Alzheimer's

Question 1

List three (3) features of the senile plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients (1½)

Answer 1

Beta-Amyloid deposits, degenerating neurons with neurofibrillary tangles, reactive astrocytes and microglia

Question 2

Briefly explain how the Amyloid Beta protein fragment is thought to contribute to neuron degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (3) [x3]

Answer 2

Direct toxicity to neurons causes neuronal damage and disruption of synaptic contacts; promotes glial reactivity and inflammatory response which further damages and kills neurons

Question 3

In Alzheimer’s, which neurons die first?

Answer 3

Cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain are some of the first neurons to die
Management – acetylcholinesterase inhibitors help a bit