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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Date

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease falls within the broader category of dementia, marked by cognitive impairment impacting various abilities such as memory, perception, and judgment (Carlson, 2014). Physical causes such as brain trauma or strokes, alongside other neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, can contribute to its onset (Carlson, 2014).

Early signs of dementia may include simple forgetfulness, like missing appointments or misplacing items, but can progress to severe memory loss, such as forgetting familiar locations or even one’s own identity (Carlson, 2014). Detecting Alzheimer’s early is crucial. Genetic predispositions and asymmetrical brain structures, identified through comparative MRI imaging, may offer insights into future risks (Mayo Clinic, 2019).

Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Brain Structure and Function

Alzheimer’s profoundly affects brain function, particularly targeting the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, essential 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 lead to symptoms like paranoia, anxiety, and hallucinations (University of Queensland, 2019).

Effects of Brain Changes on Learning and Memory

As Alzheimer’s progresses, 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 hindering information processing (Whitehouse, Maurer & Ballenger, 2000). The disease affects various memory types, from short-term to procedural, leading to language difficulties and task completion challenges (Holger, 2013).

PSY FPX 7310 Assessment 3 Alzheimer’s disease

Behavioral Impacts of Brain Changes

Alzheimer’s alters behavior significantly, manifesting in emotional instability and aggression due to amygdala damage (Page, 2019). Frontal lobe damage contributes to impulsive actions or obsessive-compulsive behaviors (Holger, 2013). These changes often occur without external triggers, affecting patients’ interactions and daily routines (Holger, 2013).

Recent Advances in Alzheimer’s Research

Recent studies focus on early diagnosis through biomarkers, aiming to identify hippocampal atrophy and genetic risk factors like Apolipoprotein E4 (ApolE4) (Holger, 2013). Cognitive training techniques and targeted treatments offer hope for managing symptoms and delaying cognitive decline (Holger, 2013).

Professional Relevance of Research Findings

Understanding the latest findings on Alzheimer’s disease equips professionals with valuable insights for diagnosis and treatment planning. Biomarker identification and genetic risk assessment 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.

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

PSY FPX 7310 Assessment 3 Alzheimer’s disease

University of Queensland. (2019). What causes dementia? Retrieved from https://qbi.uq.edu.au/dementia/dementia-causes-and-treatment