Macular Degeneration Disease Glossary
Navigating a diagnosis of an age-related disease can be overwhelming, especially with all the new medical terms involved. Whether you're preparing for a doctor’s visit or simply want to better understand a macular degeneration diagnosis, this glossary serves as a quick reference to help you define and understand commonly used terms.
Acetylcholine
A chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells (neurons) and from the brain to the body. Acetylcholine levels in the brain decline during Alzheimer’s disease compared to normal aging.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
A form of glaucoma that occurs suddenly when the flow of aqueous humor between the iris and the lens is blocked. This rare medical emergency must be treated immediately or blindness could result in a day or two.
Alzheimer’s disease
A progressive, terminal brain disease that has no known cause or cure. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and can result in memory loss, confusion, and an inability to care for oneself, among other possible symptoms.
Amyloid plaques
Amyloids are protein fragments that can group together and form plaques in the brain. A buildup of these plaques is commonly observed in brains with Alzheimer’s disease.
Amyloid-beta
A small, sticky portion of the amyloid protein that contributes to plaque formation observed in Alzheimer’s disease.
Angle-closure glaucoma
The second most common type of glaucoma. A largely inherited disorder caused by a narrow angle in the passageway where aqueous fluid would normally flow.