Date of Award

Spring 5-20-2023

Document Type

Honors Project

University Scholars Director

Dr. Christine Chaney

First Advisor/Committee Member

Dr. Phillip Baker

Second Advisor/Committee Member

Dr. John Douglass

Keywords

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, neurodegeneration, Aducanumab, Lecanemab

Abstract

As the population continues to age and the burden on our care system grows, it is urgent to understand, treat, and cure Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Despite decades of research, there is currently no known cause for the development of dementia or AD. There are two prominent explanations currently dominant in neuroscience: amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. I will delve into the hypotheses and definitions of each of these pathologies and specifically address how they affect overall neural activity that is proposed to result in the neurodegenerative symptoms of AD. I will also discuss the recent research surrounding biomarkers, age-related neurodegeneration, and genetics and their correlations to an AD diagnosis. Finally, I will reflect on the findings of the new Seattle Alzheimer’s Disease Brain Cell Atlas. The intention is to present a comprehensive overview and holistic understanding of this geriatric pandemic in an effort to identify specific areas that warrant further exploration to advance prevention strategies and find a cure.

Comments

A project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Honors Liberal Arts

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Additional Rights Information

Copyright held by author.

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