Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes memory loss and cognitive decline. It is the most common cause of dementia. The causes of Alzheimer's include abnormal protein accumulation in the brain that form plaques and tangles. Early symptoms include memory loss and difficulty completing tasks, which progress to include mood changes, confusion, and withdrawal. Diagnosis involves assessing medical history, cognitive abilities, neurological functions, and brain imaging. Current treatments cannot stop the disease but aim to manage symptoms through cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists, and lifestyle interventions.

1. Alzheimer's
Disease
Presented by- Himanshu Panchal
M.Pharm(Semester II)
Pharmacology
RV Northland Institute
(Pharmacy),Greater Noida UP

2. Contents
• Introduction
• Causes and Symptoms
• Comparison Between Normal And
Affected Condition
• Diagnosis and Assessment
• Current Treatment Approaches

3. Introduction
•Alzheimer's disease is a common neurological disorder that
primarily affects the brain's cognitive functions, including memory,
thinking, and behavior.
•It's the most common cause of dementia, a general term for a
decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.
•Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over
time.
•It affects people of all races and backgrounds.
•Although most common in older adults, it can also affect younger
individuals (early-onset Alzheimer's).

4. Causes and Symptoms
• Causes of Alzheimer's:
• Alzheimer's is caused by abnormal changes in the brain. These
changes include the accumulation of protein fragments known as
beta-amyloid plaques and twisted tangles of another protein
called tau.
• Symptoms of Alzheimer's:
• Early symptoms include:
• Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
• Difficulty planning or solving problems.
• Confusion about time or place.
• As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
• Trouble completing familiar tasks.
• Changes in mood and personality.
• Withdrawal from friends and family.

5. Comparison Between Normal And Affected
Condition

7. Diagnosis and Assessment
• Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is essential for optimizing
care and planning for the future. Diagnosis involves a
comprehensive assessment that includes:
• Medical History: Understanding the individual's medical history and
any cognitive changes over time.
• Cognitive Tests: Administering standardized tests to assess
memory, thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Neurological Examinations: Assessing reflexes, coordination, and
sensory functions.
• Brain Imaging: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron
Emission Tomography (PET) scans can reveal brain changes
associated with Alzheimer's, such as atrophy and abnormal protein
deposition.

8. Current Treatment Approaches
• While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, current treatments
aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life:
• Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Drugs like donepezil, rivastigmine, and
galantamine can temporarily improve cognitive function by
increasing levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in
memory and learning.
• NMDA Receptor Antagonist: Memantine helps regulate glutamate,
another neurotransmitter linked to learning and memory.
• Lifestyle Interventions: Engaging in regular physical exercise,
maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty
acids, and staying mentally active can potentially slow cognitive
decline.

9. Presented by –Himanshu Panchal
Thanking You All