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ADEAR Center staff answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources. NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date. Key Biological Processes in the Brain Most neurons have three basic parts: a cell body, multiple dendrites, and an axon. Dendrites are branch-like structures that extend from the cell body and collect information from other neurons.

The axon is a cable-like structure at the end of the cell body opposite the dendrites and transmits messages to other neurons. The function and survival of neurons depend on several key biological processes: Communication.

Neurons are constantly in touch with neighboring brain cells. When a neuron receives signals from other neurons, it generates an electrical charge that travels down the length of its axon and releases neurotransmitter chemicals across a tiny gap, called a synapse. Like a key fitting into a lock, each neurotransmitter molecule then binds to specific receptor sites on a dendrite of a nearby neuron.

This process triggers chemical or electrical signals that either stimulate or inhibit activity in the neuron receiving the signal. Communication often occurs across networks of brain cells. Metabolism—the breaking down of chemicals and nutrients within a cell—is critical to healthy cell function and survival. To perform this function, cells require energy in the form of oxygen and glucose, which are supplied by blood circulating through the brain.

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It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Main Content. Important Phone Numbers. Top of the page. Shakersain B, et al. An active lifestyle reinforces the effect of a healthy diet on cognitive function: A population-based longitudinal study. Dauvilliers Y, et al. REM sleep behaviour disorder. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. Spira AP, et al. Impact of sleep on the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Current Opinion in Psychiatry.

Riggin EA. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Graff-Radford J expert opinion. Alzheimer's disease dementia adult. Mayo Clinic; Livingston G, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: report of the Lancet commission.

The Lancet. Palmqvist S, et al. Discriminative accuracy of plasma phospho-tau for Alzheimer disease vs other neurodegenerative disorders. Alzheimer's disease research centers. Accessed Dec. World Health Organization. FDA's decision to approve new treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed June 8, Related Alzheimer's Alzheimer's disease: Can exercise prevent memory loss?

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Medical professionals and members of the Alzheimer's Association say they support the FDA decision to limit use of the new drug Aduhelm. Aaron S. Researchers say constant stress can disrupt biological processes in the brain, possibly leading to the development of dementia symptoms. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Does Alzheimer's Do to the Brain? Medically reviewed by Timothy J.

Legg, Ph. Plaque Cause or effect? This impairment can lead to symptoms that include: forgetfulness difficulty with time language problems inability to recognize loved ones.