AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -But in all these diseases, including Alzheimer’s, the cause is proteins that don’t work the way they should and damage brain cells. Alzheimer’s symptoms may get worse slowly and gradually over a few years. Prion diseases get worse quickly. But like Alzheimer’s, there is no cure for prion diseases.

Detailed explanation-2: -Prion diseases can’t be cured, but certain medicines may help slow their progress. Medical management focuses on keeping people with these diseases as safe and comfortable as possible, despite progressive and debilitating symptoms.

Detailed explanation-3: -Why are prion diseases so hard to treat? Unlike bacteria and viruses, prion diseases are irreversible and can not be overcome by the body’s immune system. As of yet, there are no medical drugs or other types of advances for the treatment of prion diseases.

Detailed explanation-4: -The abnormal folding of the prion proteins leads to brain damage and the characteristic signs and symptoms of the disease. Prion diseases are usually rapidly progressive and always fatal.

Detailed explanation-5: -Many cells, including brain cells, have normal forms of prion protein on their surface.