Memory Deterioration, Oligomers to Plaques, and Alzheimer's Disease

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Throughout history, humans have devised various methods to store and preserve information. From ancient stone carvings and scrolls to modern books and digital drives, our quest for preserving knowledge has been ongoing. However, one of the oldest and most remarkable storage devices is the human brain itself. Our brains possess the incredible ability to store memories, recognize objects, and process information efficiently. But as we age, we encounter a problem: our memories don't last forever. We experience forgetfulness, and in some cases, even dementia.

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Our Memory Fails Us

Dementia is not a sudden wiping away of memories; rather, it involves a gradual decline in cognitive abilities that we rely on for our daily activities. Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia, as reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. We often associate forgetfulness with old age, as witnessed in the struggles of our loved ones. My own grandfather, may he rest in peace, gradually lost the ability to recognize me. It is commonly believed that as we grow older, our memories naturally deteriorate.

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the presence of plaques and tangles in the brain. These abnormalities lead to changes in brain cells, cellular damage, and ultimately cell death. While growing old can be daunting due to the increased likelihood of developing Alzheimer's, it's important to note that it is not an inevitable part of normal aging. Individuals with Alzheimer's find it increasingly difficult to think, remember, and may experience confusion regarding time, places, and people. They may also exhibit changes in mood, personality, and encounter difficulties in communication.

The rate of getting certain diseases decreases as we grow older, but this is not the same with Alzheimer's disease. Study shows that the number of people living with alzheimer's disease doubles every 5 years with people above the age of 65. We start to wonder why?

That Brain

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The brain is a delicate organ, residing within the cranial cavity and surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid. When we visualize the brain, we usually refer to the cerebrum, which plays a vital role in our thoughts, language, abstract thinking, and awareness. The cerebrum consists of gray matter containing cell bodies, while white matter comprises myelinated axons responsible for transmitting signals throughout the brain.

These axons are myelinated, and myelin is material that insulates the electric messages in the brain thereby allowing them to move very fast and preventing accidents I will say. The speed of signals in axons can go at over 400km/h and I must say that is very fast, more like the speed of the fastest sports car. The axons send signals to one another depending on the information that is sent through them, but when there is a blockage to these axons, it causes memory failure or fading.

Unknown Cause but Increasing Cases

While the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease remains unknown, researchers have made certain observations. For example, around 30% of individuals with Down syndrome in their 50s also develop Alzheimer's disease. Down syndrome is associated with abnormalities in Chromosome 21, which is implicated in the formation of plaques seen in Alzheimer's.

Chromosome 21 plays a role in the production of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP), responsible for neuronal repair and growth. Excess beta-amyloid production or inadequate removal can lead to the formation of oligomers, which eventually evolve into plaques. These plaques contribute to neuronal death due to increased levels of intracellular calcium and oxidative stress.

While the causes are unknown, what is known to us is that these plaques in the brain, as well as the anomaly in a protein tau tangle with each other, is responsible for Alzheimer's disease.