Alzheimer's Flashcards
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of _________.
dementia
What is Alzheimer’s characterized by?
plaques, tangles and neuronal loss
can only be seen microscopically postmortem
What are the risk factors of Alzheimer’s?
advancing age (80+) greatest risk
female gender
genetic marker
hx of head trauma
family hx of things that effect the brain
Progressive accumulation of what substance leads to neural plaques?
B amyloid
Disruption in production of what substance results in selective loss of nicotinic receptors in the hippocampus?
acetylcholine
leads to forgetfulness due to damage to hippocampus
Chemical changes in the neuron lead to changes in which protein?
Tau
What is the net result of the three pathogenetic processes in Alzheimer’s?
synaptic loss and axonal disruption
Where do neurofibrillary tangles initially present?
hippocampus
Why are free radicals released in Alzheimer’s?
neuronal plaques trigger an inflammatory response that results in the release of free radicals to the brain
What are the two types of Alzheimer’s?
familial and sporadic
only 5-10% of cases are familial
What are the characteristics of mild alzheimer’s?
mild anomia (unsocial behavior)
personality changes
decreased problem solving
decreased coping with difficult situation
emotional lability
memory loss
What is the typical duration of mild alzheimer’s?
1-3 years
What is the MMSE score for mild alzheimer’s?
26-30
What are the characteristics of moderate Alzheimer’s?
confusion- mixing grandkids up
profound memory loss
wandering
sun downing
violent outbursts
What is the duration of moderate Alzheimer’s?
2-10 years
MMSE score for moderate Alzheimer’s?
16-26
What are the characteristics of severe Alzheimer’s?
severe impairment of cognitive functions
generalized muscle rigidity
incontinence
inability to recognize family members
inability to perform basic ADLs
Duration of Severe Alzheimer’s?
8-12 years
MMSE score for severe Alzheimer’s?
0-16
What stage of Alzheimer’s is physically functional but can’t be left alone?
moderate
What are pharmacological treatments for Alzheimer’s?
cholinesterase inhibitors
N methyl D aspartate partial antagonist
Memantine
What is the typical period from onset to death for Alzheimer’s?
7-11 years
How does exercise protect the brain?
increases the size of the hippocampus
promotes production of BDNF
