I believe that part of the brain deteriorates and fails to function normally, which is why in the late stages people are unable to function, or control their body movement.
2006-08-27 17:25:39
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answer #1
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answered by mem 1
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There is an overabundance of a substance known as amyloid plaque which builds up in the brain and kills the brain cells in a kind of strangulation. Those strangled cells form "tangles" which cause more cells to die because they can't communicate. It's basically a downward spiral.
What causes the plaque is what they don't know.
Keeping your brain very active delays the visible onset because you've got more active connections and it will take longer to for you to be impaired.
Right now research seems to be focused on finding the cause of the extra plaque, finding how to destroy it, and early recognition of Alzheimer's before cognitive functioning is lost.
I post information on new research on my blog and also what it's like to live with someone who has AD (my dad).
BTW, AD is not caused by aluminum.
2006-08-28 16:41:53
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answer #2
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answered by Gevera Bert 6
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Altzheimer's disease is a degenerative condition which affects the cells of the brain and causes impaired intellectual functioning. The cause of it is still UNKNOWN but it is shown to be genetically linked. The brain of an altzheimer's patient have plaques in the cortex and a tangled mass of non-functioning neurons. This causes a decrease in the brain size. Thus creating dementia.
There is a link between this disease and increased levels plasma homocysteine ( imple amino acid). The levels can be reduced by eating food high in folic acid, such as green leafy veggies and fruits. Vitamin B12 has also reduced the symptoms of altzheimers, especially when combined with folic acid.
2006-08-28 00:51:22
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answer #3
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answered by girl_with_horns79 2
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Scientists aren't really sure yet. There are a few things we do know.
One, it can be hereditary. There is a blood test which you can take, to establish whether you've inherited the gene. But even if you inherit the gene, you may not get the disease, and vice versa.
Two, there are things you can do which seem to protect against the disease. One, make sure you have enough folate in your diet. Two, keep your brain active by doing puzzles (Sudoku, crosswords). An activity which challenges your brain and your body together is even better, for instance learning to dance or play the piano.
Tea, coffee, alcohol and fish oil have all been shown to be preventative in some trials but more trials are needed.
2006-08-28 00:37:16
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answer #4
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answered by Kylie 3
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Not an expert but I used to work in a geriatric shrink's office. Basically, all forms of dementia (including possible Jacob-Croitzfelt patients) are diagnosed with Alzheimer's'. I take it to be a big cover-up job when the shrinks either A) don't know, don't care or B) find a specific dementia too hard to diagnose. Pretty sad commentary on the shrink-profession.
2006-08-28 00:32:10
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answer #5
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answered by adrift feline 6
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" Alzheimer's Disease, is caused by improper, and denatured, dietary protein ingestion. ( dead; (animal) protein excess )
Also, a complete absence of proper glial physiology, pertaining to microglia, and neuroglia homeostasis. ( Support Tissues )
The oxidation of Brain Polyunsaturated Specific Fats and Oils, are responsible for
correct anabolic, neuronal health. ( Support Tissues, (Neuroglia)
Number, 50 to 1 )
This being denied, will produce toxic mucoids, and tangles, derived from the catabolism of dead ptomaine producing animal flesh.
(Amyloid Deposits )
( Cholesterol, Oxygen,
and Sugar Starved Molecules of de-differentiation )
The correct adjunct to neuronal health, will come from the primary adherence to correct Basic Neurochemistry.
In the absence of this; dementia's of all kinds will manifest themselves; and completely destroy all short term memory components.; thus manifesting Alzheimer's Portrayal.
2006-08-28 00:54:24
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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something called amyloids? builds up in the brain causing the nerves to malfunction. My dad has it, I've got books on it but I get really depressed when I try to read about it. A lot is still speculation as to what causes the build up.
2006-08-28 00:29:20
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answer #7
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answered by msuzyq 4
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I have a brother who at the age of 55 developed Alzheimer's Disease and not is in full AD. He is only 62 years old.
Well here are the lastest studies that give reasons of causes of AD.
What are the causes of Alzheimer's disease?
With the exception of rare cases of familial AD, in whom the disease is caused by mutations (changes in the DNA) of a single gene, most cases of AD are probably caused by a variety of factors acting together. Cases without a family history are called "sporadic." The study of familial AD, however, has uncovered several proteins that are not only important for familial, but also for sporadic AD. These are the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and two presenilins. APP is a major component of plaques (abnormal deposits of proteins in the brain).
The break-down (faulty cleavage) of APPs likely increases their propensity to combine (aggregate) in plaques. Presenilins, on the other hand, are involved in the splitting (cleavage) of APP. Mutations in the genes that encode APPs and the presenilins can cause AD. This means that individuals carrying these mutations have a very high probability of developing AD.
Changes in other genes may not cause AD, but they may increase the risk of developing AD. The best-studied "risk" gene is the one that encodes apolipoprotein E (apoE). Certain forms (alleles) of this gene can increase the risk for AD. This effect is particularly striking in the setting of a positive family history for AD.
The apoE gene has three different forms (alleles) -- apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4. ApoE3 is the most common form in the general population. However, apoE4 occurs in approximately 40 % of all late-onset AD patients. People who inherit two apoE4 alleles (one from the mother and one from the father) are several times more likely to develop AD than those who have two of the more common E3 version. The least common allele, E2, lowers the risk of AD. People with one E2 and one E3 gene have only one-fourth the risk of developing Alzheimer's as do people with two E3 genes.
Since the 1970's, abnormalities in the brain's chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, have been identified in patients with AD. Acetylcholine is a critical neurotransmitter in the process of forming memories. This chemical messenger is abundant in the nerve cells of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, the regions that are devastated by AD. Levels of acetylcholine fall sharply in people with AD. Other neurotransmitters have also been implicated in AD. For example, serotonin, somatostatin, and noradrenaline levels are lower than normal in some Alzheimer's patients. Deficits in these substances may contribute to the memory and behavioral abnormalities in AD.
In addition to the known risk factors of age and family history, several other possible risk factors have been identified. Some studies have found that AD occurs more often among people who suffered traumatic head injuries earlier in life. Women may have a higher risk of the disease, although their higher rates may only reflect the effects of age, because women have longer life spans on average than do men. In addition, lower educational levels may increase the risk. It is not know whether this reflects a decreased "cognitive reserve" or other factors associated with a lower educational level.
I believe he developed the AD from a terrible automoble accident he was in, as he use to drink a lot and he was drunk at the time. It doesn't say it in the report but alcohol plays a factor in it too. (Personal Opinion)
Hope this helps. Good Luck
2006-08-28 00:35:39
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answer #8
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answered by NIck N 5
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Build up of plaques made of tau protein in the brain.
2006-08-28 00:30:00
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answer #9
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answered by PreviouslyChap 6
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http://www.alz.org
Everything you want to know about alzheimers.
I have had my grandma and aunt die soon after getting it -they were both over 74 yrs old. The brain mis-fires and they forget things like your name, then one day the brain forgets to tell the heart to beat...
2006-08-28 00:29:34
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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