[Ultrastructure of the cerebral cortex neurons in atherosclerotic dementia]

Changes in neuron ultrastructure in the cortex of superior frontal and medial temporal gyri were studied in atherosclerotic dementia. Qualitative changes were shown to arise in cell organelles providing protein synthesizing and energy function along with quantitative ones. These changes as well as lipofuscine accumulation in neurons and its further transformation lead to weakening of cell reserve and their death. Destructive changes of neurons were more pronounced in temporal cortex. Compensatory and adaptive processes were retarded. Important role of hypoxia factor and neuron lipid dystrophy in atherosclerotic dementia pathogenesis was emphasised.