Abstract
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most prevalent form of dementia in the world. As age is the greatest risk factor for the disease, global life-expectancy increases have led far to greater prevalence of AD worldwide, and it continues to increase through today. This literature review study investigated known mechanisms of Alzheimer’s Disease and intervention methods that may contribute to greater resilience against the onset and severity of Alzheimer’s. The first chapter of this review study is focused on assessing the pathological characteristics and mechanisms associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. Failures in antioxidant defense mechanisms and dysfunction of mitochondrial DNA are highlighted as contributing factors associated with the development of Alzheimer’s. The second chapter of this study reviews endogenous brain reserve and resilience and cognitive reserve and resilience as tools to protect against the onset of Alzheimer’s pathology. Additionally, the second chapter reviews dietary, physical, and cognitive intervention methods which have been documented to combat some physiological dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s pathology and bolster an individual’s brain/cognitive reserve and resilience. The depression of the stress response brought upon by several of the physical interventions paired with dietary interventions throughout life may be the key to withstanding the devastating impacts of Alzheimer’s Disease. Further research in the form of longitudinal studies is required to further investigate the efficacy of these intervention methods as preventative measures in tandem with another as a dynamic, non-pharmacological method to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias.
Advisor
Herzmann, Grit
Second Advisor
Stavnezer, Amy Jo
Department
Neuroscience
Recommended Citation
Dehoorne, Marc R., "Building Resistance: An Examination Of Characteristics And Mechanisms Of Alzheimer's Disease And Intervention Methods Which Can Provide Resilience Against Alzheimer's Pathology" (2022). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 9657.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/9657
Disciplines
Alternative and Complementary Medicine | Nervous System Diseases | Psychiatric and Mental Health
Publication Date
2022
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2022 Marc R. Dehoorne