PSY FPX 7310 Assessment 3 Alzheimer’s disease 

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of the broader condition of dementia, which is characterized by compromised cognitive function in several areas such as memory, perception, and judgment (Carlson, 2014). Physical causes like brain damage or stroke, as well as other neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, can also contribute to its onset (Carlson, 2014).

Early signs of dementia may be mere forgetfulness, like missing appointments or misplaced items, but may reach extreme memory loss, even failing to recognize places or even who oneself is (Carlson, 2014). Early identification of Alzheimer’s is crucial. Heredity and irregular brain shapes, as uncovered by comparative MRI scans, may provide insights into risk factors in the future (Mayo Clinic, 2019).

Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Brain Structure and Function

Alzheimer’s has a great impact on brain function, particularly on the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, responsible for memory building (Brayne & Calloway, 2008). Degeneration occurs to neural pathways responsible for emotions, problem-solving, and interaction (Whitehouse, Maurer, & Ballenger, 2000). Brain structure changes lead to symptoms like paranoia, nervousness, and hallucinations (University of Queensland, 2019).

Effects of Brain Changes on Learning and Memory

As Alzheimer’s progresses, subcortical structures like the cerebellum atrophy, disrupting cognitive functions, leading to forgetfulness and mental processing delay (Barulli & Stern, 2018). Damage to neurotransmitters disrupts learning and memory storage, while senile plaques in the brain’s grey matter disrupt information processing (Whitehouse, Maurer & Ballenger, 2000). The illness disrupts various forms of memory, from short-term to procedural, and gives rise to language issues and difficulty in task completion (Holger, 2013).

Behavioral Impacts of Brain Changes

Alzheimer’s greatly alters behavior through emotional instability and violent behavior caused by damage to the amygdala (Page, 2019). Frontal lobe damage results in impulsive actions or obsessive-compulsive behavior (Holger, 2013). External stimuli often do not trigger these changes, which impact patients’ interactions and lifestyle choices (Holger, 2013)..

Recent Advances in Alzheimer’s Research

Current research is focused on early diagnosis with biomarkers, in which they attempt to find hippocampal atrophy and gene risk factors like Apolipoprotein E4 (ApolE4) (Holger, 2013). Methods of cognitive training and specific therapies are promising for symptom control and cognitive slowing (Holger, 2013).

Professional Relevance of Research Findings

Understanding the latest research on Alzheimer’s disease equips professionals with necessary information for treatment planning and diagnosis. Biomarker identification and genetic risk offer early interventions, enhancing patient care and quality of life (Holger, 2013).

PSY FPX 7310 Assessment 3 Alzheimer’s disease

University of Queensland. (2019). What causes dementia? Retrieved from 

https://qbi.uq.edu.au/dementia