As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Alzheimer disease 12 may be found in:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Alzheimer disease 12.
The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown; however, several factors are thought to be implicated in this disease. These include neurochemical factors, such as deficiencies in the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, somatostatin, substance P, and norepinephrine; environmental factors; and genetic immunologic factors. Genetic studies show that an autosomal dominant form of Alzheimer’s disease is associated with early onset and early death, accounting for about 100,000 deaths a year. A family history of Alzheimer’s disease and the presence of Down syndrome are two established risk factors.Alzheimer’s disease isn’t exclusive to the elder population; its onset begins in middle age in 1% to 10% of cases
The brain tissue of patients with Alzhei-mer’s disease has three hallmark features: neurofibrillary tangles, neuritic plaques, and granulovascular degeneration. Examination of the brain after death also finds that it’s atrophic, commonly weighing less than 1,000 g, compared with a normal brain weight of about 1,380 g.
About 360,000new cases of Alzheimer’s are diagnosed each year.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Several factors contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. They include neurochemical factors, such as deficiencies in acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter), somatostatin, substance P, and norepinephrine; environmental factors, such as aluminum and manganese; viral factors, such as slow-growing central nervous system viruses; trauma; and genetic immunologic factors.
The brain tissue of a patient with Alzheimer’s disease typically shows cortical atrophy, the hallmark features being neurofibrillary tangles, neuritic plaques, and granulovascular degeneration.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2010 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved. Last Update: 8 February, 2010 (23:39)
The father of television personality Linda Dano experienced years of mental deterioration before he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Hear...
People with early-stage Alzheimer's disease know that they will have trouble remembering things. But there are a variety of techniques that can...
Allen Willner was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease early in the disease process. With medication and the care of his wife, he's slowing the...
People with early Alzheimer's disease know that the condition gets progressively worse over time. Learn how some medications help to stabilize...
