Alzheimer's

Question 1

definition

Answer 1

Complex brain disorder that affects thinking, behavior, memory

Question 2

3 evolutionary hypothesis

Answer 2

i. Lifespan
- Effects elderly who have already past reproductive stage
ii. Brain evolution
- Rapid brain evolution in our ancestry since it has high rates in humans and very low in other mammals
iii. Mismatch with postindustrial exposures
- Post industrial society has different risk factors for AD than our past environment did

Question 3

prevalence

Answer 3

• 6,700,000 Americans above 65 have AD
• 55 million people worldwide have AD
• 6% of people 65 and under have AD

Question 4

current and future treatments

Answer 4

Current: sholinesterase inhibitors (break down acetylcholine which in turn helps in the firing of neurons) and NMDA receptor antagonist (inhibit the action of NMDAR which blocks uptake of glutamine and prevents calcium ions from flowing into neurons)
Future: Drugs that deposit extracellular amyloid β plaques onto myelin sheath of neurons.

Question 5

risk factors

Answer 5

• APOE genes
• Older people
• Women
• Healthy levels of cognitive, social, physical activity
• Cardiovascular health

Question 6

genetic underpinnings

Answer 6

APOE4 increases risk

Question 7

Limitations

Answer 7

• Unclear causes but believed to be influenced by genetic, environmental, lifestyle
• Late diagnosis when patient has already undergone significant damage

Question 8

resolutions

Answer 8

Invest more money and time into Alzheimer’s clinical trials to continue to test different compounds, analyze what factors contribute to Alzheimer’s and what preventative measures work

Question 9

Best preventative measures are to encourage lifestyle changes like:

Answer 9

• Healthy diet
• Physical activity
• No smoking and drinking
• Detect early onset by brain scans and cerebrospinal fluid examinations