Final answer:
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) does not have a cure and is characterized by memory loss and the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques, affecting primarily older adults. It's a progressive neurodegenerative condition with both early and late-onset forms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects older adults. While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, its progression and symptoms, such as memory loss, can be managed in some cases. A definitive hallmark of Alzheimer's is the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which contributes to the destruction of neurons, particularly in the hippocampus, leading to cognitive decline and dementia.
AD typically presents in two forms: early-onset, which is rare and often tied to genetic mutations, and the more common late-onset form which also has a genetic component. The development of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are characteristic of Alzheimer's and are linked with the loss of neuronal synapses and eventual neuron death. These symptoms progressively worsen over time and are generally most prevalent in the elderly, not young adults.