於是有學者懷疑，難道那些引發「老人退化症」的「乙型澱粉樣蛋白」（Amyloid Beta,A-Beta），也與PrPSc有關連？要解釋，須先稍稍岔開說明什麼是「乙型澱粉樣蛋白」。神經細胞表面，有一種叫「前澱粉樣蛋白」（Amyloid Precursor Protein,APP）的蛋白質。正如其他一般蛋白質一樣，身體有機制做「裁剪」的工作，能把APP剪裁到「具特別功能」。APP中包含770個胺基酸。在正常情況下，有一個叫「甲型分泌素」（Alpha Secretase）的酵素，會像砍伐樹木一樣、將APP切成另一種（只餘下700個胺基酸）叫APP-SA的蛋白質。APP-SA的功能是「幫助神經觸鬚滙合」，成為神經網絡。另一方面，尚有「乙型分泌素」及「丙型分泌素」，它們也做「裁剪」的工作，不過，前者的切口施於第670胺基酸；而後者的切口則施於第712胺基酸。若兩者同時「落刀」，會將670至712中的一段切下。這麼樣切出來（含42個胺基酸）的一小段蛋白質，我們稱之為「乙型澱粉樣蛋白」（也就是上述的A-Beta）。A-Beta能「捕捉」腦組織內的重金屬，包括銅和鋅，之後，將這些銅分子和鋅分子，轉移到血液內的「白蛋白」（Albumin）之中。在這過程中，A-Beta會被銅和鋅氧化。若腦組織存有大量的銅和鋅，A-Beta被氧化的情況，會是愈來愈嚴重，最後它們互相膠着，成為一種叫A-Beta Oligomer的新物體（Chembiochem., Vol. 11, pp.110-118）；後者會引致腦功能退化。一些「抗氧化」補健食品（例如綠茶素）對此有幫助（ASN Neuro, Vol. 3, pp. e00050）。
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老人退化症, or age-related degeneration, refers to a group of conditions that occur as people age, including changes in physical and mental function. There is no single cure for age-related degeneration, but there are a variety of treatment options that can help to slow its progression and manage symptoms.
Some common treatment options include:
Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to help improve physical and mental function, slow the progression of age-related degeneration, and improve overall health and quality of life.
Medication: There are several medications that can help manage specific symptoms of age-related degeneration, such as joint pain, depression, or memory loss.
Cognitive and physical therapy: Occupational, physical, and speech therapy can help maintain or improve physical and mental function and delay the progression of age-related degeneration.
Healthy lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of age-related degeneration.
Assistive devices: Devices such as walkers, canes, and hearing aids can help improve mobility and independence for those with age-related degeneration.
It's important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs and goals.
腦退化症 (Cognitive degeneration) refers to a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, reasoning, and other mental functions. There are several types of cognitive degeneration, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other forms of dementia.
The causes of cognitive degeneration can be complex and varied, but some common factors include aging, genetics, head injury, stroke, and lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise.
Symptoms of cognitive degeneration can include memory loss, difficulty with language, disorientation and confusion, changes in mood and behavior, and difficulty with daily activities such as cooking and grooming.
Currently, there is no cure for most forms of cognitive degeneration, but there are treatments available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Some treatments include medication, cognitive and physical therapy, and lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. In some cases, support from family and caregivers can also be helpful in managing the symptoms of cognitive degeneration.
It is important to seek the advice of a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. Early diagnosis and intervention can be crucial in managing the symptoms and progression of cognitive degeneration.
綠茶素是一種生物活性物質，主要存在於綠茶中。它是一種抗氧化劑，具有多項健康益處，包括：
抗炎性：綠茶素可以抑制炎癥，預防和治療許多疾病，如心血管疾病、糖尿病和肥胖癥。
抗氧化性：綠茶素具有強大的抗氧化作用，有助於抵抗自由基對細胞的損害，保護身體免受疾病的影響。
抗癌性：研究表明，綠茶素具有抗癌作用，可以降低腫瘤的生長和擴散。
保護肝臟：綠茶素可以幫助保護肝臟，預防肝病的發生。
改善心腦血流：綠茶素可以改善心血管功能，降低血壓和膽固醇水平，保護心腦血流。
