Which pathological features are associated with Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's Disease is primarily characterized by the presence of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which are associated with the pathological features of the disease. Senile plaques primarily consist of amyloid-beta peptides that aggregate between neurons in the brain, leading to cell death and contributing to cognitive decline. Neurofibrillary tangles are formed by hyperphosphorylated tau protein, which disrupts the normal cytoskeletal structure within neurons, further contributing to neuronal degeneration.

These two features, senile plaques and tau protein tangles, are key hallmarks used in both the diagnosis and understanding of the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's Disease. They play significant roles in the disease process and are closely associated with the symptoms observed in patients, such as memory loss and cognitive impairment.

The presence of these pathological features distinguishes Alzheimer's from other types of dementia and is essential for accurate diagnosis and potential therapeutic strategies. Understanding this aids in grasping how Alzheimer's progresses and underlines the importance of these specific proteins in neurodegeneration.