Final answer:
Late-stage Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by profound cognitive decline, physical deterioration, and dependency on others, associated with amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of Late-Stage Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progresses through several stages, with the late stage being severe and characterized by extensive damage to the brain. Late-stage Alzheimer's disease is marked by a profound loss of cognitive ability and physical function. Patients may lose the ability to communicate coherently, not recognize family members, and become completely dependent on others for care. Essential functions, like control of bladder and bowel and the ability to swallow, progressively deteriorate. These symptoms correlate with the abundant presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, as well as significant neuronal loss, particularly in the hippocampus, and overall shrinkage of brain volume.
The molecular and cellular brain changes characteristic of AD include the disintegration of microtubules, accumulation of amyloid plaques between neurons, and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles inside neurons. These changes lead to the destruction of synapses and eventual neuron death, which directly corresponds to the severe symptoms observed. Named after Alois Alzheimer, the disease's cellular hallmarks have been extensively researched to understand the underlying causes and potential treatments for AD.