Alzheimer

Alzheimer disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive and irreversible decline in cognitive functions, primarily affecting memory. During the disease process, neuronal loss and synaptic dysfunction develop in various brain regions, especially the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, leading to a gradual reduction in cognitive and functional capacity over time.

Epidemiology and Prevalence

Alzheimer disease is the most common cause of dementia, and its prevalence increases markedly with age. It is reported that prevalence rises significantly after the age of 65 and reaches substantial levels in advanced age groups. The extension of life expectancy and the growing proportion of elderly populations are increasing the burden of the disease on public health, thereby making Alzheimer disease a major public health issue.^【1】

Clinical Features

In the early stages, the most prominent clinical feature is episodic memory impairment, marked by difficulty in learning new information and recalling recent events. As the disease progresses, deficits in executive functions, attention, language, and visuospatial abilities emerge. In advanced stages, behavioral and psychiatric symptoms may develop, and individuals become increasingly dependent in their daily living activities.^【2】

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Alzheimer disease is primarily based on clinical evaluation. Key diagnostic criteria include progressive memory loss and the presence of impairment in at least one additional cognitive domain that interferes with social or occupational functioning. Detailed history taking, neurological assessment, and neuropsychological testing play important roles in supporting the diagnosis.^【3】

Pathogenesis of Alzheimer Disease (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease is a complex process involving multiple molecular and cellular mechanisms. The extracellular accumulation of beta-amyloid peptides and their toxic effects on synaptic function are recognized as key pathological features. In addition, hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins leads to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, which disrupt microtubule integrity and contribute to neuronal degeneration. Reduction in synaptic density and loss of cholinergic neurons are closely associated with cognitive decline. ^【4】Furthermore, neuroinflammation is reported to play a significant role in disease progression, with increased inflammatory responses contributing to the advancement of tau pathology and neuronal damage.^【5】

Treatment and Disease Management

There is no curative treatment for Alzheimer disease, and current approaches focus on managing symptoms. Pharmacological interventions aim to slow cognitive decline and help patients maintain their daily living activities for as long as possible. However, existing treatments do not halt the underlying neurodegenerative process.^【6】Long-term clinical studies indicate that symptomatic treatments may modestly slow the rate of cognitive decline in some patients and provide limited benefits to functional status and survival.^【7】In addition to pharmacological approaches, educating patients and caregivers, developing care plans, and monitoring behavioral symptoms are essential components of disease management.

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