Ch 22: Drugs for Alzheimer's Disease

Question 1

As hippocampal neurons degenerate, _____-____ ______ begins to fail. As cortical neurons degenerate, patients begin having difficulty with ________.

Answer 1

short-term memory; language

p. 191

Question 2

In patients with advanced AD, levels of acetylcholine are…

Answer 2

…90% below normal.

p. 191

Question 3

Why is a decline in acetylcholine linked to memory loss?

Answer 3

Because acetylcholine is critical to forming memories.

p. 191

Question 4

What are neuritic plaques associated with AD composed of?

Answer 4

A central core of beta-amyloid (a protein fragment) surrounded by neuron remnants.

(p. 191)