Alzheimer's Scientifically Described
Published 12/04/06
Description
The most common cause of dementia occurring in patients over 45 yrs of age is Alzheimer's disease. This video animation shows how an abnormal protein in Alzheimer's patients can cause the microtubule structures to collapse.
Learn more: 10 Things to Do After an Alzheimer's Diagnosis
Transcript
Dementia is a chronic state of confusion in which the patient finds it hard to remember, learn and communicate. It is also characterized by the formation of senile plaque involving the accumulation of beta amyloid and abnormal neurofibrillary tangles. Beta amyloid is derived from a larger molecule called amyloid precursor protein, or APP. APP is normally present on the cell surfaces and the cleavage of APP results in the formation of beta amyloid. Neurofibrillary tangles consist of insoluble twisted fibers that are found inside the brain cells. The tau protein is abnormal and the microtubule structures collapse. Recent drugs, inhibitors of cerebral acetylcholine esterase have been shown to be of some benefit to Alzheimer's patients.
