Chapter 15; Neurodegenerative Diseases Flashcards
What does Alzheimers do to the brain
desroys connections between neurons, causing wide cell death and dementia
What are the two possible biomarkers for Alzheimers
amyloid-beta and tau
what do the proteins amyloid-beta and tau do to the brain
they create build up of proteins, disrupting neuron communication
What is the main cause of Alzheimers
genetics
What gene creates immunity to Alzheimers
TOMM40
What are the 2 alzheimer dampeners medication and what do they do
cholinesterase: increases amount of acetylcholine which is involved in memory and learning
Memantine: blocks calcium flow through neurons
What are the symptoms of Parkinsons disease
slow movement, shaking, increased tremors disables talking and walking
what causes parkinsons disease
genetics and loss of dopamine producing neurons in the mid-brain/basal ganglia
What is a promising approach to curing parkinsons disease
stem cells replacing dopamine producing neurons
What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
muscle weakness, paralysis in hands and feet that spreads to speaking and eating.
are there any cures to ALS
no, but there are many medications in the testing phase
What is Huntingtons Disease
a heritable disease, increased irratibily and mood swings, incoluntary movements (chorea)
what structures does HD affect
basal ganglia and cortex
what is a testing phase treatment for HD
DNA strand that inhibits the mutation for HD
