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 neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and confusion. One of the key pathological features of Alzheimer’s is the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain. These deposits consist of two main proteins: amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles.
Amyloid-beta plaques are clumps of protein that form between nerve cells and disrupt their communication. These plaques accumulate over time and contribute to the damage of neurons. Tau tangles, on the other hand, form inside nerve cells and interfere with the cell’s ability to transport nutrients and other essential materials. Together, these protein deposits disrupt the normal functioning of the brain and lead to the progressive symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
The presence of two X chromosomes is not directly linked to Alzheimer’s disease, though women are at a higher risk of developing the disease. This is likely due to hormonal factors and the increased lifespan of women, which provides more time for the disease to develop. Overly-dense neural connections are also not a recognized factor in Alzheimer’s. Instead, the loss of neural connections and synaptic failure is a more accurate description of what occurs as the disease progresses. Deficiency in dopamine-producing neurons, often seen in Parkinson’s disease, is not a hallmark of Alzheimer’s, which primarily involves the dysfunction of other areas of the brain.
In conclusion, the abnormal buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain is the primary factor associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This pathological feature disrupts normal brain function, leading to cognitive impairments that worsen over time.