Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (ăls'hī"murz, ôls–) [key], degenerative disease of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex that leads to atrophy of the brain and senile dementia. The disease is characterized by abnormal accumulation of plaques and by neurofibrillary tangles (malformed nerve cells), changes in brain tissue first described by Alois Alzheimer in 1906. The plaques result from the release and accumulation of excessive amounts of beta-amyloid proteins, normal proteins whose function in the body is not known. The neurofibrillary tangles prevent transportation of synthesized products within the cell body to organelles and target sites. The plaques and neurofibrillary tangles prevent proper transmission of electrochemical signals necessary for information processing and retrieval. The plaques also suffocate neurons by inhibiting proper blood supplies from reaching them.

Alzheimer's disease usually affects people over age 65, although it can appear in people as young as 40, especially in some familial forms of the disease. A condition called mild cognitive impairment, in which a person experiences an inability to form memories for events that occurred a few minutes ago, typically is the first sign of the disease. Although other conditions may cause mild cognitive impairment, if no identifiable cause is present, it leads to Alzheimer's in some 80% of the cases. As the disease progresses, a variety of symptoms may become apparent, including loss of memory, anxiety, confusion, irritability, and restlessness, as well as disorientation, impaired judgment and concentration, and more severe emotional and behavioral disorders.

The cause of Alzheimer's is unknown. Mutations in a gene on chromosome 21, which is also associated with Down syndrome, and another gene on chromosome 14 have been found in early-onset cases. Late-onset cases, which are the vast majority, may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In 1999 scientists discovered an enzyme, named beta-secretase, that begins a toxic process in the brain leading to Alzheimer's disease.

There is as yet no known cure. Genetic screening for families with a history of early Alzheimer's is sometimes advised. Treatment includes relieving the patient's symptoms and alleviating stress on caregivers through support groups and counseling services. Donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and other acetylcholinesterase inhibitors provide temporary improvement for some patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's. Memantine (Namenda), which appears to protect against damage from the effects of excess glutamate, slows the progression of the disease in some patients in the late stage of Alzheimer's.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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