天美传媒

Abstract

Dementia encompasses a range of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function, impacting memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, language and judgment. This review examines the pathology of major dementias: Alzheimer's Disease (AD), vascular dementia, Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and rarer types like Huntington's disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Each type features unique pathological markers-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in AD, vascular lesions in vascular dementia, Lewy bodies in LBD, and various proteinopathies in FTD. Shared mechanisms include protein misfolding, neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction and mitochondrial impairment. Advances in neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and genetic testing have improved diagnostics. While current treatments focus on symptom management, research into disease-modifying therapies is crucial. Preventive strategies, such as lifestyle modifications and cardiovascular risk management, are essential for reducing dementia risk. Continued research is vital for developing targeted treatments and improving patient outcomes through early diagnosis and intervention.

Keywords: Neuroinflammation; Vascular dementia; Alzheimer's disease; Neurodegenerative; Pathology