Alzheimers Disease - Most Common Type of Dementia and is Currently Incurable - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 977 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2019/04/12 Category Medicine Essay Level High school Tags: Alzheimer's Disease Essay Did you like this example? It effects approximately 5.5 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death in elderly individuals. The disease is caused by a plaque formation of amyloid beta (A) in the brain. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimers disease however there are five FDA approved drugs to slow the progression of Alzheimers disease. Research into this disease has conventionally focused on the CNS, however, several peripheral and systemic abnormalities are now understood to be linked to AD. This has led to pursuit of understanding how altercations can contribute to AD and the creation of therapies and treatments to prevent them from occurring. As, dementia carries significant implications for patients, their families, and our society, it is imperative to determine the cause and pathway of this disease. More research focused on finding and understanding what triggers the initiation of A plaque production in the brain can lead to the discovery of a treatment for this condition. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Alzheimers Disease Most Common Type of Dementia and is Currently Incurable" essay for you Create order An imbalance between the production and clearance of A is an early, an often initiating, factor in Alzheimers disease. Previous studies focused on targeting amyloid-A formation as a hopeful treatment of Alzheimers disease. One study attempted to regulate amyloid beta formation via immunotherapy. Amyloid-A targeting antibodies were used to prevent the formation of amyloid beta plaques, a hallmark condition of Alzheimers disease. Mouse models were used to study two different antibodies against amyloid beta formation. Results indicated a decrease in A production, an increase in hyperactivity in the cortical area, and persisting neuronal dysfunction. The increase in hyperactivity indicated neuronal synchrony, a positive indication, and so, research was redirected to finding a treatment for the neuronal dysfunction. An experiment with monoclonal antibody, 3D6 and mice resulted in a decrease of A formation in the brain, also a positive indication. Research focus was then shifted again to d etermine whether if neuronal dysfunction could be treated prior to plaque formation, in the earlier stages of Alzheimers disease. Increased hyperactivity was observed upon administration of 3D6 antibody to the mice, this indicated that antibody 3D6 exhibited a pro-excitatory effect that is dependent on the over expression of APP. Results also showed that mice treated for 5 months with exhibited reduced amounts of amyloid plaque production however this amount of reduction was less than what was observed compared to treatment with 3D6. Treatment with 3D6 provided a consistent affect of reduced aggravation. A 3-month study with antibodies to see if they also provided a consistent affect was performed.1 Results implied an increase in hyperactivity in the cortical area, but overall had no large impact on treatment performance. A conclusion was drawn that the reduction in amyloid beta plaque formation contributes to the aggravation of neuronal impairments. An additional study based on the role inflammation on the amyloid-antibodies responsible for hyperactivity was performed. Results demonstrated that inflammatory reactions did not affect levels of, nor had a role in the level of hyperactivity observed in the cortical region of the brain. The compilation of the studies concluded that the treatment of amyloid beta plaques with antibodies to A did not treat neural dysfunction but in fact worsened it. Further research, investigate to the repair of neuronal dysfunction needs to be performed. BRCA1 has been determined to be central to learning and retaining memories. Gladstone researchers theorized that the cycle of DNA damage and repair in the brain is what facilitates the learning process.5 Decreased levels of this protein is exhibited in patients with Alzheimers disease and leads to degeneration of cognitive function, which is a hallmark symptom of the pathology. Amyloid beta plaque formation can be associated with proteins such as BRCA1 and presenilin 1 expression, which would explain why neural dysfunction is present despite the inhibition of amyloid beta plaques and an increase in hyperactivity in cortical regions of the brain. This also reaffirms previous studies suggesting that impairment of neurons involved in cognitive processing can be present despite significant increases in hyperactivity and hyperexcitation in the cortical regions. This research provides insight as to how to stop the formation of amyloid beta plaques and also creates a foundation into why neu ronal dysfunction is still present. Intracellular tau protein tangles have also been indicated as a biomarker in the molecular pathogenesis and studies have indicated that AD is most likely an amyloid-enabled tauopathy and amyloid plaque production defines the stage of the disease.4 This is a significant finding because Taus function is in the assembly and stabilization of microtubule structure. Studies based on the role of tau in neurodegeneration presents a therapeutic target for the pathology in addition to the measurement of amyloid-A plaques. Other studies have focused on alterations of local neuronal circuits, due to amyloid plaques, and the role they play in Alzheimers disease. Soluble A oligomers and amyloid plaques alter neuronal circuits and other networks by disrupting the balance of synaptic excitation and inhibition (E/I balance) in the brain. It was discovered that hyperactivity in cortical regions precede the formation of amyloid A plaque formation and could be the reason neuronal dysfunction persists despite inhibition of A plaque formation. Therapies that can correct the E/I balance during the extended early phase of AD may prevent neuronal dysfunction, cell loss and cognitive impairments associated with later stages of AD. Moving forward we can expect a shift in focus, prioritizing intervention at the synaptic level prior to neuron degeneration is promising in the study of Alzheimers disease and prevention. Identifying signals of declining synaptic health is vital to establishing measurable biomarkers to help identify the onset of AD. Biomarkers currently being researched are amyloid beta and tau proteins, however a note of importance is placed on identifying reliable early detection methods because early diagnosis gives the patient access to treatments to slow the progression of neuronal degeneration. This can provide retention of cognitive abilities, a better quality of life and a longer survival period after diagnosis.

