PSYCHOLOGY

Ted Talk – What you can do to prevent Alzheimer’s

Lisa Genova is a neuroscientist who has spent many years studying Alzheimer’s. She wrote a book called Still Alice which was made into a movie. This story was about a Harvard Professor who develops early onset Alzheimer’s.

Please answer the following questions while watching the Ted Talk.

1. What is amyloid beta and how does it lead to amyloid plaques?

2. How are amyloid plaques related to the development of Alzheimer’s?

3. Dr. Genova discusses risk and protective factors associated with Alzheimer’s:

a. How are genetic factors associated with the development of Alzheimer’s?

b. What happens in the brain when we get a good night’s sleep? How is poor sleep associated with the development of Alzheimer’s?

c. How is cardiovascular health associated with the development of Alzheimer’s?

4. Dr. Genova discusses protective factors as well:

a. How is aerobic exercise associated with Alzheimer’s?

b. What factors are associated with cognitive reserve?

c. How does cognitive reserve appear to be a protective or resilience factor against the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms?