Signals that form memories and thoughts
move through an individual nerve cell as a tiny
electrical charge.
Nerve cells connect to one another at synapses. When
a charge reaches a synapse, it may trigger release of
tiny bursts of chemicals called neurotransmitters. The
neurotransmitters travel across the synapse, carrying
signals to other cells. Scientists have identified dozens
of neurotransmitters.
Alzheimer's disease disrupts both the way electrical
charges travel within cells and the activity of neurotransmitters.
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