Alzheimer's disease.

Publication Type	Review
Authors	Blennow K, de Leon M, Zetterberg H
Journal	Lancet
Volume	368
Issue	9533
Pagination	387-403
Date Published	07/29/2006
ISSN	1474-547X
Keywords	Alzheimer Disease, Cholinesterase Inhibitors, Plaque, Amyloid
Abstract	Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Research advances have enabled detailed understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the hallmarks of the disease--ie, plaques, composed of amyloid beta (Abeta), and tangles, composed of hyperphosphorylated tau. However, as our knowledge increases so does our appreciation for the pathogenic complexity of the disorder. Familial Alzheimer's disease is a very rare autosomal dominant disease with early onset, caused by mutations in the amyloid precursor protein and presenilin genes, both linked to Abeta metabolism. By contrast with familial disease, sporadic Alzheimer's disease is very common with more than 15 million people affected worldwide. The cause of the sporadic form of the disease is unknown, probably because the disease is heterogeneous, caused by ageing in concert with a complex interaction of both genetic and environmental risk factors. This seminar reviews the key aspects of the disease, including epidemiology, genetics, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as recent developments and controversies.
DOI	10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69113-7
PubMed ID	16876668