Dementia Flashcards
What are beta-amyloid plaques?
Abnormal clumps of protein (beta-amyloid) that build up outside neurons. This accumulation between brain cells disrupts communication.
What are neurofibrillary tangles?
Twisted strands of tau protein that form inside neurons (tau tangles).
They cause cell breakdown and are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
What is the role of tau protein in neurons?
Helps stabilize structures in the neuron and supports microtubules–> Microtubules are essential for transporting nutrients and signals within the cell.
What leads to brain shrinkage in Alzheimer’s?
Neuron death, particularly in memory-related areas like the hippocampus
What is the significance of acetylcholine in Alzheimer’s?
It is a key neurotransmitter for memory and learning that is reduced in Alzheimer’s and a loss of acetylcholine worsens memory problems.
What brain areas are severely affected in Alzheimer’s?
- Basal Forebrain
- Hippocampus
- Cortex (frontal, temporal, parietal)
These areas are crucial for memory, thinking, and attention.
What is the role of the basal forebrain in cholinergic pathways?
Sends acetylcholine to the cortex.
What is the first and most noticeable symptom of Alzheimer’s?
Memory loss and is typically the initial sign of the disease.
Where does Alzheimer’s typically start in the brain?
In the hippocampus
What is the main problem in Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)?
Personality and behavior changes come first- not memory loss.
What brain areas are damaged in Frontotemporal Dementia?
Frontal (behavioral) and temporal (language) lobes
What are common symptoms of Frontotemporal Dementia?
- Inappropriate behavior
- Lack of empathy
- Poor judgment
- Trouble with language
What builds up in neurons in Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy bodies (clumps of alpha-synuclein protein)
What are common symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia?
- Visual hallucinations
- Problems with attention and alertness
- Parkinson-like movement (shuffling, stiffness)
What is the main problem in Vascular Dementia?
Thinking problems occur after strokes or reduced blood flow
What leads to brain injury in Vascular Dementia?
Small or large blood vessel damage
What are common symptoms of Vascular Dementia?
- Slowed thinking
- Trouble with problem solving
- Step-like declines in memory
What is the main problem in Parkinson’s Disease Dementia?
Movement symptoms come first, then dementia later
This differentiates it from Lewy Body Dementia.
What happens in the brain during Parkinson’s Disease Dementia?
Loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra
What are the initial symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease Dementia?
- Motor symptoms (shaking, stiffness, slow movement)
