Neuropathology of Alzheimer’s Disease BT - Alzheimer’s Disease: A Physician’s Guide to Practical Management

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative and dementing disorder that can be detected clinically only in its end phase. AD is the most widespread type of dementia and affects about 10% of individuals older than 65 years and about 40% of individuals older than 80 years of age (1,2). The earliest sign of AD is a subtle decline in memory functions in a state of clear consciousness. Mental capabilities gradually worsen and personality changes appear, followed by deterioration of language functions, impairment of visuospatial tasks, and, in the disease’s final stages, dysfunction of the motor system in the form of a hypokinetic-hypertonic syndrome.