The Role of Beta Amyloid proteins in Alzheimer’s DiseaseWhat is A.D.?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder in which nerve cells in the brain die, leading to a loss in the ability to carry out daily activities. It is also characterised by a diminished level of neurotransmitters and a build up of

proteins in the brain called Plaquest tangles. These changes in the brain have a significant impact on people living with Alzheimer’s disease (A.D), causing

problems with memory intellect and personality. As of yet there are no cures for this fatal disease.

Facts about Alzheimer’s DiseaseIn Europe an estimated 500,000 people have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, there are over 40,000 people in the Republic of Ireland suffering from

this long term disease.There are twice as many women more so than men suffering from A.D

Did you know? Every 71 seconds a person in America develops A.D.

Self portrait of William Utermohlen before onset of Alzheimer’s disease, 1967

Causes of A.DThe Age of a person greatly influences the risk of developing A.D with one out of every ten people over the age of 65 developing A.D and one half of people over 85 developing A.D.

Genetics have been linked to A.D especially in Early onset A.D.

Stages of Alzheimer’s DiseaseDid you know? There are 3 main stages of Alzheimer’s disease*Mild Alzheimer’s Disease *Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease *Sever Alzheimer’s Disease

Self portrait shortly after he was diagnosed with A.D. 1996.

Mild Alzheimer’s DiseaseThis is the first stage of A.D, which can

last for 2 to 4 years, but as with most diseases, it varies with the patient.

It is characterised by the following symptoms.

• Personality changes in the patient.• A difficulty in learning new ideas.• A loss of interest in activities once

enjoyed by the patient.

Self portrait from 1997

Moderate Alzheimer’s DiseaseThis stage is quite often the longest period of A.D with people suffering the following symptoms for up to 10 years.•Restlessness and confusion.•Getting lost in places well known to the patient.•Requiring help with daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning.

Severe Alzheimer’s DiseaseThis stage is the most sever, as its name suggests. This stage can last for up to 3 years, but even longer in some cases. People suffering with this form of Alzheimer’s disease, can no longer take care of themselves and experience...*Loss of recognition of close family and friends*Loss in the ability to move around by themselves.

This was completed in 2000, his second last painting.

The Role of Beta-Amyloid Proteins.Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by the loss of neurons in the brains of patients. However, tissue lesions can also be found in the cerebral cortex of the brains of patients .One of these tissue lesions is called a neuritic plaque, which is a deposit of neuron fragments surrounding a core of amyloid Beta proteins. It has been suggested by studies, supported by the NIH, that a two-molecule aggregate (or dimer) of beta amyloid protein fragments may play a significant part in the development of A.D. Its abundance in the brain in the form of plaques, raises the question of whether it initiates A.D or is simply a by-product of this disease.

What is Beta Amyloid?

Beta amyloid is a fragment of a larger protein called APP (amyloid-precursor-protein).It is found inside and outside brain cells, where it is cut by various proteins into smaller pieces of proteins .A chain of events involving B-A proteins results in the formation of plaques in the brain, it is here where Beta amyloid appears. Beta Amyloid is a sticky fragment of the protein APP. These tiny fragments clump together to form a chain called a fibril. A group of these fibrils then make up a beta-sheet which clumps together with other fragments to form a beta amyloid plague. This cascading sequence, according to the "amyloid hypothesis" results in the death of brain cells by restricting cell communication and causing inflammation of the brain. It is unknown whether overproduction of this B-A protein or the brains inability to destroy it, results in the accumulation of these plaques.

NEUROsurvey Results

A survey was conducted to outline the knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease among students. The following questions were asked;

1. At what age is AD most prominent?60% said 85 (correct)40% said 65 (incorrect)0% said 45 (incorrect)

2. Is the size of the brain tissue altered?40% said yes (correct)60% said no (incorrect)

3. Can AD be cured?80% said no (correct)20% said yes/in some cases (incorrect)

4. What are the symptoms of AD?90% said confusion, disturbances in short-term memory, personality

changes (correct)10% said involuntary trembling of the limbs, stiffness of the muscles

(incorrect)

REFERENCE: "Alzheimer disease." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia

Britannica Online. 05 Oct. 2008 <http://www.search.eb.com/eb/article-9005974>.

 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures – annual report, 2008, Alzheimer’s Association,

6 Oct. 2008 <http:// www.alz.org>

 Topic sheet – Alzheimer’s disease, 2008, Alzheimer’s Association, 6 Oct. 2008 <http:// www.alz.org>

Experimental Alzheimer’s drugs targeting Beta-amyloid and ‘The Amyloid Hypothesis’, 2007, Alzheimer’s Association, 6 Oct. 2008 <http:// www.alz.org>

Pictures from www.eldr.com/slideshow/alzheimers-paintingswww.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Resources/HighRes.htm

 More information:  Alzheimer’s Association, website: www.alz.orgNational institute on aging, website: www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/