Alzheimers Dementia essay

Beta-amyloid affects the cholinergic neurons by disrupting the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, minimizing its levels, and impairing receptor activation (p. In turn, due to the toxic nature of this protein, it causes neurons to degenerate and die, thus the adverse effects on memory and learning. On the other hand, the protein tau is essential in the normal functioning of neurons. This protein is perceived to be indispensable in the formation of microtubules which is significant in guiding molecules and nutrients from the cell body, to the axion, and finally the dendrites. However, the tau protein detaches from the microtubules is attached to other tau molecules. The Effectiveness of AD Treatments Mary’s response is justified for specific reasons. First, standard drugs like those used in old treatment therapies have only worked to slow the progression of the symptoms of AD rather than cure the pathology altogether.

The medications prescribed for this disorder are relied upon to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain. Notably, this occurs by stimulating the release of this neurotransmitter at the synapse as well as inhibiting its breakdown by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase as stated in the book “Dementias” (p. Some of these drugs include donepezil and rivastigmine. For instance, in the case of AD, researchers inject mice with cholinergic antagonists which leads to deficits in memory. However, since acetylcholine is a widespread neurotransmitter in the brain, many cognitive processes and behaviors are affected by the antagonists (p. Notably, this exhibits discrepancies when comparing people with AD with the mouse models used for research because both species such should portray the same symptoms. From this perspective, relying solely on the findings of Landreth and his colleagues and releasing the drug on humans may be detrimental if extensive research is not done to counter such challenges.

Secondly, releasing the drug without further research on its effectiveness on humans with AD is unethical because it might put people’s health in jeopardy. To rule out the effectiveness or ineffectiveness, it is essential to use multiple subjects from diverse populations. Also, other factors such as the social environment and other environmental influences like the role of stress in functioning were not put into consideration to justify the exploration of the possibility as a placebo effect. The report notes that after a while, the man was not able to pay for the bexarotene medication. This aspect alone can have various implications such as increased levels of stress which may, in turn, lead to hormonal changes and ultimately the entire biological system.

Markedly, this is a possible explanation regarding the quick deterioration of cognitive abilities following drug termination. The first chapter of book one illustrates a case of Mary who survived child abuse and is also addicted to heroin. According to her, if the violation had not occurred, she would not be dependent on the drug (Toates, 2010, p. In such instances of addiction, pharmacological treatments can be used to curb the withdrawal symptoms. For example, in the book “Addiction” Toates (2010, p. 103) maintains that Methadone has been used as a substitution drug in the treatment of heroin addiction and acts at the same receptors as heroin but elicits no withdrawal symptoms. However, unlike Mary with no support system, Mark’s wife is devoted to his care.

In both these situations, the role of biology, psychology and social factors are evident and hence should be considered in mental health treatment. For example, in Mary’s case, treating addiction alone will be ineffective and might lead to relapse because she maintains that her childhood abuse has dramatically influenced her situation. On the other hand, even though Mark is distressed abuse his memory loss, he may respond well to treatment because of the support he has unlike someone with other needs of love and affection. Regarding the social circumstances, culture has a significant role to play in mental health and treatment. Subjective experiences can be brought to light through interviews (Toates, 2010, p. Consequently, subjectivity can help to measure the severity of the symptoms which may lead to variations in treatment options.