neurodegeneration

Question 1

what determines the consequences of ND?

Answer 1

• the site of ND rather than the type of ND
• displayed symptoms depend on site infected
• issue with differentiating diseases affecting same area

Question 2

how are ND grouped?

Answer 2

• based on disorders of movement and system D

- dementias

Question 3

what is dementia defined as?

Answer 3

• is an acquired global impairment of intellect, memory and personality but without impairment of consciousness
• problem with acquisition and retention of information
• this depends on the assembly of cortical cells via a external stimulus

Question 4

how does synaptic plasticity differ across the brain?

Answer 4

• regions responsible for integrative functions (limbic) are high
• regions responsible for distinct functions (Motor cortex) are rigid

Question 5

what is the relationship between plasticity and neuronal loss?

Answer 5

• the higher the plasticity the higher the onset of age-related neuronal loss
• more vulnerable to damage

Question 6

what is Alzheimers defined as?

Answer 6

• 60% of D cases
• progressive dementia of long duration
• increases in prevalence with age
• irreversible –> death

Question 7

What are the deficits of Alzheimer’s ?

Answer 7

• memory (short term first)
• decision making
• judgement, insight, future planning
• praxis
• language

Question 8

what would you see on a CT scan?

Answer 8

• shrinkage of HC medial temporal structure –> learning and memory hub
• dilated ventricles
• alteration of blood flow
• occipital and cerebellum not affected

Question 9

list some distinct pathological features of AD?

Answer 9

• accumulation of b amyloid plaques
• neurotic/ diffuse plaques
• tangles
• reduced Ach synthesis
• increased loss of synapses

Question 10

what are the differences between Parkinson’s + dementia and Lewy body dementia?

Answer 10

PD–> movement disorder first then the D occurs within a year of diagnosis

• LBD–> dementia first then signs of movement disorder later on

Question 11

list the current aims of reducing risk factors

Answer 11

• lowering BP
• oestrogen replacement
• folic acid
• protection from ROS/ free radicals

Question 12

symptomatic treatment aims at?

Answer 12

• restoring Ach levels within synapse
• inhibition of ACHE
• ChEIs
• provide symptomatic relief ]
• tacrine/ donepezil and rivastigmine

Question 13

how is low education a risk factor?

Answer 13

• reduced formation of a synaptic reserve