Final answer:
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of abnormal clumps and tangles in the brain, leading to memory loss and dementia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain. The disease is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal clumps called amyloid plaques and tangled brain fibers called neurofibrillary tangles. These changes lead to the death of neurons and a shrinking of brain volume, particularly in the hippocampus.
As a result, individuals with Alzheimer's disease experience progressive memory loss and eventual dementia. The disease is associated with a loss of synapses between neurons and the death of brain cells. Multiple research groups are studying the causes and effects of Alzheimer's disease in order to develop effective treatments.