Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026
07:57
An Alternative Approach to Study Primary Events in Neurodegeneration Using Ex Vivo Rat Brain Slices
Published on: April 11, 2018
7.5K
Emerging concepts in Alzheimer's disease
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (Neuropathology), UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90095-1732;
Annual Review of Pathology
|November 12, 2014
Summary
Alzheimer's disease involves brain lesions like plaques and tangles, leading to dementia. Understanding these lesions and biomarkers is crucial for developing new therapies to combat cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease/senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (AD/SDAT) is the most common cause of dementia.
- Key neuropathologic features include synapse loss and protein misfolding lesions: senile plaques (amyloid-beta core), neurofibrillary tangles (hyperphosphorylated tau), and cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
- Cerebrovascular disease comorbidity is significant, particularly in the elderly, exacerbating cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the hypothesized role of AD/SDAT lesions in cerebral dysfunction.
- To highlight the relevance of CSF and neuroimaging biomarkers for developing immunotherapies targeting amyloid-beta.
- To address neuropathology's role in evaluating AD/SDAT therapy outcomes and validating biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Alzheimer's disease neuropathology.
- Discussion of hypothesized mechanisms of lesion-induced dysfunction.
- Analysis of the utility of biomarkers in AD/SDAT research and therapy development.
Main Results:
- Alzheimer's disease is characterized by specific brain lesions contributing to dementia.
- Biomarkers are essential for tracking disease progression and therapeutic response.
- Neuropathology is vital for validating therapeutic strategies and understanding disease sequelae.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the neuropathology of AD/SDAT is fundamental for developing effective treatments.
- Biomarker validation through neuropathology is critical for advancing immunotherapeutic approaches.
- The interplay between AD/SDAT and cerebrovascular disease requires further investigation, especially in aging populations.
Keywords:
Alzheimer's diseasebiomarkersdementiaimmunotherapyischemic vascular dementiamixed dementianeuropathologyMore Related Videos
09:33Quantitative 3D In Silico Modeling q3DISM of Cerebral Amyloid-beta Phagocytosis in Rodent Models of Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: December 26, 2016
8.6K
09:45Motor and Hippocampal Dependent Spatial Learning and Reference Memory Assessment in a Transgenic Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease with Stroke
Published on: March 22, 2016
10.9K
Related Concept Videos
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
2.0K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
2.0K
01:29Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
6
Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
6
01:23Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
7
Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and...
7
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
4
Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
4
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
1.3K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
1.3K
01:30Dementia
737
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
737