PATHOLOGY OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND PROPOSED TREATMENT OPTIONS BASED ON NEUROPATHOLOGICAL HALLMARKS OF THE DISEASE

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that robs those inflicted of their memory, personality, and independence. Over the years, many of the pathological changes seen in this disease have come to be better understood. While there are many changes and potential causes, most commonly there is a buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain as well as the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. It is also believed that oxidative stress and insulin resistance in the brain contribute to the seemingly sequential process of pathological changes in the brain. Progress has been made in developing symptomatic treatments for this disease, though treatments that effectively prevent or mitigate progression have yet to be discovered. The number of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to more than double by the year 2050 due to the rapidly increasing population of older Americans. This statistic emphasizes the importance of continued research into therapeutic treatment options that are efficacious and safe. In this literature review, neuropathological changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease as well as both current and future treatment options will be discussed.