Memory & Dementia Flashcards
What is learning?
The acquisition of new information or knowledge
What is memory?
The storage or retention of acquired knowledge
What is an engram?
The physical representation or location of a memory
What are the two main types of long-term memory?
- Declarative (explicit)
- Non-declarative (implicit)
What brain regions are involved in non-declarative memory? (3)
- The cerebellum
- Amygdala
- Striatum
What brain regions are involved in declarative memory? (3)
- The cerebellum
- Entorhinal cortex
- Parahippocampal cortex
What is Hebb’s Law?
“Cells that fire together, wire together” - simultaneous activity strengthens synaptic connections.
What is Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)
A key process in memory formation involving NMDA receptor activation and calcium influx
What changes occur at the synapse during LTP? (2)
Presynaptic: Increased glutamate release.
Postsynaptic: Increased AMPA receptor numbers and dendritic spine growth.
What are the two types of amnesia?
- Retrograde amnesia (loss of past memories).
- Anteretrograde amnesia (inability to form new memories.
What is dementia?
A syndrome characterised by cognitive decline that impairs social or occupational functioning.
What is the most common type of dementia?
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
What are the main pathological features of Alzheimer’s Disease? (2)
- Neuritic plaques: Extracellular deposits of amyloid-β protein.
- Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs): Intracellular tau protein accumulation.
How does amyloid-β contribute to neuronal death in AD?
Aggregates with metal ions to produce H₂O₂ causing oxidative stress and excessive Ca²⁺ influx.
What are the main symptomatic treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease?
- Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., Donepezil, Rivastigmine).
- Memantine: NMDA receptor blocker.
What are experimental treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease? (4)
- Secretase inhibitors
- Anti-amyloid and anti-tau vaccines.
- Copper/zinc chelators.
- Antioxidants
What is the role of cholinesterase inhibitors in AD?
Enhance acetylcholine activity, providing small cognitive benefits.
What are AMPAkines and how do they work?
Drugs that enhance AMPA receptor activity, potentially improving cognitive function.
What are the key risk factors for dementia? (4)
- Aging
- Genetic predisposition
- Cardiovascular risk factors
- Head trauma
What is the main focus of future Alzheimer’s research? (2)
- Early diagnosis through biomarkers
- Monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Donanemab, Lecanemab)
How does Memantine work in Alzheimer’s disease?
It is an NMDA receptor blocker that reduces excitotoxicity and may provide neuroprotection.
What are secretase inhibitors, and how might they help in AD?
Drugs that block β- or γ-secretase to reduce amyloid-beta production.