Stem Cell Research is an Assault on Life Essay example

Throughout the history of the cloning debate, no Administration of either party funded a research project that relies on destroying live human embryos - until President Bush in 2001 authorized limited funding for such. The Clinton Administrations plans to do so were delayed by public opposition, then halted for good reason by the Bush Administration. The federal government has now decided to partially implement the National Institutes of Healths guidelines for embryonic stem cell research. This has opened the door to broader assaults on innocent human life in the name of research. Congress and this Administration in a limited way endorse the principle that alleged research benefits outweigh the inviolable dignity of innocent human†¦show more content†¦By implementing these guidelines, the federal government would encourage researchers to conduct destructive embryo experiments that are punishable as felonies in some states.(3) This proposal is immoral because it violates a central tenet of all civilized codes on human experimentation beginning with the Nuremberg Code: It approves doing deadly harm to a member of the human species solely for the sake of potential benefit to others. The embryos to be destroyed by researchers in this campaign are at the same stage of development as embryos in the womb who have been protected as human subjects in federally funded research since 1975.(4) President Clintons National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC) and its 1994 predecessor, the NIH Human Embryo Research Panel, conceded that the early human embryo is a form of developing human life that deserves our respect(5). Treating human life as mere research material is no way to show respect. Finally, this proposal is unnecessary because adult stem cells and other alternatives are already achieving some of the goals for which embryonic stem cells have been proposed, and new clinical uses are constantly being discovered.(6) In our view, human life deserves full respect and protection at every stageShow MoreRelatedStem Cell Success or Moral Dilemma Essay1599 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Stem cell research saved my life!† For some this is true, and for others its a moral infringement. For many religious groups this has been a very controversial, unethical way for scientist to commit murder in the name of science. On the contrary for those riddled with diseases its a chance at a new life. Scientist have come so far over the last few decades in their research, if we now stopped researching stem cell therapy, it would be an enfeeblement to medical technology. It is very importantRead MoreThe Debate Concerning Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay1406 Words   |  6 Pagesembryonic stem cell research. The embryonic stem cell debate has polarized the country into those who argue that such research holds promises of ending a great deal of human suffering and others who condemn such research as involving the abortion of a potential human life. If any answer to the ethical debate surrounding this particular aspect of stem cell research exists, it is a hazy one at best. The question facing many scientists and policymakers involved in embryonic stem cell research is, whichRead More The Government should NOT Fund Stem Cell Research Essay899 Words   |  4 PagesThe Government should NOT Fund Stem Cell Research Stem cells look to be nothing more than a hollow sphere composed of a clump of tiny, roundish balls. In reality, they are much more than that. Those 40 cells contain all the potential to become a living, breathing human being. Many scientists believe that these cells also have the potential to cure a myriad of diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and many others. The cells of the four day old human embryoRead MoreDna Fingerprinting Is Not All The Title1533 Words   |  7 Pagesmatter of biological aspects of your body and how they can reveal secretive information about you. You may have heard the phrase â€Å"No two fingerprints are alike†. During fetus development, stem cells settle into unique ridges and valleys that make up what we perceive as fingerprints. The chances of these stem cells settling in the exact same location and pattern is extremely rare. Thus, our fingerprints are unique. This uniqueness allows the government the ability to identify an individual based onRead MoreThe Human Being Is The Most Sophisticated Organism On The Planet1458 Words   |  6 Pagesstated the job of the body is to clean and heal the body to increase the longevity and its quality of life. Now th e body heals everything the same way, but its reaction depends on the structure or organ that becomes injured. For example if your body is cut, it bleeds, this begins the inflammatory process initiated by this â€Å"insult or injury† scar tissue is summoned to the injured area, and new cells replace the damaged tissue and within about 6 weeks the injured area is returned to somewhat normal,Read MoreThe Controversial Issue Of Abortion1571 Words   |  7 Pagescatalyzes many disagreements on whether a woman is destroying a human life or not. This type of controversy that follows abortion affects almost every field it touches, including