Alzheimer’s Disease: Piecing Together the Evidence

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Image from the interactive showing two brain sections

Topic

Resource Type

Level

High School — General High School — AP/IB College

Saved By

25 Users

Description

This interactive module allows students to examine evidence from brain anatomy, tissue histology, and genetic studies to identify possible targets for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease affects one out of nine individuals over the age of 65 in the United States alone, but currently has no treatment. In this Click & Learn, students analyze and interpret evidence from different fields to learn about the biology of Alzheimer’s disease and the molecules it involves. They also engage in scientific questioning, data analysis, and evaluation of evidence to suggest possible treatments.

The accompanying worksheet guides students’ exploration.

Student Learning Targets

Analyze data and evaluate evidence to build an understanding of the biological mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease.
Identify the biological molecules associated with Alzheimer’s disease and use this information to suggest a possible treatment.

Estimated Time

Two 50-minute class periods.

Key Terms

aging, amyloid precursor protein (APP), autosomal dominant inheritance, beta amyloid (β-amyloid), brain, dementia, drug development, memory, pedigree chart, tau protein