Date of Award

1-1-2006

Document Type

Thesis - ECU Access Only

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Master of Science

School

School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the brain, is the most common form of dementia among the elderly which is clinically characterised by memory complaints and personality changes. AD is classified broadly into early on set AD (EOAD, occurringyrs) and late on set (LOAD, occurring >65 yrs). Hormonal changes following menopause/andropause have been implicated in AD development and pathogenesis. Currently high levels of the gonadotropins LH and FSH have been associated with increased risk of AD development; however the exact role of LH in AD pathogenesis remains unknown. Interestingly LH and hCG have similar structure and function, thus effects of hCG on Aβ production were assessed in vivo and in vitro models. Additionally the link between pregnancy and cognitive function were also assed.

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