Biochem Extra credit video

1. Case study
By: Kayla Hoistad

2. Consider the following patient:
 Brittany is 72 year-old female who presents with frequent forgetfulness. She often
becomes confused and challenged. Her family has recently noticed her struggling with
daily tasks and simple problem solving.

3. What is your initial diagnosis for Brittany?

4. What tests would you conduct to confirm
your diagnosis for Brittany?

5. Diagnosis:
 Brittany is diagnosed with Alzheimer's
 Tests confirming diagnosis:
 Medical examination
 Mental status testing
 Physical and neurological exam
 Blood testing and brain imaging to rule out other diseases such as dementia
 Definite testing for Alzheimer's can only be done after death via autopsy of brain tissue

7. What is Alzheimer’s?
 Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease in which brain cells die, leading to memory loss and
cognitive decline.
 Brain size shrinks with Alzheimer’s
 Age and genetics play a role the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's
 Risk gene’s – increase the likelihood of development
 Deterministic gene’s – directly cause disease
 Chromosome’s linked to Alzheimers:
 Amyloid Precursor protein (APP)
 Presenilin – 1 (PS-1)
 Presenilin – 2 (PS-2)
 Apolipoprotein E-e4 (APOE4)

9. Treatment
o Cholinesterase inhibitors: Work by boosting levels of cell to cell communication by supplying a
neurotransmitter to help bring back the communication that is lost when having Alzheimer's.
o Memantine: Another cell communication drug that can help reduce symptoms for people with
severe cases of Alzheimer's.
o Adapting a safe living environment can be a very important part in treatment.
o Minimizing strenuous activities which involve memory demanding tasks can make life easier.

10. References
 http://www.alz.org/10-signs-symptoms-alzheimers-dementia.asp
 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159442.php#what_causes_alzheimers_disease
 http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_diagnosis.asp
 http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/19/health/alzheimers-facts-infographic/