WHAT IS THE AMNESIA AND HOW ALZEHMEIRS DISEASE AFECT HIPPOCAMPUS

Answer 1

Amnesia refers to the loss of memory, either partially or completely. It can be temporary or permanent and can be caused by various factors, such as head injuries, strokes, certain medical conditions, or degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and ultimately affects a person's ability to perform daily activities. One of the key areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease is the hippocampus.

The hippocampus is a region in the brain that plays a crucial role in the formation and retrieval of memories. It is responsible for the consolidation of short-term memories into long-term memories. In Alzheimer's disease, the hippocampus is one of the first areas to be affected.

As Alzheimer's progresses, abnormal protein deposits (plaques) and twisted protein fibers (tangles) accumulate in the brain, including the hippocampus. These deposits and tangles disrupt the normal functioning of the hippocampus, leading to the impairment of memory formation and retrieval.

Due to the hippocampus's involvement in memory formation and consolidation, the damage caused by Alzheimer's disease often leads to severe memory loss and difficulties in learning and retaining new information. As the disease progresses, other cognitive functions controlled by the hippocampus, such as spatial awareness and navigation, also become impaired.

It is important to note that Alzheimer's disease is only one potential cause of amnesia, and not all cases of amnesia are related to Alzheimer's. Other forms of amnesia can result from different causes or conditions, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or certain neurological disorders.