Question

Find two diseases that affect mitochondrial function. For each disease (a) Discuss the pathophysiology of the disorder, (b) the symptoms and other abnormalities a patient experiences and (c) the treatment, if any.  

Answer 1

Two diseases which affect mitochondrial function are Alzheimer's disease and Lou Gehrig's disease (Amylotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)).

Alzheimer's disease:

• The pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease includes progressive atrophy of cortical and subcortical structures, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular beta-amyloid deposits.
• Symptoms of this disease includes depression, irritability, aggression etc.,
• The treatment for this disease includes medications of cholinesterase inhibitors, as they help in reducing symptoms.

Lou Gehrig's disease:

• The pathophysiology of Lou Gehrig's disease, commonly known as amylotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is the progressive degeneration of motor neurons which supplies the voluntary muscles and also affects the lower motor neurons in the medulla.
• Symptoms of this disease includes cramps, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, difficulty in swallowing etc.,
• The treatment of this disease includes medications called riluzole and edaravone.

Thank you!