Alzheimer’s Causes

Long before memory and personality changes become apparent, the brain of a person affected by Alzheimer’s has already started developing microscopic defects. The brain contains 100 billion neurons which work together in a network responsible for the five senses, memory, critical thought and emotions. Much like any intricate system, small abnormalities and alterations can create ripples that affect the entire system. As the number of defects grows, the problems create a cascade effect that manifests in more severe symptoms.

What actually causes Alzheimer’s disease and the way in which its symptoms progress is the subject of intense study in the medical community. Researchers have found a connection between abnormal structures in the brain (identified as plaques and tangles) and the cell damage that leads to Alzheimer’s symptoms such as memory breakdown, personality alterations, problems handling normal daily activities and more. The process that causes these abnormalities is still unknown.

Plaque deposits, which collect in the spaces between nerve cells, are made up of a protein fragment called beta-amyloid. Tangles occur inside brain cells and are buildups of twisted fibers of a protein called tau. It is not known exactly how these contribute to Alzheimer’s, but research points to them blocking signals among nerve cells and disrupting their life processes. Development of plaques and tangles is a normal part of the aging process, but Alzheimer’s patients’ brains show far higher levels of these abnormalities.

The end result of all of this is a deterioration of the brain tissue, namely extreme shrinkage of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex and enlargement of the ventricles.

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