politics. Evidently, this often forces women to choose between their personal preferences and religious beliefs. This ongoing issue still presents many reasons that drive the adherents of the Catholic and Islamic faiths to believe that ceasing the life of an unborn fetus, is immoral. The members of the Roman Catholic ChurchRead MoreThe Ethical Debate of Embryonic Stem Cell Research2359 Words   |  10 PagesStem cell research is often at the forefront of heated ethical debates due to its assessment of human life. If stem cell research cannot be ethically defended, then it should not be conducted. â€Å"You cannot defend a study ethically unless the presumed cost is lower than expected benefits. The cost-benefit analysis of scientific research needs to include human/animal discomfort/risks, environmental issues, material costs, etc† which is necessary to support the positive outcome which the research claimsRead MoreLiberalism Vs. Liberalism.2643 Words   |  11 PagesConservatism vs. liberalism Contents I. Opening Conservative VS liberal II. Abortion III. Gun control IV. War on terror V. Immigration VI. Embryonic stem cell research I. Conservative VS liberal In the United States there are two separate and very different parties that believe how the government should be ran. The conservatives and the liberals. The conservatives believe in a limited government with a sense of personal responsibility. They want a government with free marketsRead MoreEssay Stem Cell Research is Illegal, Immoral and Unnecessary2593 Words   |  11 PagesStem Cell Research is Illegal, Immoral and Unnecessary    President Bushs limited federal funding of research relying on the destruction of human embryos violates federal statutory law. Christians have grieved for many years over the assault on unborn human life set loose upon our nation by the Supreme Courts Roe v. Wade decision. Even that decision, however, did not affect all areas of law where lawmakers seek to protect developing human life. Because they are not covered by the CourtsRead MoreEssay on Diabetes898 Words   |  4 PagesDiabetes Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that occurs when the body is unable to produce or respond to insulin, a hormone that allows blood glucose to enter the cells of the body and generate the bodys energy (Ebony, 115). Diabetes is a disease that affects approximately 3% of the world population. In American alone, 10.3 million people report having diabetes, while an estimated 10 million more individuals may have undiagnosed diabetes (Morwessel, 540). The gene for diabetes is located

Boy in Stripped Pyjamas free essay sample

A child, without question, would view what happens at Auschwitz as wrong. While adults may place rationalization upon justification to it, a childs viewpoint is direct and simple about it. When Pavel gets beaten (and possibly dies) for spilling a drink on Lieutenant Kotler, Bruno questions why no one stood up for him and stopped it. To an adult, they would make up some explanation as to why he was beaten which would be, because Pavel was a servant (possibly a Jew) and he got done to him what he deserved. But to a child, to be beaten for such a simple thing was wrong. If Bruno had done the same thing, the most he could have gotten was a slap on the wrist. But in reality, it was much worse. Brunos curiosity is what led him to enter an Out-of-Bounds and No Exceptions territory, the fence. This led to Shmuel and their friendship. We will write a custom essay sample on Boy in Stripped Pyjamas or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Because of their friendship, the author can also describe the horrors inside the camp not just as it is living outside. For example, when Shmuel is ordered to polish the glasses, he was caught stealing food and when Shmuel and Bruno met once again, there was evidence that he was beaten as a punishment. If Bruno was never friends with Shmuel, he would never have been able to guess what would be happening in the camp, and the readers could only leave everything up to their imagination. Though Bruno kept his innocence throughout the whole book, even as they were being gassed, he was still holding Shmuels hand as they were together, holding their friendship. Brunos innocence and his friendship with Shmuel shows how friendship can flourish even if they were just two nine year olds trying to make sense of their surroundings. They neither had the education nor the instinct to determine the situation that was surrounding them, which was the holocaust. But in the end, they were just among the millions of innocent people caught up in it. Bruno and Shmuel helped the author to portray the holocaust in an positive view by taking two people, from different backgrounds and placed hem in the same place separated by a fence and made them the most best friends. To summarise, Brunos innocence and his friendship with Bruno help the author write about the holocaust because his innocence is unprejudiced and naive, he sees what he sees. His friendship with Shmuel would also help a lot because not only does it display both sides, how the holocaust affects the Germans as well as the Nazis, it also helps the author to add a little positive influence which is to even in hard times, good things can happen.

