Question

Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia. It affects 10% of the population over 65 and 50% of the population over 85. Nerve cells in the areas of the brain associated with memory and cognition are replaced by abnormal clumps and tangles of a protein. Which of the following statements best describes a patient with this condition?

Answer 1

Alzheimer's disease commonly results in memory loss and cognitive decline due to abnormal protein deposits in the brain, which disrupt nerve cell function and brain volume.

Step-by-step explanation:

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and particularly affects individuals over the age of 65. A patient with Alzheimer's disease experiences the abnormal accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, which are proteins that disrupt the normal functioning of nerve cells, especially those related to memory and cognition.

These conditions lead to a progressive decline in mental abilities, resulting in memory loss, difficulties with language and reasoning, and changes in personality and behavior. The presence of these protein abnormalities, alongside the overall shrinking of the brain, particularly in the hippocampus, are a hallmark of Alzheimer's patients. It's noteworthy that while some forms of early onset Alzheimer's are attributed to genetic mutations, the more common late-onset form also likely has a genetic component, as evidenced by the association of certain genes like apolipoprotein E (APOE) with increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.