Alzheimer disease

Table of Contents

References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images & Videos

How physical activity can slow Alzheimer disease

Learn how PET scans help detect the onset of Alzheimer disease

For Students

Alzheimer disease summary

Discover

Commemorative medal of Nobel Prize winner, Johannes Diderik Van Der Waals

7 Nobel Prize Scandals

Shadow of a man holding large knife in his hand inside of some dark, spooky buiding

7 of History's Most Notorious Serial Killers

Black-headed gulls perching on a roof with bird droppings, often seen in flocks around London, England, in winter time. The "black head" develops during the breeding season. (black headed, birds, guano, bird poop)

Do Birds Pee?

Law legal system crime concept with gavel and scales of justice with books in the background. (mallet, judicial system).

What Are the Differences Between First-, Second-, and Third-Degree Murder?

The Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives receiving a deputation of female suffragists, January 11, 1871, a lady delegate (identified as Victoria Woodhull) reading her argument (cont'd)

Who Was the First Woman to Run for President of the United States?

illustration of the walking titanosaurus, Patagotitan mayorum

Titanosaurs: 8 of the World's Biggest Dinosaurs

Saint Lucia Day. Young girl wears Lucia crown (tinsel halo) with candles. Holds Saint Lucia Day currant laced saffron buns (lussekatter or Lucia's cats). Observed December 13 honor virgin martyr Santa Lucia (St. Lucy). Luciadagen, Christmas, Sweden

7 Winter Solstice Celebrations From Around the World

Alzheimer disease

pathology

Also known as: Alzheimer’s disease

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Dec 10, 2024 • Article History

Key People:: Michal Schwartz

Related Topics:: aging; mild cognitive impairment; neuritic plaque; neurofibrillary tangle; early-onset familial Alzheimer disease

See all related content

News •

New funding for innovative dementia vaccine research • Dec. 12, 2024, 6:52 PM ET (News-Medical)

Portable MRI shows promise for expanding brain imaging for Alzheimer's disease • Dec. 10, 2024, 8:25 AM ET (Medical Xpress)

Detailed mapping shows how astrocytes change throughout the progression of Alzheimer's disease • Dec. 10, 2024, 4:58 AM ET (Medical Xpress)

Brain tissue study offers new genetic insights into Alzheimer's disease complexity • Dec. 9, 2024, 8:57 AM ET (Medical Xpress)

Early ovarian removal and APOE4 increase Alzheimer's risk in women • Dec. 6, 2024, 6:09 AM ET (News-Medical)

Alzheimer disease, degenerative brain disorder that develops in mid-to-late adulthood. It results in a progressive and irreversible decline in memory and a deterioration of various other cognitive abilities. The disease is characterized by the destruction of nerve cells and neural connections in the cerebral cortex of the brain and by a significant loss of brain mass. The disease was first described in 1906 by German neuropathologist Alois Alzheimer. By the early 21st century it was recognized as the most common form of dementia among older persons. An estimated 47.5 million people worldwide were living with dementia in 2016; that figure ...(100 of 2344 words)

Access the full article

Trust your source with Britannica Premium

• 7-Day Free Trial
• No Ads
• Unlimited Access

Unlock Article