ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

About the disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progression of dementia that is associated with the symptoms of memory loss, disorientation, and behavioral problems. The disease gets worse with time and the symptoms never lessen. At some point in our lives, we’ve come across someone affected by the disease, whether it be a relative, family friend, or just a story about someone’s grandma who has it. It affects a huge population and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Although no cures have been found, it has been a focus in medicine for decades and research will continue until a solution is created.

So, what exactly is happening that causes such cognitive deficits in people with AD? In the brain, neurons process and store information in order to carry out thoughts and actions. In AD, amyloid-beta protein plaques, iron composites, and tau protein tangles accumulate to disrupt the communication between these neurons. The tangles and plaques also damage and eventually kill neurons. While plaques and tangles form from natural aging, those with AD develop more of them, quicker.

While AD is a tragic disease, lots of research is being done trying to understand the human brain in order to create new therapies and treatments. Other approaches are looking at delaying the accumulations of plaques and tangles in the brain and, therefore, delaying symptoms of the disease. With modern medicine advancing, there are high hopes that a cure will be found one day.     

​

More information can be found on the Alzheimer’s Association website.

Source: https://www.alz.org/