The discovery of Alzheimer’s disease goes back to the 1900’s when Dr. Alois Alzheimer a German psychiatrist and neurologist was working with a patient who was experiencing abnormal memory loss and disorientation. This lead to an autopsy after her passing which discovered distinct and unique brain conditions. These unique conditions resembled plaques and tangles in the patients brain that are still used as indicators or Alzheimer’s disease.
Later in the century more formal types of dementia were discovered and categorized like vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia. Towards the end of the century biological research like CT scans gave great insight into the truth behind the disease. The role of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine were more apparent. The discovery of the significance of amyloid plaques and tau tangles took places in the 1980 and 1990’s. Both are being targeted by modern medicine for treatment of the disease.
In the 2000’s biomarkers or biological indicators like PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid analysis began to diagnose individuals early. More research lead to the development of drugs like cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists that are used to modify the disease process. The targeting of amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles begin also began during this time. This all brings us to the 2020’s and the new treatment list is ever-expanding with the addition of Aducnumb(Aduhelm) and Lecanemab(Leqemmbi). These two FDA approved medications are used to target and amyloid-beta and tau which lead to neurodegeneration. The future hold increasing treatment options that are growing for a more personalized approach based on individual biomarker profiles. New studies are being conducted to understand how lifestyle factors can alter the onset of the disease.