![]() ![]() Over the last two decades extensive research and drug development efforts have identified potential new drugs for clearing the build-up of amyloid protein in the brain. However, there are no drugs that delay or halt the loss of neurons. They can help prevent the breakdown of a natural substance in the brain called acetylcholine, which carries signals between neurons. Most of these drugs belong to a class called cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g. Drugs are available that can help with some of the symptoms temporarily, for example by improving memory or the ability to manage everyday tasks. For this reason, Alzheimer’s is known as a neurodegenerative disease. Whatever the exact processes involved, it is clear that as Alzheimer’s progresses, nerve cells, also called neurons, are lost. Tangles may make it difficult for the cells to get the nutrients they need. One theory is that plaques prevent nerve cells inside the brain from communicating properly. Scientists are still exploring whether these plaques and tangles in the brain lead to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s or are a by-product of the disease. Another, known as tau, gets twisted into protein ‘tangles’. One of these proteins, called amyloid beta, clumps together to form ‘plaques’. ![]() The cause of the disease is still unclear, but researchers have found that people affected by Alzheimer’s have an abnormal build-up of certain proteins in the brain. Over time, symptoms such as confusion, mood swings or memory loss develop and become increasingly severe. The first signs of Alzheimer’s often include lapses in memory or struggling to find the right words. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. ![]()
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