Dementia and alzheimer's Flashcards
What is dementia?
Acquired progressive cognitive impairment sufficient to impact on activities of daily living
Major cause of dependence, disability, and mortality
How is Alzheimer’s disease classified?
Into sporadic (late-onset) Alzheimer’s and Familial Alzheimer’s Disease
LOAD is multifactorial, while Familial AD is genetic
What is sporadic (late-onset) Alzheimer’s Disease (LOAD)?
A multifactorial form of AD associated with several risk factors, including ageing and carrying the APOE e4 allele
Lifestyle plays a large role in risk and is more preventable
What is Familial Alzheimer’s Disease?
A genetic form of AD caused by mutations in PSEN1, PSEN2, or APP
Accounts for around 1% of all AD cases
What is a biomarker?
A biological molecule found in blood, body fluids, or tissues that indicates a normal or abnormal process or condition
Used to evaluate treatment response
What are environmental risk factors in relation to Alzheimer’s disease?
Non-genetic, modifiable risk factors that can be external or individual
Examples include living environment, pollution exposure, diet, smoking, exercise
What are the major pathological features of Alzheimer’s disease?
Amyloid-beta accumulation, Hyperphosphorylated tau, Neuronal loss, brain volume shrinkage, synaptic degeneration, hypometabolism, neuroinflammation
Common features of the disease
What clinical features are used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease?
Cognitive testing, psychiatric evaluation, routine health tests, MRI/PET scans, CSF or blood biomarkers
Focus on lowered amyloid levels and elevated HTAU
What are current treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease?
Pathology: Aducanumab; Symptoms: Cholinesterase inhibitors, Glutamate regulators
No cure currently exists for AD
How might exercise be beneficial for someone with Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?
Improves physical function, psychological wellbeing, reduces co-morbidity, enhances brain function
Potentially impacts AD pathology through various mechanisms
Fill in the blank: Major hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease include _______ and neuronal loss.
Amyloid-beta accumulation
Also includes brain volume shrinkage and synaptic degeneration
