Question

Which of the following is not an autoimmune disease?
A) Alzheimer’s disease
B) Psoriasis
C) Vitiligo
D) Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 1

Hint: It is a progressive condition that allows brain cells to degenerate and die. It is the cause of 60 to 70 percent of dementia.

Complete Answer:
A syndrome in which the immune system wrongly targets the body is an autoimmune disease. Normally, the immune system protects against germs such as bacteria and viruses. It sends a group of fighter cells out to attack them as it detects these foreign invaders. The immune system usually distinguishes between foreign cells and our own cells. In an autoimmune disease, the immune system gets confused between the foreign cells and own cells. It releases proteins known as autoantibodies which attack our own healthy cells.

Now, let us find the solution from the options-
- Alzheimer's is caused by the death of brain cells. It is a disorder which is neurodegenerative. There is progressive death of brain cells which occurs over time. Therefore, Alzheimer’s disease is not an autoimmune disease.
- Normally, skin cells grow and shed once they're no longer required. Psoriasis causes the multiplication of skin cells very quickly. The extra cells on the skin grow up and form inflamed red spots, generally with silver-white plaque scales. Therefore, it can be said that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. Thus, the option (B) is incorrect.
- Vitiligo is a disease that causes white skin patches due to lack of melanin, the pigment which is a big contributor to the skin. Melanin is generated by melanocytes, which are damaged in people who have vitiligo. The cause of vitiligo is not recognised, but research clearly indicates that vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder in which these particular cells are mistakenly attacked and damaged by the body's immune system. Therefore, it can be said that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease. Thus, the option (C) is incorrect
- In rheumatoid arthritis ( RA), the joints are targeted by the immune system. This assault induces redness in the joints, soreness, warmth, and stiffness. Therefore, it can be said that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Thus, the option (D) is incorrect

Thus, the correct answer is option (A) Alzheimer’s disease.

Note: More than 80 types of autoimmune disorders that involve a broad variety of parts of the body are found. Type 1 diabetes, Multiple sclerosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Addison’s disease, Graves’ disease are some of the common autoimmune diseases.