Comprehensive Essay: Alzheimer's Disease Neuropathology and Diagnosis

This essay provides a detailed analysis of Alzheimer's disease, beginning with an explanation of 'positive' and 'negative' lesions, differentiating between macroscopic and microscopic features. It delves into research on classical positive lesions such as neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques, discussing their composition and morphological characteristics based on research by Serrano-Pozo, Frosch, Masliah, & Hyman (2011) and Perl (2010). The essay also examines 'negative' lesions, including neuron and synapse loss, and relates them to the positive lesions, incorporating research from Pithadia (2008). Furthermore, the essay explores the clinical features of Alzheimer's, such as progressive memory loss and cognitive impairments, alongside typical findings from neurologic and mental status examinations. The research includes key papers by Korolev (2014) and Lakhan (2017), offering insights into the diagnostic process and the disease's progression.

Running head: ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE 1
ESSAY PLAN FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
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Paragraph 1: Explanation of “positive” lesions and “negative” lesions of Alzheimer’s
The neuropathological hallmark changes of in the brain of a person presenting with
Alzheimer’s disease include both ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ lesions. Explain why some of the
lesions are regarded as positive whereas others are regarded as negative. Also, differentiate
between the macroscopic and microscopic features which characterise the condition.
Paragraph 2: Research on the “positive” lesions
Discuss the classical positive lesions of Alzheimer’s disease. These include neurofibrillary
tangles, amyloid plaques, dystrophic neurites containing hyperphosphorylated tau, and
neuropil threads (Serrano-Pozo, Frosch, Masliah, & Hyman, 2011). Discuss the composition
and the morphological characteristics of these features. Base this research on the papers by
Serrano-Pozo, Frosch, Masliah, & Hyman, (2011), and Perl, (2010) as they offer an in-depth
research into these lesions.
Paragraph 3: Research on the “negative” lesions
These are the classical ‘negative’ lesions present in patients presenting with the disease.
According to Serrano-Pozo, Frosch, Masliah, & Hyman, (2011), the core negative features of
Alzheimer's disease include losses of neurons, neuropil, and synaptic elements. Explain the
composition and morphological characteristics and relate them to the ‘positive’ lesions. On
top of the two research papers used in the discussion of the ‘positive’ lesions, an additional
research paper by Pithadia, (2008) will offer more information.
Paragraph 4: Research on a patient's history as one of the clinical features resulting from
pathological changes caused by Alzheimer's.

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Patients with this condition do exhibit progressive memory loss, spreading to other spheres of
cognition which are impaired through the progression of the disease over years. An
investigation of a patient’s history uncovers typical presentations such as memory loss
accompanied with language disorder’s and impairment in both executive functions and in
one’s visuospatial skills (Lakhan, 2017).
Paragraph 5: Research on the typical results of neurologic and mental status examinations
during a patient’s initial diagnosis.
Alongside a change in a patient's history, other clinical feature resulting from pathological
changes brought about by the disease can be identified through a patient's physical
examination. Discuss the typical results of the neurologic examination and a mental status
examination when evaluating the stages of the disease and also in ruling out comorbid
conditions (Korolev, (2014): Lakhan, (2017).

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References
Korolev, I. O. (2014). Alzheimer’s Disease: A Clinical and Basic Science Review. Medical
Student Research Journal, 24-33.
Lakhan, S. E. (2017, July 25). Alzheimer Disease Clinical Presentation. Retrieved from
MedScape: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1134817-clinical
Perl, D. P. (2010). Neuropathology of Alzheimer's Disease. Mt Sinai J Med., 32-42.
Pithadia, A. (2008). Pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Internet Journal of Pharmacology.
Serrano-Pozo, A., Frosch, M. P., Masliah, E., & Hyman, B. T. (2011). Neuropathological
Alterations in Alzheimer Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med., a006189.