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The interface between Alzheimer's disease, normal aging, and related disorders
1Vision Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK. R.A.Armstrong@aston.ac.uk
Current Aging Science
|December 22, 2009
Summary
Alzheimer's disease (AD) shows significant heterogeneity, overlapping with normal aging and other neurodegenerative disorders. This suggests AD, aging, and related conditions may represent a continuum of neuropathological changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Gerontology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is traditionally defined by senile plaques (SP) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT).
- Recent research reveals considerable heterogeneity within AD phenotypes.
- This heterogeneity leads to overlapping pathological features with normal aging and other related disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the heterogeneity within Alzheimer's disease.
- To explore the concept of an 'interface' between AD and related conditions.
- To determine if AD should be viewed as a continuum with normal aging and other disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Alzheimer's disease heterogeneity.
- Analysis of the interface between AD and normal aging.
- Examination of AD's relationship with vascular dementia, tauopathies, synucleinopathies, and prion disease.
Main Results:
- Significant heterogeneity exists within Alzheimer's disease pathology.
- Pathological features of AD overlap considerably with normal aging.
- Interfaces are observed between AD and vascular dementia, tauopathies, synucleinopathies, and prion diseases.
Conclusions:
- The traditional view of Alzheimer's disease as a distinct entity may need reevaluation.
- Alzheimer's disease, normal aging, and related disorders might represent a spectrum of neuropathological changes.
- Considering these conditions as a continuum could refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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