Cognitive Deficits: Aging Brain

Question 1

which area of the brain are most affected by dementia, specifically AD?

Answer 1

memory and language

Question 2

what is the amyloid hypothesis

Answer 2

aggregation of amyloid beta –> plaques –> tau-tangle formation –> inflammation –> synapse dysfunction and cell death –> dementia

Question 3

what are cognitive symptoms linked more to

Answer 3

number/location of tau tangles

Question 4

what do all the failed drug trials mean for progression of dementia?

Answer 4

amyloid is a disease trigger for tau and inflammation to drive the disease

drugs are being given at wrong point in progression of AD

Question 5

what are the biomarkers for AD

Answer 5

APO2 - low risk AD

APO4 - high risk AD

Question 6

acetylcholine as a drug option for AD

Answer 6

neurotransmitter depletion
dramatic reduction from neuron degeneration
loss of 60-90% acetylcholine activity = memory impairment

Question 7

acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil)

Answer 7

allows for more AcH in synaptic cleft - help with neuron transmission

Question 8

AE of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Answer 8

GI Issues

Question 9

NMDA receptor inhibitors (memantine)

Answer 9

more likely to delay progression

Question 10

AE of NMDA receptor inhibitors (memantine)

Answer 10

dizziness – falls