Alzheimer Disease Research Paper

Words: 763
Pages: 4

Alzheimer Disease etiology is associated with accumulation of extraneuronal beta-amyloid plaques and intraneuronal tau protein tangles that lead to progressive brain atrophy. Although the pathogenesis is unclear, all forms of AD include overproduction or decreased clearance of amyloid beta peptides. Also, an accumulation of tau within the neuronal cytoplasm is toxic to neurons. Approximately 1% of AD results from an autosomal dominant single gene mutation (amyloid precursor protein, presenilin 1 or presenilin 2) with early onset in these patients.

AD is the most common cause of Major Neurocognitive disorder. It accounts for 60-90% of major NCDs although 50% of patients with AD actually have multiple etiologies. 2/3 of AD patients are women
…show more content…
Patients with a first-degree relative with dementia have a 10 to 30 percent increased risk of developing the disorder. An increased acquired risk of AD has been found with hypertension, lipoproteins, cerebrovascular disease, altered glucose metabolism, and brain trauma especially if occurring in midlife. Other modifiable risk factors that have been associated with increased risk of AD include tobacco smoking, air pollution, and …show more content…
If symptoms are determined to be insidious in onset and gradually progressive with no other cause, AD specific criteria are used to distinguish Probable vs. Possible Major NCD due to Alzheimer’s and Probable vs. Possible Minor NCD due to Alzheimer’s. The criteria for Major NCD due to Alzheimer’s are 1) Positive genetic mutation or family history and 2) All of the following: Decline in memory and learning plus one other cognitive domain, Insidious, gradual with brief plateaus and with no mixed etiology. If only one of these criteria are met, the classification is “Possible” major NCD due to Alzheimer’s. If both criteria are met, the classification is “Probable” major NCD due to Alzheimer’s. Probable mild NCD demonstrates presence of genetic mutation or family history while possible mild NCD has no genetic or family history and all of the following: Evidence of memory and learning deficit, Insidious, gradual decline with brief plateaus, with no mixed