Brain Trauma/ Alzheimer's Disease Flashcards
What does Amnesia mean
memory loss
What are the two types of Amnesia?
anterograde, retrograde
Give the definition of Anterograde amnesia
the inability to encode and store new memories after brain damage
Damage to the __________ and _________ are likely to cause Anterograde amnesia but NOT ______
Hippocampus , temporal lobe
not retrograde amnesia
If the hippocampus and temporal lobe are removed, what will happen to the process of memory?
one is likely to be unable tp encode and store new long-term declarative memories
What is dementia?
the loss of brain function due to disease
What are the three characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease
- what is happening to memory
- where it affects the brain
- what it involves
- what type of memories are affected
- gradual loss of memory due to gradual degeneration of brain neurons
- affects hippocampus + prefrontal cortex
3 . involves both retrograde and anterograde amnesia - affects both declarative and procedural
In Alzheimer’s, BREIFLY state the 4 changes to the brain
- brain shrinks (esp, hippo.)
- Amyloid plaques dont break down, build up
- neurofibrillary tangles formed within neurons
- reduced/low level of Acetylcholine in Hippocampus
In Alzheimer’s, which structure loses 3/4 of the brains neurons?
hippocampus
In Alzheimer’s, what are Amyloid Plaques?
- proteins that dont break down
- build up into insoluble plaque that float around outside of neurons
- THUS interfere with neural communication and signalling
In Alzheimer’s, what are Neurofibrilllary Tangles?
- they are a insoluble accumulation of TAU proteins within brain neuron
- tangles stop substances being tranported around neuron
- THUS causes cell death
Which key neurotransmiiter ‘Ach’ is involved In Alzheimer’s disease? (hippocampus)
acetylcholine
