Alzheimer
|
Alzheimer's disease: is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, cognitive function, and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-80% of all cases. The disease is named after a German neurologist, Alois Alzheimer, who first identified characteristic changes in the brain of a patient who died from the disease. Alzheimer's disease usually begins with mild memory loss and can progress to severe cognitive impairment, affecting the ability to perform daily activities such as eating, dressing, and bathing. The disease is caused by the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain that disrupt communication between nerve cells and lead to brain cell death. Alzheimer's disease affects millions of people worldwide and its prevalence is expected to increase as the population ages. |
 |
The most commonly used biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease are:
1. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of beta-amyloid and tau proteins: Elevated levels of beta-amyloid and tau proteins in CSF may indicate the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, two key markers of Alzheimer's disease.
2. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) brain imaging: This technique can visualize amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI can be used to detect changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease, such as a decrease in the size of the hippocampus, an area of the brain important for memory.
4. Cognitive tests: Standardized tests can be used to assess memory, attention, abstract thinking and other cognitive functions affected by Alzheimer's disease.