This plaque commemorates Alois Alzheimer. He was the first to discover anatomical changes in the brain of a patient (namely plaques, fibrils and a reduced brain volume), which were typical of the disease that was later named after him. You can find more information about Alois Alzheimer here on the university website.
But what is known about Alzheimer's disease today - and what is not? You can find some interesting information here...
Photo 2.
Did you know that...
● about 1% of the population is affected by Alzheimer's dementia?
● there are different forms of dementia, see illustration:
● On an anatomical level, two mechanisms (beta amyloid plaques & TAU fibrils) contribute to the typical Alzheimer's symptoms of memory impairment, confusion and speech disorders? You can watch a 3D animation here:
● These changes occur first in the hippocampus - the seat of memory - and therefore memory problems already occur in the early stages of Alzheimer's?
● There is still no cure for the disease, as the cause(s) for the occurrence of Alzheimer's have still not been found?
● Alzheimer's is only hereditary to a small extent?
● there are different theories on the development of Alzheimer's?
- Some researchers assume that chronic viral diseases such as hepatitis C, bacteria or fungi could trigger the development of Alzheimer's disease.
- The role of certain metals such as aluminum, which are ingested through food, cosmetics, etc., is also still being discussed, but has not yet been confirmed.
● The onset of Alzheimer's can be partially prevented if the brain continues to be challenged in old age? For example, by learning new information (e.g. a new language), memory exercises, social activities, a healthy diet, physical activity, etc.
Sources
Alzheimer Forschung Initiative e.V.; Link
Bellenguez, C.; Küçükali, F.; Jansen, I. E. et al. (2022). New insights into the genetic etiology of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Nature genetics, 54(4), 412–36.
Shcherbatykh, I.; Carpenter, D. O. (2007). The role of metals in the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Alzheimer’s disease, 11(2), 191–205.
Sochocka, M.; Zwolinska, K.; Leszek, J. (2017). The infectious etiology of Alzheimer’s disease. Current neuropharmacology, 15(7), 996-1009. Link
Photo 2: Sven Griesfeller
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