Download Snow Shaun Snow Professor: William Green Biology 1090, 8am

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Shaun Snow
Professor: William Green
Biology 1090, 8am-8:50am
Fall Semester, 2014
ePortfolio, Signature Report
Slowly Disintegrating Memories.
From the moment life begins the brain is constantly managing the body. Telling the body
when it’s time to start the next step of life. Examples of this would be birth, puberty, growing
old, and death. Inside the brain there are billions of neurons instantaneously firing electrical
signals. These signals make up thoughts, and memories. As well as help the storage of
experiences, and ideas. Neurons help us experience life. Memories of an individual make them
who they are. Memories are a priceless treasure, the building blocks of knowledgeable life and
personalities. It would be heart break to have your memories wiped, or taken away.
Sadly Alzheimer’s disease does just that, and is the main cause of Dementia (gaps in
memory). As society ages a large portion experience some sort of dementia at a one time or
another. Many of those individuals are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, in fact so many that
someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease “every 4 seconds” (Ted-Ed, 0:10). Surprisingly
the number of patients is expected to increase with each year, based on the past years.
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Alzheimer’s disease is a slow and heartbreaking death, and no one is immune. Alzheimer’s
disease has been known to be genetically passed down, and can be influenced by diet or lifestyle.
Alzheimer’s disease was first classified as a disease in 1907, discovered by a middle aged
German physiatrist by the name of Aloȉs Alzheimer. “Dr. Alzheimer first noticed the symptoms
in one of his patients.” (TED-Ed, 0:40). According to Alzheimer Forschung Initiative, this
patient was female whom was named Auguste D. Dr. Alzheimer kept his eye on Ms. Auguste for
six years, after which she passed away. With permission Alzheimer was able to do an autopsy.
Where he discovered two major differences in her brain Senile plaques, and Neurofibrillary
tangles. Alzheimer ’s disease Education & Referral Center explains the cause of senile plaques,
and Neurofibrillary tangles.
“Normally an enzyme called Alpha-secretase snips Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP)
releasing a fragment (from the neurons membrane). A second enzyme, Gamma-secretase,
also snips APP in another place… In Alzheimer’s disease the first cut is made by another
enzyme, Beta-secretase, followed by the cut by Gamma-secretase. This results in the
release of Beta-Amyloid… When Beta-amyloid clump together they become toxic,
eventually forming Plaques. Neurofibrillary tangles are made when a protein called Tau
separates from Microtubules (located in the Axon of the cell). Strands of Tau then form
tangles inside the neuron destroying the cell.”(Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral
Center, 1:30)
Alzheimer’s disease takes place in 7 stages. In stage 1 there are no noticeable symptoms,
and is also undetectable by most medical professionals. Stage 2 sparks the first chance being
noticed although it is unlikely. In this stage the individual may forget simple everyday things but
memories remain intact. Stage 3 begins to slightly show cognitive decline, being diagnosed is
possible but unlikely. The simple things in stage 2 begin to gradually decline, and some may
experience slight memory loss at this time. Stage 4, the symptoms of forgetfulness is usually
noticeable by friends and family, being the stage most people begin to see a doctor. Stage 5 is the
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most common diagnosed stage due to the noticeable symptoms, including gaps in memory and
the requirement of assistance in simple tasks. Stage 6 is when most care takers will also require
professional help. This stage consists of constant fluctuations in personalities, worsening of
memory, and unpredictable sleep patterns and actions. Once stage 7 is reached the command in
the brain for heart beat is disrupted, causing death.
Currently there are no known cures. Although there exists many FDA approved drugs to
slow the stages. These drugs block enzymes who eat the chemical Acetylcholine form the
Synapse. In blocking these enzymes it is attempted to keep the Acetylcholine present longer,
increasing the chance to create the charge needed to form a signal. Disappointingly these drugs
have symptoms themselves, and only for a short term. As this drug blocks the enzymes in the
neuron synapse, it also blocks enzymes in synapses between nerves to muscles in the gut. Which
causes craps, vomiting, and more. Brain-Tools, LLC claims to have made a drug whom does the
same thing with less side effects, last longer, and more benefits. Brain-Tools claim this works by
permanently blocking the enzymes, stating that the enzymes in the nerve to muscle synapses are
replaced more frequently. As of now it is unknown if there will be a cure to repair and revive
damaged neurons, but we are getting close to stopping the increasing damage.
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Works Cited
Alzheimer Forschung Initiative E.V. “Mechanisms and Secrets of Alzheimer's Disease: Exploring
the Brain.” Perf. Animation. 2013. Film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj3GGDuu15I
Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center. “Inside the Brain: Unraveling the Mystery of
Alzheimer's Disease.” Perf. Animation. 2010. Film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjgBnx1jVIU
Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center. "Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet." 11-6423
(2011). National Institute on Aging. Web. 15 Nov. 2014.
http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
Brain-Tools, LLC. “New Alzheimers Treatment.” Perf. Animation. 2013. Film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZ_n5X4MMGw
TED-Ed. “What is Alzheimer’s disease? – Ivan Seah Yu Jun.” Perm. Animation. 2014. Film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJXTXN4xrI8