The brain is a very complex organ made up of neurons, which are cells responsible for generating the electrical activity that creates nerve impulses, as well as the cells which support these neurons. For the brain to work properly, the levels of many different chemicals, including acetylcholine, need to be at the right level.
Neurotransmitters
Acetylcholine plays a central role in the health of the brain because it is a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow nerves to communicate. When a nerve becomes activated, a small electrical current passes from one end of the nerve to the other. When the nerve wants to pass this signal to a neighboring nerve, it releases special chemicals called neurotransmitters into the space between the two nerves. These chemicals bind to the next nerve and can cause it to develop its own electrical nerve impulse.
Acetylcholine Regulation
Acetylcholine is synthesized from two separate molecules, known as choline and acetyl coenzyme A. Once it is made, acetylcholine is stored in special compartments in neurons known as vesicles, where it can be released once the neuron has been activated. Once acetylcholine has been released into the synapse, it is broken down by a protein known as acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholinesterase is needed to make sure acetylcholine does not stay in the synapse for too long, because if it remains in the synapse for an extended period of time it can impair the brain's health.
Role
Acetycholine is needed for the function of many different nerves, but it is particularly important for some parts of the brain. For example, the parts of the brain involved in memory, learning and mood use acetylcholine extensively, ChemistryExplained.com notes. In addition, a 2008 article published in "Nature" titled "Attention Seeking: A Role for Acetylcholine" explains that research shows that acetylcholine may also be needed for the brain to be able to choose on what objects or thoughts to focus.
Acetylcholine and Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease is a common form of dementia that affects the parts of the brain involved in memory and learning. People with Alzheimer's disease often have pronounced neuron death in the hippocampus, which is a critical part of the brain for memory, notes an article published on the Williams College website. Notably, acetylcholine levels are lower in people with Alzheimer's disease, which suggests that the loss of acetylcholine-secreting neurons causes some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Some medications for Alzheimer's disease help boost the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which helps relieve some of the signs of Alzheimer's disease.
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