Research
Alzheimer's 101
Overview
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a brain disease that progressively destroys memory and thinking skills, eventually affecting the ability to perform simple daily tasks.
It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of cases. It is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques (clumps of protein between brain cells) and tau tangles (twisted fibers inside brain cells), which disrupt communication between neurons and lead to cell death.
Core Concepts
01
Dementia is a general term for cognitive decline; Alzheimer’s is a specific disease and the most common cause of dementia.
02
Alzheimer’s involves amyloid plaques (between cells) and tau tangles (inside cells), leading to neuron damage.
03
Aging is the greatest risk factor, but Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging.
04
Symptoms develop gradually and worsen over 4 to 20 years.
Diagnostics
Blood-Based Biomarkers
- p-tau217
- PrecivityAD2
- MTBR-tau243
PET Imaging
- Amyloid PET
- Tau PET
Treatment Strategies
FDA-Approved Therapies
- Lecanemab (Leqembi)
- Donanemab (Kisunla)
Monoclonal antibody infusions targeting amyloid plaques
Investigational Approaches
- BACE1 (β-secretase) inhibitors
- Gamma-secretase inhibitors (GSIs)
- Gamma-secretase modulators (GSMs)
Lifestyle Approaches
Regular physical and cognitive activity
Mediterranean or MIND diet
Nutrients such as Vitamin C and D3
Treating Symptoms
Cholinergic medications for memory support
Therapies targeting agitation and mood without worsening cognition