Alzheimer's Disease

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which are not found in normal brain matter. These three are
called neurofibrillary tangles, neuritic plagues and granulovacuolar
degeneration3.
A nerve cell has numerous axons and dendrites coming out of it. A
neurofibrillary tangle is when the neuron changes. A number of dendrites are
missing and the nucleus is filled with protein filaments resembling steel wool.
Although all elderly people has a few of these helix shaped bundles in
their brain for they are normal indicators of aging, Alzheimer's patients has
more than usual. Their presence usually in the frontal and temporal lobes is a
indication of AD.
Senile neuritic plagues are small round objects. They are masses of
amyloid protein material composed of residue left over from healthy nerve
endings that were broken off and decayed. Their presence near the cell further
indicates something gone wrong. Neuritic plaques is the best evidence for
diagnostics to make the determination of AD.
A third sign of neuron ...

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is no clear evidence of memory trouble and
deterioration in brain functions. The individual performs well on exams that
test mental abilities (psychometric tests7) similar to those given to measure IQ.

In the second stage, the patient shows very mild memory problems with
difficulty in remembering names of friends. The changes at this point is still
very small. Occasionally, the patient might make a surprising statement such as
inquiring about the health of a friend who everyone knows, died years ago. Only
extensive psychometric testing can determine if the person's mental ability
changed. A close family member like a husband or wife might suspect something is
wrong.
By the third ...

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