Neuroscience research
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Neuroscience research · Apr 2019
ReviewProgression of Alzheimer's disease, tau propagation, and its modifiable risk factors.
The number of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been increasing exponentially side by side with aging societies worldwide. Symptoms of AD worsen over time due to progressive neurodegeneration, requiring institutional care at the later stage and resulting in a heavy burden on patients, caregivers, and the public-health system. AD neuropathology is characterized by cerebral accumulation and aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau proteins. ⋯ AD pathogenesis is multifactorial, and many genetic- and non-genetic factors are known to contribute to Aβ- and tau-related pathology. Recent studies indicate an association between vascular risk factors and AD. Identifying modifiable risk factors for AD and understanding their contributory mechanisms could be key in tackling this devastating disease.