Neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease(Senile Dementia of Alzheimer Type)

In this symposium, we review the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease with emphasis on cerebral cortical lesions. Recent rapid advances of molecular biology in this field have enabled us to study in detail the distribution pattern and severity of lesions in the Alzheimer brain, although many aspects of the pathogenesis still remain unresolved. Immunohistochemistry employing antibodies against tau protein and β-peptide has revealed more clearly the occurrence of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques, respectively, and the extent of both is much greater than previously supposed. We also discuss the relation between normal cerebral aging and Alzheimer's disease. From studies on the brains of centenarians, it is becoming more evident that cerebral aging (old age) dose not imply Alzheimer's disease (dementia)