ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE – A COMPLEX MULTIFACETED DISORDER In spite of significant improvements in our knowledge of the pathogenesis of AD over recent decades, the precise mechanisms leading to AD development remain elusive. Over the years, several different hypotheses have been postulated to address the pathological lesions observed in AD. Indeed, oxidative stress has been consistently observed as an underlying biochemical anomaly in several neurodegenerative diseases including AD. However, whether oxidative stress presents a causal role or is secondary to AD pathogenesis remains unclear.[39] Markers for oxidative stress have been reported during early development of the disease and in patients with mild cognitive impairment well before the onset …show more content…
Importantly synaptic dysfunction occurs early in AD, while actual loss of synapses does not appear until much later in the disease. The loss of synaptic density leads to inhibition of the excitatory transmission in both the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, leading to significant memory loss [54, 55]. Although Aβ deposition and tau phosphorylation may induce neuronal loss, the predominant mechanism accounting for-synaptic thinning is more likely progressive neuronal apoptosis. Several factors have been shown to stimulate apoptosis in various models of AD, including, impaired glucose metabolism, excitotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, factors, such as tumor suppressor protein p53, forkhead box protein (FOXO), and ROS, can mediate apoptosis in AD [56, 57]. Thus, new treatment strategies aimed at developing molecules that downregulate apoptosis are currently a primary …show more content…
In lower organisms such as bacteria or fungi, resveratrol acts as a phytoalexin with potent antimicrobial activity against these pathogens [62]. One epidemiological study reported a positive association between low to moderate red wine consumption and a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease. This phenomenon is known as the “French Paradox” [63, 64]. Resveratrol is naturally found in both cis- and trans- isomers (Figure 1). The trans- isomer is the most common and highly active form. Resveratrol is highly vulnerable to isomerisation due to UV. With at least 80% of trans-resveratrol being transformed to cis-resveratrol after exposure to just 1 hour of ordinary light
and Mattson, 2011), and impairments of axonal transport and mitochondrial functions (Decker et al., 2010; Querfurth and LaFerla, 2010; Sheng and Cai, 2012). In addition, several lines of evidence suggest that Aβ regulates neuronal and synaptic activities and that its accumulation in the brain causes aberrant network activity and synaptic depression (Palop and Mucke, 2010). Impairments of inhibitory interneurons and aberrant stimulation of glutamate receptors result in excitotoxicity, and play important upstream roles in this pathogenic cascade. These impairments also lead to a positive feedback loop, where aberrant neuronal activity augments Aβ production, which in turn leads to further neuronal damage (Palop and Mucke, 2010; Bero et al., 2011; Verret et al.,
AD is a progressive age-related neurodegenerative disorder that poses increasing challenges to the global healthcare system and economic development. AD is characterized by extracellular neurotic plaques composed of Aβ deposits and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau with progressive loss of synapses in the brain [1]. Evidence demonstrates a potential link between oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and AD development [2]. Oxidative damage has been known to occur at a very early stage of AD even prior to Aβ plaque formation and the onset of symptoms [3, 4, 5]. Several cellular changes by oxidative stresses have been related with Aβ plaques formation and pathophysiological events of AD [6].
Cardiovascular disease has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide (1). In their textbook, Smolin and colleagues state that “resveratrol […] may help to prevent cardiovascular disease” (2, p.479). Indeed, observational studies have provided evidence that populations that regularly consume substantial amount of the compound resveratrol also have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (3,4). One meta-analysis calculated that drinking 150 mL of red wine (containing resveratrol) per day provided the optimal protection from cardiovascular disease (5). However, no experimental evidence exists to directly link resveratrol supplementation with incidence of cardiovascular disease. A growing body of experimental evidence
Alzheimer’s Disease has been one of the top leading causes of death in our country. It is understood that this disease is identified as an excess of the protein amyloid-ß within an increase of plaque (Seneff, Wainwright, and Mascitelli, 2010). Additionally, as the brain ages, it gets used to the inflammation and oxidative stress, so it is important to take the right amount of antioxidant micronutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E as well as anti-inflammatory macronutrients such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to protect the brain from ageing (Whalley et. al, 2004). This is a devastating disease that affects most people over the age of fifty. Recently, there have been many studies done to figure out what causes this disease, if there is anything that can cure it, and how to prevent the disease. Seneff, Wainwright, and Mascitelli, believe Alzheimer’s develops with consuming too many carbohydrates, especially fructose and having a deficiency in cholesterol and dietary fats as well (2010). Whalley, Starr, and Deary have seen that poor diet, poverty, and failing health are links to developing Alzheimer’s Disease (2004). Furthermore, seeing increase in plasma homocysteine concentration increases risk of Dementia, which can result from an inadequate intake of vitamin B12/folate (Walley et. al, 2004). Additionally, Gray supports Walley’s findings and even believes having an adequate intake of vitamin B12/folate will have a positive effect on the overall health
Alzheimer’s disease is a prominent brain disease that effects a massive amount of individuals in the United States. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases, with no chance of being cured, prevented or decelerating over time (Alzheimer’s Association, 2014). AD is the most well-known form of dementia, causing complications in brain function in the areas of memory, thinking, and behavior (Alzheimer’s Association, 2014). In an effort to gain a deeper understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers create new knowledge about the disease, which is then distributed to the public. The goal in this information disbursement is to find new and inventive ways to treat AD, prevent AD from progressing at such a rapid pace, and aid in the quality of life in those diagnosed with AD as well as caregivers and medical professionals providing treatment to individuals’ with AD.
