When a person has Alzheimer’s disease, physical changes occur in the brain that will affect how the brain functions. Two types of brain lesions – amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles – are responsible for these changes and this has been well documented by medical research. CT and PET scan may reveal changes in brain tissue that is caused by Alzheimer’s.
A naturally occurring protein, beta-amyloid usually causes no difficulties to the human brain. In Alzheimer’s disease this protein builds up between the neurons and affects the brain’s function. This build up happens before any noticeable changes can be seen on scans.
A molecule called CCR1 that is found on the surface of white blood cells is associated with the amyloid plaques that occur in persons with Alzheimer’s. This molecule is present in the very early stages of the disease and increases as the disease worsens. There is currently a clinical trial being conducted to determine if CCR1 can be used as a biological marker for detection of Alzheimer’s and also for tracking the progression of this disease.
Tau protein is present in everyone’s brain and is essential for normal function as it plays a role in maintaining neuron structure. However, in people with Alzheimer’s these protein strands twist and create “neurofibrillary tangles.” As these twists occur the neurons are damaged and brain function is affected.
The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is necessary for memory and other cognitive functions and low levels are usually present in Alzheimer’s patients. Several medications have been approved by the FDA to help slow the decrease of acetylcholine.
Oxidation, a form of cellular damage that increases with age, can cause brain degeneration. It is thought that by taking Vitamin E and other antioxidant vitamins the brain cells may be protected from oxidation.
Always contact your physician if you have any questions about this disease.
Wed, Jul 7, 2010
Aging, Headaches, Health