Date of Defense

5-31-2017

Date of Graduation

4-2017

Department

Biological Sciences

First Advisor

Charles Ide

Second Advisor

John Jellies

Abstract

This literary review examines some genes and proteins such as presenilin 1 presenilin 2, amyloid precursor protein, and apolipoprotein E, and Tau that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It also delves into four causal hypotheses for Alzheimer’s disease: the oxidative stress-induced AD cascade hypothesis, the copper-2 hypothesis, the amyloid cascade hypothesis, and the type II diabetes mellitus hypothesis. It further explains some of the current ways of diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and its different forms; symptoms that have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease; and the different demographics of Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, different treatments, preventions, risks, and current research for Alzheimer’s disease is reviewed.

Overall, Alzheimer’s has been shown to affect non-Hispanic white populations between the ages of 75-85 years old the most (Herbert et al. 2003, Plassman et al. 2007, Herbert et al 2013). Significant contributors to the disease included type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and diets high in saturated and trans-unsaturated fats (Luchsinger et al. 2001, Morris et al. 2003, & Elias et al. 2004). A number of studies have found that a healthy diet that includes a moderate amount of fish, continued physical exercise, and continued mental exercise may help decrease the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia (Wang et al. 2006, Feart et al. 2010, &Kivipelto & Håkansson 2017).

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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