Publication Date

1998

Abstract

Several animal studies have brought the cholinergic hypothesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) into question. In addition, recent clinical studies have shown that the number of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles does not yield a conclusive diagnosis of AD. A reassessment of risk factors involved in AD development has led to findings that atherosclerosis is associated with dementia. The present study is a clinical analysis, through the use of case studies, of the relationship between atherosclerosis severity, based on autopsy results, and AD severity, based on scores from cognitive tests and functional assessments, as well as autopsy results. The age of AD onset as it relates to atherosclerosis has also been examined. The age of participants at AD onset occurring with atherosclerosis has been determined both through examination of medical records and interviews with family members. This is an ongoing study. Unfortunately, no results supporting a relationship between atherosclerosis and AD have yet been found; however, future results may indicate a relationship.

Disciplines

Psychology

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