What pathophysiological change is associated with Alzheimer disease?

Alzheimer's disease is primarily characterized by significant cortical atrophy and the loss of neurons. This neurodegenerative disorder leads to the progressive degeneration of brain regions, particularly those involved in higher cognitive functions, such as memory and reasoning. The atrophy is most pronounced in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, areas critical for memory formation and retrieval.

The loss of neurons in Alzheimer's is closely associated with the presence of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques, which disrupt normal cell function and communication. As brain cells die and the structure of the brain deteriorates, this results in the cognitive decline that is clinically observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, the pathophysiological change of cortical atrophy and neuron loss is central to the understanding of how Alzheimer's disease manifests and progresses over time.