Alzheimer's Disease: An Overview

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is a striking example of the connection between neurophysiological abnormalities and higher-order cognitive deficiencies. Since its initial description in 1906, research into the pathophysiology and etiology of AD has led to the illumination of an incredibly complex set of genetic and molecular mechanisms for the disease’s progression, characterized by much more than the neuropathological hallmarks of beta- amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) Aging is the most obvious risk factor for developing AD. There is a genetic basis for AD, of course this relation is not complete but it is significant biomarkers, improved methods for disease diagnosis and the prediction of future decline, and identifying novel genetic AD risk. While there is no cure for AD, there are a variety of treatment options which can modulate disease progression and improve quality of life for patients.