Nearly five million people in the U.S. suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, which causes a progressive decline in a person’s memory and cognitive faculties. Scientists do not know precisely what causes Alzheimer’s. But here is what neurologists do know:
Plaque Buildup
A hallmark sign of Alzheimer’s is beta-amyloid plaque buildup. Beta-amyloid is a critical brain protein; it is known to begin clumping and congealing long before symptoms appear. After a while, the plaque blocks signals between nerve cells.
Dying Cells
In healthy brains, tau protein protects structures called microtubules. Microtubules transport much-needed nutrients to neurological cells. Alzheimer’s causes the tau protein threads to get tangled. This inhibits the flow or nutrients, and starving cells begin to die.
Lost Connections
The buildup of plaque in Alzheimer’s messes with signaling across neurological pathways. It also causes an imbalance of critical chemicals called neurotransmitters. As a result the brain loses track of thoughts, memories, feelings, and rationality.
Inflammation
Beta-amyloid plaque can set off an excessive reaction from microglia, the brain’s first line of immune defense. The resulting inflammation can harm cells even more.
Shrinking of the Brain
In later stages of Alzheimer’s, the surface of the cerebrum shrinks dramatically, undermining even basic cognitive functioning. Alzheimer’s also shrinks the hippocampus, which contributes to the creation of new memories.
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Source: http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/alzheimers-and-brain#1
