Which of the following is a factor linked to Alzheimer’s disease?
The presence of two X chromosomes.
Deposits of protein in the brain.
Overly-dense neural connections.
Deficiency in dopamine-producing neurons.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: Deposits of protein in the brain.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior. One of the key characteristics of Alzheimer’s is the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, which disrupt normal brain function. The two main types of proteins involved are amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles.
Amyloid-beta plaques are clumps of protein that form outside neurons in the brain. These plaques accumulate between nerve cells and can interfere with communication between the cells, which is critical for normal cognitive functions. It is believed that these plaques also trigger inflammation in the brain, further contributing to neuronal damage.
Tau tangles, on the other hand, are twisted fibers of another protein that form inside brain cells. Tau normally helps to stabilize the structure of neurons, but in Alzheimer’s, it becomes altered and forms tangles that disrupt the transport of nutrients and other essential molecules within neurons. This breakdown leads to cell death and brain shrinkage, which contributes to the cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer’s patients.
While other factors, such as age and genetics, also play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s, the presence of these abnormal protein deposits is considered one of the primary hallmarks of the disease. As the plaques and tangles spread throughout the brain, they interfere with cognitive functions, ultimately leading to the severe memory loss and disorientation characteristic of the disease.
Other options listed, such as overly-dense neural connections or dopamine deficiency, are not directly linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Dopamine deficiencies, for example, are more associated with conditions like Parkinson’s disease.