Although the consumption of large quantities of alcoholic beverages can increase the risk of certain cancers, it is increasingly clear that the health benefits of red wine are linked to its non-alcoholic components. The red wine contains a very powerful molecule known as resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant, commonly found in the skin of the grape. This component kills bacteria, viruses and fungi. Only 225 ml of red wine delivers about 640 mcg of resveratrol. Resveratrol is usually taken in doses of 200-600 mcg per day.
Despite being known for over one hundred years the cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is still not completely understood. This terminal disease affects about 800,000 people in the UK and is expected to greatly increase in number of cases in the coming years. AD has proven to be an elusive disease to understand; yet it is more important than ever to continue researching AD in attempt to find a cure for the many people and family members that this disease affects.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are the most widespread age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Both diseases impact a considerable number of people, where AD occurs in around 10 percent of the population greater than the age of 65 while PD occurs in roughly 1 percent of the population above the age of 65. AD is considered to be the most widespread cause of dementia, characterised by the progressive memory and cognitive deficits which impair ones day to day activities. The pathological hallmark of AD comprises of extracellular accumulation of senile plaques consisting of mainly amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, along with neurofibrillary tangles which are composed of the phosphorylated tau protein, located in the hippocampus and cortex. Conversely, PD is considered to be the most widespread movement disorder that is characterised by symptoms such as rigidity slow movements, resting tremor and other instabilities. The extreme loss of dopaminergic neurones in the substantia nigra is what defines PD, as the loss of this nerve cell can be linked to Lewy bodies containing aggregates of a soluble protein called α-synuclein.
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s (nih.gov). AD is a multifactorial and progressive neurodegenerative disease. Parts of AD, for example, increased oxidative state, amyloid plaque deposition, and neurofibrillary tangle of tau protein in the central cortex the limbic system of the brain, have been related with Alzheimer's disease. AD standouts amongst the most well-known and feared diseases burdening the elderly community. The disease was once thought to be a natural part of aging, is an extremely incapacitating type of mental dementia.
Dementias are neurodegenerative disorders and Alzheimer’s disease is just one type. Although the most frequent cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, there are many causes of dementia. Saying someone has dementia is actually not a diagnosis it’s more of a clinical syndrome. Like saying someone has heartburn or a headache, the underlying cause of the dementia must be uncovered in order to classify it. Dementia impairs cognitive function in many different ways. It can involve memory, language, thinking, reasoning, and perception (Radin, 2003, p. 29). Some classifications of dementia include: frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer’s disease, and vascular dementia, but other degenerative diseases such as Huntington’s
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according to Shan (2013), “is the most common form of dementia. It is a degenerative, incurable, and terminal disease.” (p. 32). AD is a disease in which the brain essentially deteriorates, is vastly progressive, and complex. Because there is no cure for this disease, scientists and researchers should continue seeking effective prevention measures. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for hundreds of thousands of geriatric deaths each year, and affects not only the patient, but the caregivers and loved ones as well.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a disorder that is characterized by degeneration of the hippocampal and cortical neurons of the brain – causing memory impairment and a decline in cognitive abilities. The current study by Ghoneim et al.1 focuses on the role of three proteins in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling is important for development and maintenance of normal neuronal circuits in the brain. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is expressed by astrocytes in the central nervous system in response to neuron damage. Ki-67 is a protein that is responsible for detecting cell proliferation. Ghoneim et al. designed their study to explore the effects of caffeine intake on the expression of these proteins in rats induced with AD.
Alzheimer’s disease is among the sixth top leading causes of death in the United States and even with an estimated 4.5 to 5.4 million suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) not much is known about the causes. Only the symptoms are addressed. The main characteristics of AD are degeneration of the ability to remember, reason, communicate and with loss of motor skills and function (Piazza-Gardner, 2013). Cognitive function that is lost and is accompanied by other physiological conditions such as depression, anxiety, irritability, aggression and inappropriate behavior for a setting or location that occur in most AD suffers (Senie, 2014). AD was noted as abnormal clumps and a bundle of proteins in the brain which was discover in patients with
The cause of Alzheimer’s is not yet fully understood, yet it is believed to be influenced by a mixture of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.
Red wine is controversially associated with heart disease; specifically consuming red wine is thought to decrease the incidence of heart disease, among other recently emerging hypothesized health benefits. Although, to date this information is not scientifically proven, consumers enjoy a glass of wine with the assumed benefits of heart health. Despite many being unaware of the exact mechanisms behind this concept, it is a seemingly popular trend to associate red wine consumption with health benefits. Exactly what in red wine causes this health benefit? Resveratrol. Resveratrol is a component present due to the grapes used to create red wines. It has many specific properties that allow wine to possess the beneficial traits necessary to potentially benefit health. The purpose of this paper is to review the components, composition and health benefits of resveratrol, and to identify the specific qualities of red wine.