Module 4 (Disorders of the Nervous System) Flashcards
What is the role of glial cells in the nervous system?
Help neurons communicate with each other
(regulating environment around neurons, maintain position of neurons, repair neurons)
Explain the process of nerve signalling in the nervous system
RECEPTION at dendrites
ACTION POTENTIAL
Signal at SYNAPSE triggers release of neurotransmitter
TRANSMISSION to next neuron
Explain the process of neurotransmission
At rest neurotransmitters stored in vesicles
Action potential releases them
Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on adjacent cells to initiate action potential
After signal complete, neurotransmitters unbind
The role of Schwann cells
Support and insulate neuron, form and maintain myelin sheath
The role of oligodendrocytes
Produce and maintain myelin sheath
The role of microglial cell
Immune system in brain
Clear damaged neurons and cellular debris
Pruning synapses in development
The role of astrocytes
Provide growth factors and nutrients to neurons
Maintain cells that make up blood brain barrier
Help in tissue repair
What is mental illness?
Diagnosable and treatable medical condition
Does not involve identifiable structural brain abnormalities
Reduced ability for a person to function effectively
Explain the concept of ACEs
Traumatic events in first 18 years
High ACE scores = high risk for disease
Used to help identify children and risk
Individual factors to prevent and manage ACE
Strong identity
Self regulation
Sense of purpose
Effective coping skills
Problem solving skills
Family/relational factors to prevent and manage ACE
Stable supportive relationships
Adequate housing/income
Stimulating home environment
Role model
Connection to positive social network
Community factors to prevent and manage ACE
Safe and connected communities
Access to services
Mentorship
Positive relationship with peers
Access to activities
Positive school environment
Quality child care
What does Alzheimer’s disease affect?
Hippocampus and cerebral cortex
What does Parkinsons and Huntingtons disease affect?
Neurons in basal ganglia
Overview of Spinocerebellar Ataxias
Group of disorders affecting spinal cord and cerebellum
Results in impairment of balance and coordination of movement
Overview of Charcot Marie Tooth disease
Several genetic disorders affecting PNS
Explain the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases
INCREASING AGE (defects in mitochondrial metabolism, increased production of reactive O2 species, cell injury, cell death)
PROTEIN MISFOLDING (abnormal protein folding/clumping)
SYNAPTIC DYSFUNCTION (disturbance of structure/function)
NEURONAL CELL DEATH
Explain dementia
Decline in cognitive function (memory, thinking, reasoning, motor skills)
Incurable
Symptoms result of neurodegeneration
Risk factors for dementia
Increasing age
Health (genetics, diabetes, high BP/cholesterol)
Diet/Lifestyle (smoking, inactivity, obesity, substance abuse, poor diet)
Mental health (PTSD, depression, schizophrenia)
Explain the medicine wheel for dementia prevention
NORTH
- attend ceremonies, use prayer, express gratitude
EAST
- eat healthy, prevent head injuries, exercise, stay away from contamination
SOUTH
- laugh, sing/dance, read, seek therapy, stay connected to community, be kind
WEST
- use original language, storytelling, craft, puzzles, be educated on dementia
Give an overview of Alzheimers. Who was it named after?
Progressive neurodegenerative disease
Named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer who reported autopsy results of cognitive disorder in 1207
Risk factors for Alzheimers
Genetics
Sex (women more than men)
Lifestyle
What are the microscopic changes associated with AD?
Alterations of Amyloid beta and tau protein cause misfolding and aggregations, resulting in injury and death of neurons
Explain the process of amyloid beta oligomers and plaques
Small oligomers (fragments concentrate and synapse and disrupt function
Aggregation of oligomers making AB plaques
Plaques activate microglia-> neural injury
Aggregations can also damage walls of brain-blood vessels
