Alzheimers lecture 4

What are the brain areas implicated in Alzheimer's Disease (AD)?

The brain areas implicated in AD include the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, amygdala, and the nucleus basalis of Meynert.

What are amyloid plaques?

Amyloid plaques are clumps of protein fragments that accumulate in the spaces between nerve cells in the brain, characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease.

What are tau tangles?

Tau tangles are twisted fibers of a protein called tau that form inside nerve cells, disrupting their function and contributing to Alzheimer's Disease.

What is the cholinergic hypothesis of Alzheimer's Disease?

The cholinergic hypothesis of AD suggests that a deficiency in the neurotransmitter acetylcholine contributes significantly to the cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer's Disease.

How do drugs work to increase Acetylcholine in Alzheimer's Disease?

Drugs that treat Alzheimer's Disease, such as donepezil, work by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, thereby increasing its availability in the brain.

What are some risk factors for the development of Alzheimer's Disease?

Risk factors for the development of AD include age, genetics, family history, cardiovascular health, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.

Which methods can be used to diagnose Alzheimer's Disease?

Methods to diagnose AD include Neuropsychological testing, Brain Imaging, CSF collection, and Blood tests.

What are NMDA receptor antagonists?

NMDA receptor antagonists are drugs that block the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is involved in synaptic plasticity and memory function.

What is the mechanism of action of NMDA receptor antagonists?

NMDA receptor antagonists inhibit the action of glutamate at the NMDA receptor, preventing excessive neuronal activation and potentially reducing excitotoxicity.

What are some examples of NMDA receptor antagonists?

Examples of NMDA receptor antagonists include ketamine, memantine, and PCP (phencyclidine).

What therapeutic effects do NMDA receptor antagonists have?

NMDA receptor antagonists have been used in the treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease, chronic pain, and major depressive disorder.