Health Alt Week 12 Transcript Review

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative disorders as discussed in the Week 12 lecture.

Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

An autoimmune disorder causing weakness and fatigue of skeletal muscles, especially affecting the face and eyes.

Alzheimer's Disease

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, often marked by abnormal protein deposits in the brain.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)

An acute autoimmune disorder causing rapid muscle weakness and paralysis, often following an infection.

Amyloid Plaques

Abnormal protein clumps found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease that disrupt neuronal function.

Tau Tangles

Twisted fibers of a protein that accumulate inside neurons in Alzheimer’s disease, leading to cell death.

Mixed Dementia

A combination of vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease, characterized by symptoms from both conditions.

Vascular Dementia

A type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes.

Bradykinesia

Slowness of movement, often seen in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Postural Instability

Impaired balance and coordination, a common symptom of Parkinson's disease.

Cognitive Dysfunction

A decline in mental function including memory, attention, and problem-solving, often seen in neurodegenerative diseases.

Autonomic Instability

Dysregulation of autonomic functions such as heart rate and blood pressure, often seen in Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Medications used to improve muscle function in myasthenia gravis by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine.

Respiratory Muscle Weakness

Weakening of the muscles used for breathing, a critical concern in both myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Exacerbation of MG

A worsening of symptoms in myasthenia gravis, often triggered by stress, surgery, or illness.

Neurodegenerative Disorder

A group of conditions characterized by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the nervous system.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, commonly associated with myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barre syndrome.