Read on Twitter
Okay...
A little thread on the Pathology of Alzheimer's disease (making this because I just got finished with my lecture on Alzheimer's).
Your Central Nervous System (we'll be referring to it as the CNS from now) consists of about a billion neurons. (1/n)
A little thread on the Pathology of Alzheimer's disease (making this because I just got finished with my lecture on Alzheimer's).
Your Central Nervous System (we'll be referring to it as the CNS from now) consists of about a billion neurons. (1/n)
A Neuron (in case you're absolutely un aware of it) is the structural and also the functional unit of your Central Nervous System meaning it's the basic cell upon which lies the entire foundation of your CNS, it's ability to carry out complex tasks etc. (2/n)
Alright, shown here is a neuron.
The neuron from a layperson's perspective can be divided broadly into the following 2 parts
(a) The Cell Body of the Neuron :
This is the part of Neuron that receives the incoming message from other neurons in the chain via it's dendrites (3/n)
The neuron from a layperson's perspective can be divided broadly into the following 2 parts
(a) The Cell Body of the Neuron :
This is the part of Neuron that receives the incoming message from other neurons in the chain via it's dendrites (3/n)
Also keep in mind the fact that this very same Cell Body of the Neuron is also responsible for the production of "substances" that nourish and provide energy to the entire Neuron as a whole and keep it functioning properly.
(b) The Axon :
The Axon is the remaining (4/n)
(b) The Axon :
The Axon is the remaining (4/n)
part of the Neuron (excluding the Cell Body) and its basic function is to carry forward the Nerve Impulse that is received by the Cell Body of the Neuron and forward it to those Neurons that come after it.
Simple enough for now I guess. (5/n)
Simple enough for now I guess. (5/n)
Now, keep in mind the fact that a Neuron just like any other cell in the body requires an uninterrupted supply of nutrients (using this term for the lay person only) to keep it functioning.
These "nutrients" are formed in the cell body and are transported to the (6/n)
These "nutrients" are formed in the cell body and are transported to the (6/n)
and are transported to the Axons via a structure known as "The Microtubules." (I've attached an image to help clarify things up a bit.)
These Microtubules now, they are kept in their positions/are maintained/are kept stable via the action of a specific protein. (7/n)
These Microtubules now, they are kept in their positions/are maintained/are kept stable via the action of a specific protein. (7/n)
This specific protein that we are talking about here is known as the "Tau protein."
Now, a genetic defect in any one of your chromosomes out of these 4 i.e. Chromosome 1/14/19/21 can lead to the alteration or abnormal formation of these Tau proteins.
(8/n)
Now, a genetic defect in any one of your chromosomes out of these 4 i.e. Chromosome 1/14/19/21 can lead to the alteration or abnormal formation of these Tau proteins.
(8/n)
Normally speaking, The Tau Proteins lie somewhat parallel to rach other and DO NOT INTERMIX OR BIND with one another.
However, in the case of these Chromosomal defects as described above, the "abnormal Tau proteins" that are formed, they end up binding with one another. (9/n)
However, in the case of these Chromosomal defects as described above, the "abnormal Tau proteins" that are formed, they end up binding with one another. (9/n)
Typo - parallel to each other
This binding of Tau proteins with one another in turn leads to the disruption of the Microtubules as we just discussed.
Disrupted Microtubules now pretty much mean that the Axon can't get it's nourishment anymore. (10/n)
This binding of Tau proteins with one another in turn leads to the disruption of the Microtubules as we just discussed.
Disrupted Microtubules now pretty much mean that the Axon can't get it's nourishment anymore. (10/n)
The Axon is now affected and as a result, two things now happen :
(a). The transmission of nerve impulse from one neuron to the other is interrupted
(b). The Axon and eventually the entire Neuron dies and there occurs loss of function over time as the numbers increase. (11/n)
(a). The transmission of nerve impulse from one neuron to the other is interrupted
(b). The Axon and eventually the entire Neuron dies and there occurs loss of function over time as the numbers increase. (11/n)
This loss of fumction occurring over time is explained by the Clinical Findings in a case of Alzheimer's such as
(a) Amnesia : Loss of Short Term Memory initially which eventually evolves into a Long Term Memory loss as the disease progresses over time(12/n)
(a) Amnesia : Loss of Short Term Memory initially which eventually evolves into a Long Term Memory loss as the disease progresses over time(12/n)
*Typo - loss of function.
The patient forgets basic stuff such as his name, the names of his family members, their identities.
A truly sad state of affairs.
(b) Aphasia : The inability to speak.
(c) Apraxia : The inability to do mathematical calculations (13/n)
The patient forgets basic stuff such as his name, the names of his family members, their identities.
A truly sad state of affairs.
(b) Aphasia : The inability to speak.
(c) Apraxia : The inability to do mathematical calculations (13/n)
(d) Anosoagnosia : Extreme Self Neglect/ Extreme Apathy (seen in advanced stages). The patient as a result is extremely unhygienic as a person for no fault of his own.
Is there any definitive cure for this condition??
Sadly speaking, NO.
If you're born with these (14/n)
Is there any definitive cure for this condition??
Sadly speaking, NO.
If you're born with these (14/n)
Chromosomal defects that predispose you to this disease then sooner or later you'll end up facing the inevitable..
Modern Medicine has however made it possible to slow down the progression of this disease via the use of a drug known as Donepezil.(15/n)
Modern Medicine has however made it possible to slow down the progression of this disease via the use of a drug known as Donepezil.(15/n)
However, as I mentioned, it will only delay the inevitable.. Might even prolong and improve the quality of life for a few years.
The treatment hence offered is mainly supportive and is based upon the symptomatic findings of the individual at whichever stage of the disease (16/n)
The treatment hence offered is mainly supportive and is based upon the symptomatic findings of the individual at whichever stage of the disease (16/n)
that he or she is in..
The end however is usually not a pleasant one.
-END of Thread-
The end however is usually not a pleasant one.
-END of Thread-
