National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, USA , nzparsa@yahoo.com
Abstract: (17368 Views)
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common causes of loss of mental function broadly known as “Dementia”. Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 2% (6.5 Million) of people in the developed countries and responsible for over 100,000 death per year in USA Alzheimer’s disease usually occurs between sixth to ninth decade and its progressive deterioration comprised of gradual destruction of memory, judgment, language, reasons in addition to behavioral alterations. Microscopic biopsy shows cortical atrophy along with ventricular enlargement of the brain. These clinical manifestations reflect the neurotic degeneration in cerebral cortex, especially, the temporo-parietal cortex and the hippocampus. Pathological abnormalities of Alzheimer’s disease include brain deposition of two fibrillary proteins. These two are known as Beta-amyloid proteins containing Apolipoprotein E and Tau proteins. Alzheimer’s disease affects primarily cholinergic neurons, therefore, treatment is followed by specific drugs that inhibit the degradation of acetylcholine within synapses. Current medications only treat the cognitive symptoms but not the underlying disorder. Several lines of ongoing research are showing promising scientific results. These include, uncovering the biological markers for early detection and developing new effective drugs. Also, new approaches have been employed to block the molecular processes that lead to this disease. Moreover, many clinicians are exploring alternative pathways for Alzheimer’s disease treatment, such as good diet along with mental and physical exercise as preventive methods.
Subject:
Basic Sciences Received: 2011/05/28