Neurodegenerative disorders
Next, we'll cover neurodegenerative disorders, which are characterized by the degeneration and death of neurons.
1) First, watch this video:
2) Then, watch this video and read the associated article:
Article: Know Your Brain - Prion Diseases
3) Finally, answer these questions to test your understanding:
1. The infectious agent in prion diseases is thought to be a/an:
- A. virus
- B. environmental toxin
- C. protein
- D. antibody
Show Answer
Correct answer: C
The agent in prion diseases (also called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies) is thought to be a misfolded form of a protein called prion protein, or PrP. This misfolded form of the protein seems to be able to induce other proteins to become abnormally folded, and it has been shown to be able to transmit disease in certain situations.
2. A patient presents with symptoms of blurry vision, weakness in the legs, fatigue, and numbness in the extremities. An MRI shows several areas of her brain where there are white matter lesions, indicating areas of demyelination. Which of the following will she most likely be diagnosed with?
- A. epilepsy
- B. Parkinson's disease
- C. stroke
- D. multiple sclerosis
Show Answer
Correct answer: D
The white matter lesions are a hallmark sign of MS. The disease is characterized by damage to the myelin sheaths surrounding the axons of neurons in the central nervous system. This myelin damage disrupts the conduction of action potentials along these axons, which is thought to cause many of the symptoms of the disease.
3. This neurodegenerative disease is linked to the accumulation of misfolded amyloid beta protein in clusters often called amyloid plaques:
- A. Alzheimer's disease
- B. Parkinson's disease
- C. Huntington's disease
- D. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Show Answer
Correct answer: A
One of the hallmark signs of Alzheimer's disease is the accumulation of misfolded amyloid beta protein in amyloid plaques outside of neurons. It's still uncertain, however, exactly what role these plaques play in the progression of the disease.
4. This neurodegenerative disease primarily causes the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, resulting in difficulty walking, speaking, and even breathing:
- A. Parkinson's disease
- B. Alzheimer's disease
- C. frontotemporal dementia
- D. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Show Answer
Correct answer: D
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of motor function. ALS affects upper motor neurons and lower motor neurons. As these motor neurons stop working, muscles also begin to atrophy; this can eventually lead to respiratory failure, which is often the cause of death in ALS patients.
5. What is the most common neurodegenerative disease?
- A. Alzheimer's disease
- B. Parkinson's disease
- C. multiple sclerosis
- D. Huntington's disease
Show Answer
Correct answer: A
Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease. It affects around 55 million people in the world, and accounts for roughly 60-70% of all cases of dementia.
