when the amyloid precursor protein gets bifurcated or cut in two places.
Moreover, two enzymes make the two cuts one after the other. The first is made by the beta-secretase enzyme; while the second is made by the enzyme gamma secretase. As a result, the amyloid precursor protein is snipped into fragments. These fragments then accumulate and form the tangles or plaques which subsequently turn toxic.
The cells or neurons start shrinking to later die. First the neurons in the memory and language units are attacked. Later on they expand to the entire brain. This gradual but sure degeneration of the brain interferes with the communication network of the cells. This causes some of the prominent symptoms of the Alzheimer’s patient.
An Alzheimer’s patient suffers low levels of neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are carriers of complex messages to and from the nerve cells. Alzheimer’s disease reduces the level of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter which influences memory.
On the other hand, the consequent reduction of the other neurotransmitters like corticotrophin and somatostatin-releasing factors besides norepinephrine and serotonin — particularly in younger patients – also clashes with normal communication among the brain cells.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: A SILENT INVADER
Mentionably, Alzheimer’s disease is a silent invader and a life-long partner of the patient just like another brain disorder – Down syndrome – and diabetes. Hence it is of utmost importance that the family members keep a close tab on the gradually evident physiological and psychological changes of their senior family members.
CARDIO-VASCULAR & HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN ALSO CAUSE ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Cardio-vascular ailments or other health ailments have also been identified as probable causes of Alzheimer’s disease.
The primary factors are as follows: cholesterol levels and blood pressure, especially high, cardiovascular ailments, and atherosclerosis (when fatty deposits clog the arteries).
