Causes
Alzheimer Disease (AD) is a non-reversible and slowly progressive brain disorder. The major cause is thought to be related to the mutation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene.
- Mutation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene promotes the generation of amyloid peptides (Aβ peptides) by favoring the proteolytic processing of APP by β- or γ-secretase.
- Accumulation of Aβ peptides
- Formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles -> neuronal damages in the brain (Figure 1A and 1B)
- Progressive neuronal damages throughout the brain advances the stages of the disease
We will cover amyloid fibres in more details in the BETA-AMYLOID page.
Symptoms
Referring to the Alzheimer Disease Research Team from the American Health Assistance Foundation, there are 3 Stages of AD:
Mild Stage (2 to 4 years) :
Moderate Stage (2 to 10 years):
Severe Stage (1 to 3 years)
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Mild Stage (2 to 4 years) :
- Minor memory Loss
- Withdrawal from new places and new acts
- Difficulties with organizing and planning
- Taking longer than usual to finish routine daily tasks
Moderate Stage (2 to 10 years):
- Exacerbation of the problems in mild stage
- Forgetting recent events and personal history
- More disoriented and disconnected to the society
- Problems with communication
Severe Stage (1 to 3 years)
- Exacerbation of the problems in the moderate stage
- Loss of abilities in controlling body functions
- Loss of abilities in speech and feeding oneself
- Exacerbation of memory to the level of non-existence
- Immunodeficiency
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Disclaimer: The information in this website is for general informational purposes only and is not presented by professional neurologists or any experts in the field. While we endeavor to maintain the accuracy and reliability of the information, we disclaim any liabilities for any consequences due to reliance on any erroneous information in our website.