PSY FPX 7310 Assessment 3 Alzheimer’s disease

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Capella University

PSY FPX 7310 Biological Basis of Behavior

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Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is classified under the broader category of dementia, characterized by cognitive impairments that affect various abilities, including memory, perception, and judgment (Carlson, 2014). Physical factors such as brain trauma or strokes, along with other neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, can contribute to its development (Carlson, 2014).

Early indicators of dementia may include minor forgetfulness, such as missing appointments or misplacing items, but can escalate to severe memory loss, including forgetting familiar places or even one’s own identity (Carlson, 2014). Early detection of Alzheimer’s is vital. Genetic predispositions and asymmetrical brain structures, identified through comparative MRI imaging, may provide insights into future risks (Mayo Clinic, 2019).

Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Brain Structure and Function

Alzheimer’s significantly impacts brain function, particularly affecting the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which are crucial for memory formation (Brayne & Calloway, 2008). This degeneration extends to neural pathways responsible for emotions, problem-solving, and communication (Whitehouse, Maurer, & Ballenger, 2000). Changes in brain structure can lead to symptoms such as paranoia, anxiety, and hallucinations (University of Queensland, 2019).

Effects of Brain Changes on Learning and Memory

As Alzheimer’s advances, atrophy in subcortical structures like the cerebellum disrupts cognitive processes, resulting in forgetfulness and slowed thinking (Barulli & Stern, 2018). Damage to neurotransmitters impairs learning and memory retention, with senile plaques in the brain’s grey matter obstructing information processing (Whitehouse, Maurer & Ballenger, 2000). The disease affects various types of memory, from short-term to procedural, leading to difficulties in language and task completion (Holger, 2013).

Behavioral Impacts of Brain Changes

Alzheimer’s significantly alters behavior, resulting in emotional instability and aggression due to damage to the amygdala (Page, 2019). Damage to the frontal lobe can lead to impulsive actions or obsessive-compulsive behaviors (Holger, 2013). These behavioral changes often occur without external triggers, impacting patients’ interactions and daily routines (Holger, 2013).

Recent Advances in Alzheimer’s Research

Recent research emphasizes early diagnosis through biomarkers, aiming to identify hippocampal atrophy and genetic risk factors such as Apolipoprotein E4 (ApolE4) (Holger, 2013). Cognitive training techniques and targeted treatments provide hope for managing symptoms and delaying cognitive decline (Holger, 2013).

Professional Relevance of Research Findings

Understanding the latest research findings on Alzheimer’s disease equips professionals with essential insights for diagnosis and treatment planning. The identification of biomarkers and assessment of genetic risk enable early interventions, enhancing patient care and quality of life (Holger, 2013).

References

Barulli, D., & Stern, Y. (2018). Cognitive reserve: Theory, measurement, and evidence. In G. E. Smith & S. T. Farias (Eds.), APA handbooks in psychology®: APA handbook of dementia (pp. 357–368). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Brayne, C., & Calloway, P. (2008). Normal ageing, impaired cognitive function, and senile dementia of the Alzheimer’s type: A continuum. The Lancet, 331, 1265.

Fernandez, C. G., Hamby, M. E., McReynolds, M. L., & Ray, W. (2019). The role of APOE4 in disrupting the homeostatic functions of astrocytes and microglia in aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 11.

Mayo Clinic. (2019). Dementia. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013

Pistolato, F., Ohayon, E., Lamm, A., Langley, G., Novak, T., Pamies, D., & Harnad, D. (2016). Alzheimer disease research in the 21st century: Past and current failures, new perspectives and funding priorities. Oncotarget, 7, 38999.