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Biological Influences

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Biological Influences

Neurotransmitters are a special chemical stored in vesicles in the terminal buttons. These buttons are located at the end of the axons. The neurotransmitters are released into the tiny spaces between the neurons called synapse. They carry signals from neuron to the dendrites of the next receiving neuron. (Davis & Palladino, pg 53). The effects of this action can vary depending on the neurotransmitter type and the location of the synapse. Two different outcomes can come out of this. One effect would be the neuron that receives the neurotransmitter might transmit the message to other neurons, which is called excitation. Or, the other effect would be that the neuron receiving the neurotransmitter becomes unlikely to transmit the message to other neurons, which is referred to as inhibition. This can have different effects on the body. Neurotransmitters actually impact our moods, aggression, motor skills, memory, and our sleeping behaviors. Too much or too little of particular neurotransmitters can play havoc with a persons health, and can cause a number of common illnesses. Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter to be discovered. It was found to control the activity with in the areas of the brain that relate to learning, memory, and attention. Acetylcholine also works within the junction of various nerves and skeletal muscles. (Davis & Palladino, pg.55). The muscles in our lungs that keep us breathing would be paralyzed without acetylcholine, and we would die of respiratory failure with out it. A very sad, and devastating disease connected with the low levels of acetylcholine is Alzheimer’s disease. Elderly people are the unfortunate individuals that are afflicted by this disease, but occasionally, there are some younger people in there 50’s that have some variations and tendencies as well. People with Alzheimer’s disease have a progressive memory loss, which eventually completely debilitates them. Alzheimer’s patients need constant and continuous care from beginning to end. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, doctors can prescribe medications to lessen the Alzheimer symptoms like wandering aimlessly, anxiety, sleeplessness, depression, and agitation. There are a few drugs that have been proven so far to slow the cognitive decline. Memantine was the first drug approved to treat moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease. It helps by protecting the healthy brain cells from damage, which is caused by glutamate. It’s commonly used in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor. Three of the inhibitors are donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine. Each inhibitor is effective for a specific stage in Alzheimer’s. (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-disease/DS00161/DSection=7). An individual associated with Alzheimer’s disease is our 40th president, Ronald Reagan. He announced that he had the disease in 1994, and passed away in 2004 at the age of 93. During his second term of presidency psychologists were noticing some signs of Alzheimer’s disease in Reagan’s speech, and conversation, and behavior. As a matter of fact, biology has a big impact on everyone’s behavior. (http://alzheimers.about.com/od/familyandfriends/a/reagan.htm). Much of our behavior is based on the overall health and balance of the human body, especially the brain. If even one of the neurotransmitters is malfunctioning it can have an ill effect on the person’s ability to sense, process, or respond to stimuli properly. Without these abilities personalities would be severely affected causing some to be overly aggressive and some to have memory loss. Without proper biological balance the chances of human survival are not good.

Reference:

About.com: Alzheimer’s disease (2007) Retrieved 10/19/07, from http://alzheimers.about.com/od/familyandfriends/a/reagan.htm

Davis, S. & Palladino, J. (2007). Psychology. (5th Ed.) Uppersaddle River, NJ. Mayo Clinic (2007). Retrieved 10/19/07, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-disease/DS00161/DSection=7

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