Approximation of Calcium Diffusion in Alzheimeric Cell

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia prevailing worldwide. It has been found that the higher level of cytosolic calcium leads to the pathological symptoms of AD and the two cytoplasmic calcium binding buffers have their roles in sustaining this dementia. However, the area of their functioning and working is found to be different. Calmodulin is found in CA1-hippocampus neurons, whereas calbindin-D28k is found in basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. Based on this physiology, in this research paper an attempt has been made to delineate the physiological phenomenon of calcium diffusion at cytosolic level. Taking into consideration the physiology of the neuron, a two-dimensional mathematical model is used and is solved using finite element method (FEM). The appropriate initial and boundary conditions are assumed in presence of suitable diffusion coefficient of calcium and association rate of the buffer. The approximate geometries for both the neurons are taken into consideration to get a better insight about the pathology behind calcium diffusion taking place in AD. The desired results are shown graphically for Alzheimeric and non-Alzheimeric cells. Thus, the obtained results clearly show the significant impact of buffers on cytosolic calcium which affect the normal condition of the cell and maintain the cell calcium.