[Changes found in the brain of people over 65 years old and their correlation with Alzheimer disease]

Twelve brains of individuals with more than sixty-five years were studied. These samples were submitted to three techniques, with the objective to detect senile plaques which the major component was the beta-amyloid; beta-amyloid immunohistochemistry; Glees technique; and haematoxilin-eosin technique. We detected significant differences between the number of senile plaques found in different techniques. beta-amyloid immunohistochemistry was more efficient. This is very important because we can underdiagnosis Alzheimer's disease when the most adequate technique is not used. The statistical analysis showed no significant differences neither between the number of cortical plaques and the hipocampal plaques, nor between the number of plaques in both hemispheres. A literature review about neuropathological findings and beta-amyloid importance was done.