Overview

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, and it affects the largest number of patients. It begins with memory loss, and gradually deteriorates cognitive functions. With societies aging worldwide, it is predicted that there will be a sharp increase in the number of patients.

Characteristics

Pathologically, the disease is characterized by progressive degeneration and atrophy of neurons, mainly in the cerebral cortex resulting in a decline in cognitive functions. It causes the deposition of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.

Research status

Senile plaques are composed of a protein called amyloid-β, and research has progressed in developing therapeutic drugs that control the production of amyloid-β.

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