Alzheimer’s disease

Definition

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory and cognitive function. It is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.
2. The main risk factors include advanced age, family history, and certain genetic markers like the APOE-e4 allele.
3. Early symptoms often include difficulty remembering recent events, while later stages involve severe cognitive impairment and loss of bodily functions.
4. Diagnosis typically involves clinical assessments, neuroimaging, and biomarkers such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis for amyloid-beta and tau proteins.
5. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease; treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Review Questions

• What are the primary pathological features of Alzheimer's disease found in the brain?
• Which genetic marker is most commonly associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease?
• How is Alzheimer's disease typically diagnosed?

Related terms

Dementia: A general term for a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Amyloid Plaques: Aggregated forms of amyloid-beta protein that accumulate between nerve cells in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.

Neurofibrillary Tangles: Twisted fibers composed mainly of tau protein found inside brain cells in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.