Etiology: Abnormal proteins in the brain 1. The occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with two abnormal proteins in the brain, namely beta amyloid and tau protein; Lin Wei, Department of Neurosurgery, PLA 101 Hospital 2. Both have toxic effects on nerve cells in the brain, and these proteins in neurons eventually lead to neuronal death, increased brain dysfunction, and dementia. Genetic factors 1. The exact trigger of AD is still unknown, as it has a tendency to occur in families, suggesting the involvement of genetic factors; 2. More than 30 genes have been identified so far that may be involved in the development of AD, among which 3 genes are inherited from parents’ generation in a dominant manner, and about half of the children may eventually develop AD; 3. appear, but patients with familial AD may have their onset at an earlier age. Symptoms: The severity of AD dementia symptoms can range from mild to very severe: Mild AD: Near-memory impairment (usually the earliest symptom); misplacing objects; getting lost in familiar places; problems with the ability to complete complex tasks, such as counting; changes in mood and personality. Moderate AD: Increased confusion in memory and awareness; increased mood and personality changes, including paranoia and hostility; not recognizing family or friends; needing help with activities of daily living, including dressing or toileting. Severe AD: Loss of ability to speak and communicate; complete dependence on others for activities of daily living. Normal aging can also lead to some degree of memory loss. The difference between normal age-related changes in cognitive function and dementia is that cognitive decline due to normal aging does not lead to changes in the ability to perform activities of daily living. Diagnosis of AD includes various tests of brain function, called neuropsychological tests, and often brain imaging tests to look for imaging signs of AD and to rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms; 2. Cerebrospinal fluid tests are also helpful in detecting abnormal proteins in the brain, but these tests are usually rarely performed on patients. Treatment: 1. There is no cure; 2. Existing medications can slow disease progression but do not reverse AD; other medications can relieve sleep, anxiety, or depression symptoms in AD patients; 3. The field of AD is very active in research, and some clinical studies currently underway aim to develop novel drugs, such as antibodies that directly target beta amyloid.