The gradual intraneuronal accumulation of an insoluble fibrous material which partly consists of abnormally phosphorylated tau protein (neurofibrillary change) represents an important neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurofibrillary tangles and neuropil threads formed from this material develop in only a few types of cortical pyramidal cells. The first changes are seen in the entorhinal cortex. The destructive process then spreads into the hippocampal formation and eventually encroaches upon the isocortex. This sequence of events permits the distinction of six stages with a progressive increase in the severity of cortical destruction. The entorhinal region serves as an important interface between the isocortex and hippocampus. This interface function is markedly impaired due to the early deterioration of the entorhinal cortex. Severe entorhinal involvement is considered to represent the morphological counterpart of clinically incipient Alzheimer’s disease. Similar changes are found in mentally impaired individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease or progressive supranuclear palsy.

Keywords:
Alzheimer’s disease, Neurofibrillary changes, Entorhinal region, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Progressive supranuclear palsy
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1993 S. Karger AG, Basel
1993
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.