what are the main characteristics of Alzheimers

Alzheimer's disease, a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative condition, is characterized by a range of cognitive and pathological features. Here are the main characteristics:

Key Features

1. Cognitive Decline:

   • Early symptoms often include short-term memory loss, confusion, and difficulty in problem-solving or planning (e.g., forgetting recently learned information or struggles with daily tasks) (1) (2).
   • As the disease progresses, individuals may experience severe impairments in daily living activities, requiring assistance from others (1).

2. Pathological Markers:

   • The defining features of Alzheimer's include the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (composed of tau proteins) in the brain. These are essential for a diagnosis, though their presence alone does not explain the cognitive decline in all cases (1 3).
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       1

       Understanding Alzheimer's

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       2

       Understanding Alzheimer's Diagnosis

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       4

       Alzheimer's Glucose Metabolism

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       5

       Distinguishing Alzheimer's and Lewy Body Disease

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       6

       Understanding Alzheimer's Disease

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   • Amyloid plaques disrupt cell communication and contribute to neuronal damage, while neurofibrillary tangles disrupt the transport system within neurons, exacerbating degeneration (1) (4).

3. Impaired Glucose Metabolism:

   • Alzheimer's is often associated with impaired glucose metabolism, leading to decreased energy supply to brain cells, which can worsen cognitive functions (5) (1).

4. Clinical Diagnosis:

   • A diagnosis is typically made based on clinical evaluations, including cognitive testing and assessment of symptoms over time. Biomarkers like brain imaging may also assist in confirming the diagnosis, but definitive diagnosis often occurs post-mortem (2) (6).

5. Genetic Factors:

   • Specific genetic factors, such as the APOE-e4 allele, are associated with higher Alzheimer's risk, although possessing this allele does not guarantee the onset of the disease (4).

Other Considerations

• The disease affects individuals differently, with some developing severe symptoms while others may have amyloid plaques without significant cognitive decline. This variability suggests additional factors at play in the disease process, such as lifestyle, environmental influences, and overall health status (1).

Understanding these characteristics can provide insights into the nature of Alzheimer's disease and guide discussions around treatment and care strategies.