TED-Ed: What is Alzheimer's disease? - Ivan Seah Yu Jun

Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of dementia, affects millions globally. Discovered by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1901, it is characterized by plaques and tangles in the brain, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. The disease progresses through various brain regions, causing symptoms like mood changes and hallucinations. Current research focuses on slowing progression, with treatments targeting acetylcholine breakdown and potential vaccines against plaques. Despite over a century of study, a cure remains elusive.

Who first identified the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?

• Dr. Ivan Pavlov

• Dr. Carl Jung

• Dr. Sigmund Freud

• Dr. Alois Alzheimer

What are the sticky proteins that form plaques in the brain?

• Beta-amyloid

• Alpha-synuclein

• Prions

• Tau

Which part of the brain is first affected by Alzheimer's disease?

• Occipital lobe

• Cerebellum

• Frontal lobe

• Hippocampus

What is one of the first symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?

• Speech difficulties

• Loss of motor skills

• Short-term memory loss

• Long-term memory loss

What is a current focus of Alzheimer's research?

• Finding a complete cure

• Studying the genetic causes

• Slowing the progression of the disease

• Developing new diagnostic tools