Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 15, 2025

Symmetric Bihemispheric Postmortem Brain Cutting to Study Healthy and Pathological Brain Conditions in Humans
08:29

Symmetric Bihemispheric Postmortem Brain Cutting to Study Healthy and Pathological Brain Conditions in Humans

Published on: December 18, 2016

14.3K

Concomitant neurodegenerative pathologies contribute to the transition from mild cognitive impairment to dementia

Kirsty E McAleese1, Sean J Colloby1, Alan J Thomas1

  • 1Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|March 4, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Most aged brains have multiple pathologies. Even one additional low-level pathology significantly increases dementia risk 20-fold, highlighting the importance of multimorbidity in cognitive decline research.

Area of Science:

  • Neuropathology
  • Gerontology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

  • Aged brains often present with multiple pathologies, not just a single hallmark.
  • Pathologies range from pure pathology (PurP) to low-level additional pathology (LowP) and mixed severe pathology (mixed SevP).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of PurP, LowP, and mixed SevP in aged brains.
  • To investigate the impact of additional LowP on cognitive function.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 670 cases from the Brains for Dementia research program.
  • Categorization of cases into PurP, mixed SevP, or main disease with additional LowP.
  • Clinical dementia rating applied to 508 cases.

Main Results:

  • LowP was present in 69.9% of cases, PurP in 22.7%, and mixed SevP in 7.5%.
  • Additional LowP increased the odds of mild dementia versus mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by nearly 20-fold (OR = 19.5).

Conclusions:

  • Multiple brain pathologies are common in aging.
  • The presence of even one additional LowP significantly exacerbates cognitive decline, increasing MCI to dementia transition risk.
  • Multimorbidity warrants consideration in dementia research and clinical practice.
Keywords:
cerebral multimorbidityclinicopathological studycognitive impairmentconcomitant pathologydementiahyperphosphorylated taumultiple pathologiesneuropathology

More Related Videos

Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia09:17

Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia

Published on: November 6, 2017

22.0K
A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment12:18

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Published on: January 11, 2020

7.7K

Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

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...
1.1K
Dementia01:30

Dementia

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....
285
Cognitive Development During Adulthood01:30

Cognitive Development During Adulthood

Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
498
Parkinson's Disease: Overview01:15

Parkinson's Disease: Overview

Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive diseases that cause irreversible damage and loss to neurons in specific brain areas. Examples of these disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These disorders share characteristics such as proteinopathies, selective neuronal vulnerability, and a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The primary therapeutic goal for these conditions is...
1.2K
Disorders of the Nervous Tissue01:28

Disorders of the Nervous Tissue

Nervous tissue is a vital component of the human body's communication system, enabling us to perceive and respond to stimuli. However, like all other tissues, it is vulnerable to disorders and diseases that can significantly impact our neurological functioning.
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
2.2K
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment01:22

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

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...
565