Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease Flashcards
What type of diseases are Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s?
Neurodegenerative diseases.
How does increasing life expectancy impact Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s?
It increases their prevalence.
Can Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s be cured?
No, but treatments can manage symptoms and slow progression.
What is the most common form of dementia?
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).
What percentage of dementia cases are due to Alzheimer’s Disease?
60-80%
What are the main symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Progressive decline in cognitive function and memory.
What are the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Beta-amyloid plaques (extracellular) and neurofibrillary (Tau) tangles (intracellular).
What are the non-modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease?
Age and genetic predisposition (ApoE4, PSEN1, PSEN2 mutations).
What are some modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease?
High blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, social isolation, and lack of exercise/mental stimulation.
Which genetic allele increases the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease?
ApoE e4 allele.
How much does one copy of the ApoE e4 allele increase Alzheimer’s risk?
3-fold.
How much does having two copies of the ApoE e4 allele increase Alzheimer’s risk?
5-8 fold.
Which mutations are associated with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease?
PSEN1 and PSEN2 mutations.
How early can early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease appear?
Before age 35 in some cases.
What type of neurons are lost in Alzheimer’s Disease?
Cholinergic neurons (neurons that use acetylcholine for signaling).
Where does neurodegeneration begin in Alzheimer’s Disease?
The hippocampus (affecting memory).
After the hippocampus, which brain areas are affected next in Alzheimer’s Disease?
Speech centers, then motor coordination.
How does amyloid-beta accumulation contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease?
It causes oxidative stress and neuronal death.
What are the key symptoms of early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease?
Memory impairment (forgetting names, recent events)
language deterioration (difficulty finding words)
visuospatial deficits (getting lost in familiar places)
mood changes, apathy
personality shifts.
What are the main symptoms of mid-to-late stage Alzheimer’s Disease?
Worsening cognitive symptoms and psychosis, including hallucinations, paranoia, and compulsive behaviors.
What severe impairments occur in late-stage Alzheimer’s Disease?
Severe motor impairment (loss of speech
swallowing difficulties, rigidity)
gait disturbances (inability to walk)
increased risk of pneumonia, the leading cause of death in Alzheimer’s patients.
What is the purpose of cholinesterase inhibitors in treating Alzheimer’s Disease?
They increase acetylcholine signaling and modestly improve cognitive function.
Name three cholinesterase inhibitors used in Alzheimer’s treatment.
Donepezil, Rivastigmine, and Galantamine.
What does Memantine do in Alzheimer’s treatment?
It reduces excitotoxicity from excessive glutamate signaling and slows cognitive decline.