Solar Energy Essays (1378 words) - Renewable Energy,

Solar Energy Ever since the dawn of time, the sun has been a resource we cannot live or do without, so its not such a shock that man has come up with the idea of solar energy. Solar energy had many uses. Some can be dangerous and some, a very valuable asset to the modern world. Solar energy is energy derived from the sun in a form of ultra-violet rays. Its was first applied to use in 212 B.C., by the Greek genius Archimedes. Solar energy was used to defend the habor of Syracuse against the Roman fleet. Archimedes used a mirror or "burning mirror" as they had called it, to set fire to the ships of the Roman fleets while standing on shore (McDaniels 83). It wasn't until 1615 when Salomon de Caux constructed the first solar device; a solar engine. His device was made of glass lenses, supporting frame, and an airtight metal vessel containing water and air. This produced a small water fountain when the air heated up during operation. This was considered to be more of a toy than a device, but it was the first published account of the use of solar energy since the fall of the Roman Empire (Cheremisinoff 1). Some other use of solar energy after that was the solar roof and the solar oven. The solar roof was thought up by Harold Hay. In a solar roof system, water is contained in a clear plastic bag and it is placed on a black metal roof. Hay got the idea while traveling in India on a technical aid mission for the U.S government. While there, he noticed that many people were living in rusty, sheet metal shacks, which were hot in the day and cold at night. Hay's plan was to remove the insulation from the roof on winter days so that the roof would get hot, and Replacing the insulation at night to allow the shack to be warm through the night. Then in the summer, he would so the reverse of what he did in winter to let the house cool at night and replacing the insulation in the daytime to block out the heat. Then over the years, Hay and a man named John Yellott constructed a 3- by 3.7-m building using water basins as the actual roofing material. During the summer, a slab of foam insulation was rolled back at night, and the water would become cold through the night sky evaporation. Since the water supply sat directly on a metal ceiling, it absorbed the heat from the room and kept the building air-conditioned all day. During the winter, the movable insulation was rolled back in the daytime which allowed for it to collect heat. This generated enough heat into the house through the ceiling at night to keep the room comfortable (McDaniels 179-181). Then there was the solar cooker. Developed by Augustin Mouchot in France and by John Ericsson in the United States in the nineteenth century. They wanted to develop a solar cooker that not only reached high temperatures, but also was to be used as a means of heat storage enabling food to be cooked after sundown. Mouchot built a solar steam engine that operated a printing press in Paris in 1882. In the United States, John Ericsson invented what he called the "Ericsson-cycle" which was a hot-air engine for the making of solar heat. The sun's rays would be concentrated with the use of a parabolic reflector, which was designed to track the sun across the sky in order to keep a constant power output. (McPhillips 86-89) There was also the solar oven. In 1837, and astronomer from England named John Fredrick Herschel introduced to the world a solar oven. He built a small solar oven while on a trip to Africa's Cape of Good Hope. He constructed it as a mahogany, painted it black and buried it in the sand for purposes of insulation. a doubled-glazed cover, which was the only portion of the oven left exposed, serve to limit heat losses through the top, while at the same time, letting in sunlight. The maximum temperature of the oven was of about 240 degree F and it was used throughout his expedition by him and his staff to cook both meat and vegetables (Regino 5). Not all solar energy inventions and discoveries were good. Some solar energy is dangerous. One for example would be lasers. Laser, an electromagnetic wave that is made up of excited atoms. It