Genetic and Pathophysiological Aspects of Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects the brain, with progressive loss of neurons. It is the most common form of neurodegenerative dementia, with increasing incidence worldwide. Alzheimer’s pathology progresses over many years, gradually reducing the brain’s capacity to adapt to neuron loss.  Symptoms generally appear in older people, corrupting functions such as speech, memory and behavior slowly and progressively. Objective: This article reviews literature on AD including its main clinical features. Methodology: Narrative review of literature in the Pubmed, SCIELO and Google Academic databases, searched via keywords Alzheimer, nervous tissue, molecular diagnosis and Alzheimer disease. Results: 367 articles were analyzed, from which 33 were selected for inclusion. Of these, 15 address AD\ characteristics, 8 address genetic aspects, 6 address current treatments and support therapies, and 4 report on clinical facts and curiosities. Conclusion: Research points to many hypotheses about the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Currently no clinical interventions are known to prevent Alzheimer’s, though pharmaceuticals are available to improve the quality of life of patients. A healthy diet and active lifestyle together can delay Alzheimer’s onset.  Progress is occurring rapidly on all fronts.