Neurodegenerative Disease
A progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia, marked by early memory loss and the gradual buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition and the leading cause of dementia worldwide, accounting for an estimated 60–80% of dementia cases. It's characterised by the gradual accumulation of two abnormal protein structures in the brain - amyloid-beta plaques between neurons and tau tangles within them - which are associated with progressive neuron loss and shrinkage of brain tissue, particularly in memory-related structures.
The hippocampus and surrounding medial temporal lobe are typically affected earliest and most severely, which is why short-term memory loss is usually the first noticeable symptom. As the disease progresses, damage spreads to the parietal lobe (affecting spatial orientation and language) and eventually the frontal lobe (affecting judgment, planning, and personality).
Research has increasingly focused on detecting the underlying biological changes years before symptoms appear, using blood biomarkers and brain imaging, in the hope that earlier intervention could be more effective. A newer generation of therapies targets amyloid-beta directly with the aim of slowing progression, a significant shift from older treatments that only addressed symptoms. Genetics, lifestyle factors (cardiovascular health, sleep, cognitive engagement), and inflammation are all active areas of ongoing study.
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis.
Explore the regions involved in alzheimer's disease in more depth:
