CMMC Neuroscience Center

Alzheimer's Disease

Basic Information

Alzheimer's Disease is a degenerative disease of the brain. Neurons (brain cells) in the memory, language, emotional and sensory regions of the brain degenerate and die. The cause is complex but the process is triggered by accumulating toxic proteins (beta amyloid). This leads to loss of acetylcholine (an important brain chemical transmitter), brain connections and ultimately, of brain tissue itself. The disease tends to progress relentlessly over 5-10 years. About 4 million Americans have Alzheimer's and the incidence increases with age.

Symptoms

• Progressive loss of memory and difficulty learning new information
  
• Word finding and language difficulty
  
• Personality change
  
• Spatial disorientation, misplaced objects
  
• Depression, apathy, sometimes paranoia
  

Treatment Available

• Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (increase levels of acetylcholine)
  
• Serotonin Uptake inhibitors (increase levels of serotonin, important for mood)
  
• Folic acid, Vitamin E (antioxidants)
  

Research

• Exploring the cause
  
• Developing new drugs to slow or stop the degenerative process
  
• Identifying known drugs that might be effective
  
• Approaches to prevention
  
• Genetics
  
• Neuroimmunization
  

Web Site: Alzheimer's Disease Education & Referral Center (ADEAR)