What are the primary brain abnormalities associated with Alzheimer's disease?

What are the primary brain abnormalities associated with Alzheimer's disease?

• A. Neurogenesis and synaptic pruning
• B. Tangles and plaques
• C. Reduced blood flow and oxygen
• D. Molecular breakdown and cell death

Answer: (B)

The primary brain abnormalities associated with Alzheimer's disease are tangles and plaques. These are hallmark features observed in the brains of individuals affected by this neurodegenerative condition. Tangles are formed by the accumulation of a protein called tau, which becomes hyperphosphorylated and disrupts the function of neurons. Plaques, on the other hand, consist of beta-amyloid peptides that aggregate and form sticky deposits between neurons, leading to inflammation and neuronal damage. The presence of these tangles and plaques is critical in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's and is closely linked to the cognitive decline and memory loss that characterize the disease. While the other options mention important aspects related to brain health and function, they do not specifically denote the primary abnormalities associated with Alzheimer's. Neurogenesis and synaptic pruning, for example, relate more broadly to the processes of brain development and adaptation rather than specific markers of the disease. Reduced blood flow and oxygen might occur in various neurological conditions but are not definitive indicators of Alzheimer's. Lastly, molecular breakdown and cell death are consequences of the disease process, but they are not the primary structural abnormality that is typically assessed in Alzheimer's pathology. Understanding these distinctions is essential in the context of Alzheimer's disease and its specific neurobiological characteristics.

The primary brain abnormalities associated with Alzheimer's disease are tangles and plaques. These are hallmark features observed in the brains of individuals affected by this neurodegenerative condition.

Tangles are formed by the accumulation of a protein called tau, which becomes hyperphosphorylated and disrupts the function of neurons. Plaques, on the other hand, consist of beta-amyloid peptides that aggregate and form sticky deposits between neurons, leading to inflammation and neuronal damage. The presence of these tangles and plaques is critical in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's and is closely linked to the cognitive decline and memory loss that characterize the disease.

While the other options mention important aspects related to brain health and function, they do not specifically denote the primary abnormalities associated with Alzheimer's. Neurogenesis and synaptic pruning, for example, relate more broadly to the processes of brain development and adaptation rather than specific markers of the disease. Reduced blood flow and oxygen might occur in various neurological conditions but are not definitive indicators of Alzheimer's. Lastly, molecular breakdown and cell death are consequences of the disease process, but they are not the primary structural abnormality that is typically assessed in Alzheimer's pathology. Understanding these distinctions is essential in the context of Alzheimer's disease and its specific neurobiological characteristics.