Glossary
Acetylcholinesterase
An enzyme that degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Usually found in high concentrations at synapses, and it has a high catalytic activity.
Amyloid Plaques
Abnormal cluster of alluminium and amyloid protein fragments, believed to cause a loss of neurons in the brain.
Atrophy
The rapid decrease in size of a component due to disease or damage.
Axons
Long structures found on nerve cells used to send information throughout your body.
Central Nervous System
The nerves and ganglia found within the brain and spinal cord.
Cerebral Cortex
Outer-most layer and consists of a collection of nerves that acts as the main control centre and infrormation processing centre.
Depression
A common mental illness which makes the sufferer feel extremely sad, hopeless and worthless.
Hyperphosphorylation
When a molecule is completely phosphorylated, when all the phosphorylation sites are occupied.
Microtubules
A component of the cell cytoskeleton, involved in mitosis and vesicular transport.
Mutation
A change in DNA that alters the gene (and therefore the protein) it is encoded in.
Neurofibrillary Tangles
Abnormal protein deposits/filaments found inside neurons in brain cells.
Neurotransmitter
Is a chemical substance that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse, the space between nerve cells.
Peripheral Nervous System
Nerves and ganglia found outside of the brain and spinal cord.