Personal statement Flashcards
How do diseases like Alzheimers disrupt neurological processes
It is a chronic neurodegenerative condition that destroys brain cells.
It first destroys neurons and their networks, often targeting parts of the brain involved in memory like the hippocampus.
A lot of it is still unknown and there is a lot of research currently going on to find out more about why it occurs and how to prevent it.
One theory:
Plaques can build up in the brain, which are clusters of proteins and some researchers believe when they grow they block pathways. Signals can’t be sent between different parts of the brain, so also stop nutrients reaching certain brain cells which end up dying.
This causes the person to lose thinking ability, and memory to decline over time.
What can be seen by a person with alzheimers
The limbic system is in control of emotion and memory, and links the lobes of the brain.
The frontal lobe controls decision making, and regulates social behaviour so often the person may withdraw from others.
. Hippocampus controls memory, eg verbal and visual. This is also declining.
This means the person is unable to communicate effectively, so it can be quite difficult for them to follow a conversation.
The persons mobility can also be affected, as they can’t perform tasks such as eating or bathing so their physical health often declines.
