HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

1. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
ESHIKA JAIN
PharmD 1st year
1950951003

2. INTRODUCTION:
It is a degenerative brain disorder of unknown etiology
which is the most
common form of dementia, that usually starts in late
middle age or in
old age, results in progressive memory loss , impaired
thinking , and disorientation and changes in personality
and mood.

3. MEANING:
It is a chronic irreversible disease, that affects the cells of brain
and causes impairment of intellectual functioning.
Brain disorder which gradually destroys the ability to reason,
remember, imagine and learn.

4. COMPARISON OF NORMAL AGED BRAIN AND AN
ALZHEIMER’S PATIENT BRAIN.

5. CAUSES:
The cause of Alzheimer Disease is unknown.
However, several factors have been implicated in this disease.

6. NEUROCHEMICAL FACTORS:
a)Acetylcholine
b)Somatostatin
c)Norepinephrine
d) Substance P.

7. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
a) Cigarette smoking
b)Certain infections
c) Metals , industrial and other toxins.
d)Use of cholesterol lowering drugs (statin).

8. GENETIC AND IMMUNOLOGICAL FACTORS
Oxidised LDL receptor 1 and angiotensin 1- converting
enzyme , are tied to the way the brain cells bind to
apolipoprotein 4 and reduce buildup of harmful proteins
known as plaque in the brain.

10. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
It attack nerves and brain cells
as well as neurotransmitters.
It attack nerve and brain cells as well as
neurotransmitters.
The destruction of these parts causes clumps of
protein around the brain cells.
These clumps are known as plaque and bundles.
Its presence destroys more connection between
the brain cells, which makes the condition worse.

13. Enzymes act on the APP and cut it into fragments.
The beta amyloid fragment is crucial in the formation of senile plaques in
Alzheimer Disease.

14. TEN WARNING SIGNS:
a) Memory loss
b) Difficulty in performing familiar tasks.
c) Problems with language
d) Disorientation to time and place.
e) Poor or decreased judgement.
f) Problems with abstract thinking.
g) Change in mood or behaviour.
h) Misplacing things.
i) Changes in personality.
j) Loss of initiative.

15. DIAGNOSTIC TEST:
1) Psychiatric assessments.
2) Mental status examination and neuro psychological assessment.
3) Laboratory tests
4) Brain imaging
* CT Scan
* MRI
* PET
* SPECT
5] CSF examination
6] Electroencephalogram

16. PET scan of the brain of a person having AD showing a loss of function in
the temporal lobe.