Final answer:
60% of dementia cases are due to Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent type of dementia, defined by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Genetic factors often play a role, and with an aging population, the importance of research into Alzheimer's continues to grow.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dementia affects millions of adults worldwide, with 60% of those cases experiencing Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, often characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, as well as a general reduction in brain volume. Studies initiated by medical researchers like Solomon Carter Fuller have greatly contributed to our understanding of this disease. Additionally, both early onset and late-onset forms of Alzheimer's have been linked to genetic factors, with certain genes like APOE and its variant E4 increasing the likelihood of developing the condition.
Alzheimer's disease leads to the progressive loss of neurons, especially in the hippocampus, which severely impacts cognitive function. With an aging population, the number of people suffering from Alzheimer's is expected to rise, stressing the importance of ongoing research into the causes and potential treatments for this debilitating condition.