The Effects of Alzheimer's Disease on the Body

Introduction

According to the American Alzheimer's Association, more than 5 million people are currently suffering from Alzheimer's disease. In fact, it is believed that every 70 seconds, someone new is diagnosed with the disease. This progressive disease affects the brain in such a way that it slowly incapacitates the person. Eventually, the brain is no longer able to function, and the person suffering from the disease passes away.

Plaques and Tangles

Alzheimer's starts with two brain issues called plaques and tangles. Plaques involve beta-amyloid buildup between nerve cells in the brain. Tangles are strong fibers made of the protein tau that get twisted around dying cells. It is believed that these two issues block the ability of nerve cells to successfully transfer signals between one another. The brain relies on the ability to pass nerve signals to function.

Neurotransmitters

Alzheimer's is also believed to affect the neurotransmitters of the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals used by the brain to help transmit a neural signal between a neuron and other cells throughout the body. Without them, cells are unable to receive the signals needed to perform basic actions. It also becomes harder for the brain to function correctly.

Brain Cells

Over time, Alzheimer's disease slowly begins to kill off brain cells. As areas of the brain lose greater amounts of brain cells, that part of the brain, including all of the functions that it controls, no longer works. Slowly, Alzheimer's patients begin to lose basic functions of their body, until the areas of the brain that control autonomic functions like breathing and heartbeat no longer function, leading to death. Few Alzheimer's patients survive more than seven to 14 years after being diagnosed.

Resources

• Alzheimer's Association