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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of cases, and is characterized by progressive cognitive decline that interferes with daily functioning.
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The disease is defined pathologically by the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein) in the brain, leading to widespread neuronal loss.
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Early symptoms typically include short-term memory loss and difficulty recalling recent events, which gradually worsen to include language problems, disorientation, poor judgment, and changes in behavior and personality.
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There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease; management focuses on slowing symptom progression using medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil) and memantine, alongside behavioral and caregiver support (Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed., p. 12261).
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Risk factors include advancing age, the APOE-ε4 genetic allele, family history, cardiovascular disease, and low cognitive reserve, while active research continues into disease-modifying therapies targeting amyloid and tau pathways.