Disorders of the Nervous System Flashcards
what is alzheimer’s
an incurable, degenerative and terminal disease. It is the most common form of dementia. it was named after a german psychiatrist, Alois Alzheimer in 1906 who first described it
what is dementia
the collective name for loss of mental functioning that affects memory, thinking, behavior and emotion
okay hat causes alzheimer’s
No one knows the true cause of this it is probably caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences. However attention is currently being given to the buildup of amyloid plaques
what is amyloid plaques
a protein like deposit consisting of 39-43 amino acids
how common is alzheimer’s
- people in all walks of life may be Affected as dementia is not associated with any Particular race gender or culture
- Generally it is diagnosed in people over 65 years of age
- While the risk of developing dementia increases dramatically with age it is not an inevitable consequence of getting older
What are the symptoms of alzheimer’s
In the early stages the most commonly recognized symptom is memory loss
as the disease advances symptoms include:
•confusion irritability and aggression
• mood swings
• difficulty in finding the right words
• long term memory loss
•a with drawl from society of the sufferer as their senses decline
the life expectancy after diagnosis is approximately 7 years
how can alzheimer’s be treated
there is currently no cure. mental stimulation, exercise and a balanced diet are often recommended, as both a possible prevention and a sensible way of managing the disease. because the disease is degenerative and cannot be cured management of patient is essential.
Although people with dementia experience it in different ways those affected will eventually be unable to care for themselves and will need help with all aspects of daily life.
what are the 4 steps to drug depended
- experimental stage
- recreational phase
- regular use stage
- dependency phase (addiction)
what do drugs mainky effect
the synapses and the functioning of the neurotransmitters at a variety of sites
how are drugs classified
- hallucinogens
- stimulants (uppers)
- depressants (downers)
what are hallucinogens give an example
they are Psychedelic drugs that distort reality, which results in hallucinations and delusions. they cause mood swings that can vary from euphoria to the deepest depression or violence
and example is dagga
what is the scientific name for dagga
Cannabis sativa
what are the ups and down of dagga
ups - a sense of complete relaxation and euphoria
downs - panic attacks, hallucinations, flashbacks and memory loss
how does dagga effect the CNS
Dagga contains more than 426 known chemicals including the mind altering substances known as tetrahydrocannabinols (THC)
THC stimulates an increase in the release of the neurotransmitter, dopamine which stimulates the pleasure reward centre in the brain
what can dagga lead to
• Lack of concentration causing performance at work school or university to suffer
• And a motivational syndrome which is a state where the user becomes lethargic forgetful antisocial and often loses all ambition and drive
• Dagga psychosis which is caused by excessive use can result in the following:
- psychotic disorders
- exaggerated mood swings
- excessive agitation
- hallucinating
- feelings of persecution
• suppression of ovulation in women
what do depressants do
they delay brain functions
what is heroin
Heroine is a depressant and is produced from the resin of the opium poppy
It is the most dangerous and addictive narcotic
pure heroin is a white, odorless crystal like powder with a bitter taste
the browner the powder the more impurities it contain
it is smoked snorted and injected
what are the ups and downs of heroine
ups - A sense of warmth and well being with feelings of pain and insecurity blocked out
downs - With in 6 to 8 hours sometimes such as nausea, vomiting, chills, excessive sweating and muscle and bone pain may develop. the really downside start with the withdrawal symptoms, which can set and within two days after the last fix
what effects does heroine have on CNS
Once injected the heroin heroin passes rapidly through the blood brain barrier, and as it mimics endorphins in the brain, it binds with receptors that were designed for these endorphins. this results in the feelings of bliss and well-being.
the brain reacts by releasing fewer of its own endorphin which creates a chemical imbalance resulting in rapid mood changes and confusion
What are endorphins
A group of hormones in the brain that are released in response to pain or sustained physical exertion
Explain that the addiction and withdrawal of heroin
with regular use a tolerance develops, so more and more heroin is needed to achieve the same effect. as high doses are take over time physical dependence and addiction will develop. It it is not available withdrawal symptoms occur, producing intensely negative effects such as drug craving, restlessness, muscle and bone pain, and vomiting
Baby is born to mothers who abuse her when during their pregnancy may be born addicted
What are stimulants
These substances stimulate the brain and increase the heartbeat which results in increased excitability and hyper activity followed by anxiety and abrupt mood changes
What is ecstasy
A common synthetic recreational drug taking in tablet form. it is known as the rave a party bright as it is often taken to enable the user to dance through the night.
What are the ups and downs of ecstasy
Ups - an enhance sense of pleasure, increased self-confidence, lots of energy, peacefulness, acceptance and empathy. the high last between four and six hours
downs - Users may develop blurred vision, sweat a lot, clench their jaw, bite the inside of the cheeks, suffer seizures, nausea and vomiting
what effects does ecstasy have on the CNS
Ecstasy causes neurons in the brain to release an excess of certain neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin, which is not reabsorbed. serotonin plays an important role in the regulating of mood, aggression, sexual activity, body temperature and sleep. this results in a depletion of these important neurotransmitters, which causes the negative after affects that uses experience:
- exhaustion and sleeping problems
- severe anxiety
- drug craving
studies have shown that repeated use of ecstasy can:
- result in extreme depression and paranoia
- lead to liver, kidney and cardiovascular system failure and finally death due to the dehydration and hyperthermia suffered
what is tik
A slang name given to the stimulant drug, methamphetamine, it is usually sold in the form of powders, pills, or capsules that are snorted, smoked or injected. it can be manufactured in illegal labs, such as kitchens and garages - using ingredients easily bought in supermarkets
What are the ups and downs of tik
ups - And increased alertness, energy and self-confidence and a heightened sense of sexuality and euphoria
downs - Withadrawal symptoms leading to aggression and violence and psychotic behaviour
what effects does tik have on the CNS
as it is a stimulant it is highly addictive and work on the brains reward system.
it causes the excessive release of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. high levels of dopamine stimulate areas of the brain that regulate feelings of pleasure, well-being and elation but the after effects are devastating.
tik addicts can develop:
- Parkinson’s disease, as there is an eventual loss of their supply of dopamine. as dopamine helps to regulate coordinated movement when levels drop the disease develops
- psychosis, a mental disorder characterised by a loss of contact with reality, which can include the physical and psychological effects, things such as holding down a job or concentrating on school work becomes almost impossible
- Addicts will lie, cheat or steal to get more of the drug in order to reach a high and low sperm count in men can because by continual use of it
