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Updated December 20, 2025
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Alzheimer's Disease
Definition and Symptoms
Memory loss: Difficulty remembering recent events, learning new information, or recalling familiar words.
Communication difficulties: Struggling to find the right words, following conversations, or understanding written or spoken language.
Cognitive decline: Problems with abstract thinking, problem-solving, and judgment.
Mood changes: Depression, anxiety, agitation, and aggression.
Personal care issues: Difficulty with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and managing finances.
History/Background
Early Years (1906-1940s)
Post-War Era (1940s-1980s)
Key Concepts
Amyloid plaques: Abnormal deposits of amyloid beta protein in the brain, which are thought to contribute to neuronal damage and death.
Tau tangles: Abnormal aggregates of tau protein in the brain, which also contribute to neuronal damage and death.
Neuroinflammation: Inflammation in the brain, which is thought to play a role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Technical Details
Prevalence: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, with Alzheimer's disease accounting for 60-80% of all cases.
Incidence: The incidence of Alzheimer's disease is estimated to increase by 50% between 2010 and 2030, due to an aging population and increasing life expectancy.
Genetics: Genetic variants have been identified that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, such as the APOE epsilon-4 allele.
Applications/Uses
Diagnostic testing: Blood tests, imaging studies, and clinical assessments are used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease.
Therapeutic interventions: Cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, and immunotherapies are used to slow disease progression and manage symptoms.
Clinical trials: Clinical trials evaluate new treatments for Alzheimer's disease, including vaccines, medications, and lifestyle interventions.
Impact/Significance
Social isolation: People with Alzheimer's disease often experience social isolation due to cognitive decline and communication difficulties.
Economic burden: The economic burden of Alzheimer's disease is estimated to be over $1 trillion annually in the United States alone.
Caregiving: Family caregivers play a crucial role in supporting individuals with Alzheimer's disease, but they often experience stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Related Topics
Dementia: A broad term that encompasses a range of cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer's disease.
Cognitive decline: A gradual loss of cognitive function, which can be caused by various factors, including aging, genetics, and lifestyle.
Neurodegenerative diseases: Conditions characterized by progressive neuronal damage and death, such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease.
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