• Question: Can you explain you explain to me in detail how Alzheimer’s disease is actually caused?

    Asked by Charls to Ria, Rachel on 10 Nov 2016. This question was also asked by nanuluc, 375brng26.
    • Photo: Rachel Harris

      Rachel Harris answered on 10 Nov 2016:

      Alzheimer’s disease is caused by nerve cells in the brain dying. In Alzheimer’s disease the nerve cells die in the part of the brain responsible for making new memories (the hippocampus) first. This causes problems with memory. The nerve cell death then spreads around the brain causing more changes in brain function, such as with personality or movement.

      Two different proteins, that are normally present in the brain, are found clumped together in the Alzheimer’s disease brain. These proteins are called ‘tau’ and ‘amyloid’. It’s thought that when they form clumps they stop nerve cells being able to function properly and they begin to die.

      It’s important to remember there’s lots we don’t know about how Alzheimer’s disease is caused. That’s why there are lots of people still doing research to try and understand what’s happening.

      Watch this video if you want to find out more about how Alzheimer’s is caused – http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/game-thrones-star-iwan-rheon-voices-thought-provoking-dementia-animation/

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