Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia. This battle aims to pick out a few juicy facts for MRCP; http://alzheimers.org.uk/ can provide more in-depth information if you are interested.
The earliest symptom of AD is typically forgetfulness.
5% of cases are autosomal dominant, with chromosomes 1, 14, 19 and 21 implimented.
After age, apoE4 (chromosome 19) is the most significant risk factor for AD.
Beta amyloid plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau protein tangles are found within neurones post-mortem.
The density of the tangles can correlate with the severity of the dementia.
Hippocampal atrophy is prominant.
Cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine are licensed for patients with a MMSE of between 10 and 20.
Memantine (an antiglutamatergic) may be useful in severe AD.
As Bugs Bunny would say, thhhhatttttts alll folllkkkksss.... until tomorrow!
