Definitive patterns in brain function and size are obvious in Alzheimers brains and as research continues, the more is learned. Most researchers conclude there is a continued need to study Alzheimers brains, as the more they learn, the sooner they may be able to find a cause, other than natural aging, and possibly find a way to reverse the effects of Alzheimers Disease.

Currently, there is no positive test for Alzheimers, and the disease in diagnosed through memory tests, observation and brain scans. While certain known indicators found in brain scans show the disease may be present, a final determination is not made until post-mortem autopsy. However, the findings show Alzheimers brains have lost some areas related to memory, cognition and ability to function as well as having a reduced size. The shrinking of the brain, it is believed to be caused by portions of the brain being lost to the degenerative nature of the disease.

First uncovered in 1901, it was not until 1906 that the brains degenerative disorder was finally decided to be a real disease. However, it did not become known as Alzheimers Disease until the 1990s when the world medical community formally adopted the name, after the German physician who first theorized the loss of brain function with this ailment was different than dementia. Autopsies showed the difference between health brains and Alzheimers brains and how the disease affected people across a range of socio-economic classes.

Nerve Cell And Tissue Death Blamed On Alzheimers

It is the loss of nerve cells and brain tissue that causes the brain to shrink. In Alzheimers brains the cortex shrivels, which is the part of the brain responsible for memory, thinking and planning. Additionally, the hippocampus located in the cortex also shrivels and prevents the brain from forming new memories. The shrinking of this section alone affects past and future memories as well as being able to solve problems.

Dead and dying nerve cells as well as the build up of plaques prevent the brain from successfully transmitting signals to other areas of the brain. A cell transport system is used to provide transportation of food and other proteins through the brain and in microscopic images, resemble railroad tracks. In Alzheimers brains, the tracks appear twisted, which can derail their ability to carry vital supplies to the rest of the brain.

Earliest symptoms of the disease are present when Alzheimers brains fail to recognize signals for memory and planning, and typically expands to the loss of speaking and understanding speech, followed by the inability of the brain to recognize where the body is in relation to other objects.

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