Alzheimer Disease

Alzheimer Disease is a progressive brain disorder that primarily affects the memory and other important mental functions. It involves the gradual loss of brain cells and connections, leading to difficulties with thinking, behavior, and daily activities. The disease mainly impacts the central nervous system, especially areas responsible for memory and cognition. Early symptoms often include memory loss and confusion, which worsen over time. As the disease advances, individuals may experience changes in personality, impaired judgment, and difficulty recognizing loved ones. Alzheimer Disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults and significantly affects quality of life.

Alzheimer Disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment due to the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in the brain. The disease primarily affects the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, leading to synaptic dysfunction and neuronal loss. It is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, with a multifactorial etiology including genetic factors such as mutations in APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes, and risk factors like the APOE ε4 allele. Clinically, it presents with insidious onset of memory impairment, executive dysfunction, and language difficulties, progressing to severe cognitive and functional decline. The pathological hallmark is widespread cortical atrophy and brain volume loss visible on imaging and confirmed at autopsy.