The Science of Alzheimer's Disease
Despite the advances in medical research, the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is still unknown. The current understanding of the disease is that it is caused by an abnormal buildup of amyloid and tau proteins in and around the brain cells. There are other factors which may influence the development or severity of the disease, and some of the leading factors are reviewed in this post.
Proteinopathies
Amyloid-Beta
Amyloid beta is a sticky plaque that clumps together and accumulates in the brain, disrupting the normal communication between nerve cells and leading to their eventual death. This hypothesis suggests that these amyloid-beta plaques impair brain function and contribute directly to memory loss, cognitive impairment, and neurological symptoms, and thus by removing or preventing the accumulation of the plaques, we can effectively cure Alzheimer’s.
Tau Protein
Tau protein is responsible for maintaining the structure and function of neuronal cells. However, when tau protein becomes abnormal and aggregates, it forms tangles, which disrupts the normal functions of nerve cells. Researchers believe that tangle formation is a key factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease dementia because. the accumulation of tangles causes a breakdown of microtubules, cellular structures necessary for transporting key nutrients across the brain. This disruption leads to the death of nerve cells and the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Synucleins
Synucleins are a group of proteins that have gained significant attention in relation to Alzheimer's disease. These proteins are known to accumulate and form abnormal clumps called Lewy bodies, which are a hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's. Research suggests that the aggregation of synucleins in the brain may contribute to the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the role of synucleins in this context is crucial for advancing our knowledge of the disease and potentially identifying new therapeutic targets.
Other Mechanisms
Inflammation
It is believed that chronic inflammation in the brain is one of the factors that may contribute to the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Inflammation in the brain can be caused by factors such as infections or injuries and may cause damage to neurons and disrupt the normal functioning of the brain, leading to memory loss and cognitive impairment. Keeping the brain healthy is one way to delay and try to prevent the onset of cognitive issues such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Genetic Causes
Research has identified several genetic mutations that increase a person's risk of developing the condition. One of the genes, ApoE4, is particularly associated with Alzheimer's disease, as it is involved in the metabolism of lipids and the clearance of amyloid-beta proteins. Similarly, those with Down Syndrome are also at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, as their genetic changes can also lead to the build-up of amyloid plaques.
Vascular Factors
Though vascular dementia is a diagnosis independent of AD due to brain ischemia as a result of underlying vascular disease, vascular dysfunction itself may play a role in the brain damage pathophysiology cascade that occurs in AD. For example, blood-brain barrier impairment is associated with vascular insufficiency. Research continues in this important area.
Lifestyle Factors
Finally, there are several lifestyle factors that may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease or worsen symptoms of cognitive impairment. These factors include poor diet, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Poor lifestyle choices can increase inflammation in the brain and disrupt normal brain function, ultimately leading to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
How Can You Participate?
We still don’t fully understand the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, but research is key in advancing our understanding so as to treat, prevent, and even cure this disease. By educating oneself about the disease and supporting those affected by it, we can create a more informed and compassionate society that is better equipped to help those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Those interested can consult their primary healthcare providers, reach out to ATRI, or search for ongoing trials in their area.