Alzheimer's

Question 1

What is the most common cause of dementia?

Answer 1

Alzheimer’s

Question 2

Describe the pathology of Alzheimer’s

Answer 2

• Neurodegeneration in the cortex
• Build up of BETA AMYLOID PLAQUES which can disrupt signalling - extracellularly
• Formation of neurofibrillary TANGLES formed from TAU (which hold together microtubules in the neuron) - can no longer transmit signals - becomes non-functional and can lead to apoptosis

Question 3

What is the gene linked to old onset Alzheimer’s?

Answer 3

ApoE e4

Question 4

What genetic condition is linked with Alzheimer’s in early age?

Answer 4

Down syndrome

Question 5

What is dementia?

Answer 5

A set of symptoms:

• memory loss
• difficulty learning

Question 6

Will a patient with Alzheimer’s first experience short term or long term memory loss?

Answer 6

Short term

Question 7

How is a patient diagnosed with Alzheimer’s?

Answer 7

Diagnosis of exclusion of other forms of dementia

Only way to definitely know is a postmortem brain biopsy which shows PLAQUES and TANGLES

Question 8

How will it appear on MRI?

Answer 8

Atrophy of parietal and temporal lobes

Question 9

How is it treated?

Why are they used?

Answer 9

Cannot be cured but can be given:

• cholinesterase inhibitors -> rivastigmine and donepezil
• prevents acetylcholine from being broken down - which helps to send signals between certain nerve cells
• NDMA receptor blocker (glutamate receptor) -> memantine

Question 10

What are the 5A’s of symptoms

visual aid in notes

Answer 10

Agnosia - inability to recognise faces
Aphasia - impaired language
Anomia - inability to remember names for things
Apraxia - inability to carry out skilled motor tasks
Amnesia - loss of memory (in particular short term)