Neurodegenerative Diseases P1 Flashcards
What is the most common neurodegenerative disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease.
What is Alzheimer’s disease treatment focused on?
Alzheimer’s disease treatment is focused on increasing acetylcholine levels or reducing effects of glutamate
What is acetylcholine?
Acetylcholine:
*Neurotransmitter
*Plays a role in: memory, learning, attention, arousal and involuntary muscle movement.
What is the 2nd most common neurodegenerative disease?
Parkinson’s disease is the 2nd most common neurodegenerative disease
What is Parkinson’s disease caused by?
Parkinson’s disease is caused by progressive degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway
What is the most aggressive neurodegenerative disease?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most aggressive ND with approximately 3 years survival time.
Name the 5 mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration
5 mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration:
*Oxidative/nitrative stress
*Inflammation (chronic)
*Disruption to cellular energetics: Mitochondrial dysfunction
*Exitotoxicity
*Apoptosis
Describe oxidative/nitrative stress
Oxidative stress: imbalance between free radicals (reactive oxygen species) and antioxidants (which defend against free radicals) in the body
Nitrative stress: Increased production and accumulation of reactive nitrogen species.
Free radicals such as: superoxide anion, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite
Describe inflammation
Inflammation:
*Activation of glial cells, microglia and astrocytes
*production of pro-inflammatory cytokines
*process by which the immune system recognizes and removes harmful and foreign stimuli and begins the healing process.
Describe apoptosis
Apoptosis:
*Programmed cell death
*Main mechanism of neuronal death in Parkinson’s disease
Describe excitotoxicity
Excitotoxicity:
*Over activation of glutamate receptors which leads to toxic influc of Ca2+ and NO formation
What is the main mechanism of neuronal death in Parkinson’s disease?
The main mechanism of neuronal death in Parkinson’s disease is apoptosis
What are many diseases of the central nervous system characterized by?
Many diseases of the central nervous system are characterized by neuronal damage brought about through unknown (environmental/genetic) factors
Individuals possess different degrees of susceptibility to damage
What is the hippocampus involved in?
The hippocampus is involved in memory and memory retention.
Where does most of acetylcholine reside?
The majority of acetylcholine resides in the nucleus of meynert.
In Alzheimer’s disease, which part of the brain is most affected?
In Alzheimer’s disease, the hippocampus is the most affected part of the brain.
What is the frontal cortex imporant for?
The frontal cortex is important for decision making.
Does memory loss alone mean that a person has dementia?
No, memory loss alone does not mean that a person has dementia.
What is the mode of action for donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine?
The mode of action for donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine is to elevate acetylcholine levels.
What is the mode of action for memantine?
The mode of action for memantine is to reduce the effects of glutamate.
What are the potential targets for Alzheimer’s treatment?
Potential Alzheimer’s targets for treatment:
* Apoptosis prevention
* Protein aggregation prevention
* Excitotoxicity prevention
* Anti-inflammatory agents
* Prevention of oxidative stress- mitochondrial dysfunction
What does the parietal lobe do?
The parietal lobe is responsible for processing sensory information, spatial awareness and sensory input integration.
What do microglia cells do?
Microglia cells:
* remove noxious materials by phagocytosis
* produce cytotoxic free radicals during chronic inflammation
What do astrocytes do?
Astrocytes:
* produce neurotrophic factors and antioxidants
* clear excess neurotransmitters, stabilize and regulate the blood-brain barrier, and promote synapse formation
