Memory loss in Alzheimer's disease
- PMID: 24459411
- PMCID: PMC3898682
- DOI: 10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.4/hjahn
Memory loss in Alzheimer's disease
Abstract
Loss of memory is among the first symptoms reported by patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD) and by their caretakers. Working memory and long-term declarative memory are affected early during the course of the disease. The individual pattern of impaired memory functions correlates with parameters of structural or functional brain integrity. AD pathology interferes with the formation of memories from the molecular level to the framework of neural networks. The investigation of AD memory loss helps to identify the involved neural structures, such as the default mode network, the influence of epigenetic and genetic factors, such as ApoE4 status, and evolutionary aspects of human cognition. Clinically, the analysis of memory assists the definition of AD subtypes, disease grading, and prognostic predictions. Despite new AD criteria that allow the earlier diagnosis of the disease by inclusion of biomarkers derived from cerebrospinal fluid or hippocampal volume analysis, neuropsychological testing remains at the core of AD diagnosis.
La pérdida de memoria está entre los primeros síntomas referidos por los pacientes que padecen Enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) y por sus cuidadores. La memoria de trabajo y la memoria declarativa de largo plazo se afectan precozmente durante el curso de la enfermedad. El perfil individual de deterioro de las funciones de la memoria se correlaciona con parámetros de integridad cerebral estructural o funcional. La patología de la EA interfiere con la formación de memorias desde el nivel molecular hasta el sistema de redes neurales. La investigación de la pérdida de memoria en la EA ayuda a identificar las estructuras neurales involucradas, como la red neural por defecto, la influencia de factores epigenéticos y genéticos, como el estado de la ApoE4, y aspectos evolucionistas de la cognición humana. Clinicamente, el análisis de la memoria ayuda a la definición de los subtipos de EA, a la clasificación de la enfermedad y a las predicciones pronósticas. A pesar de los nuevos criterios de EA que permiten un diagnóstico más precoz de la enfermedad mediante la incorporación de biomarcadores derivados del liquido céfalo raquideo o del análisis del volumen del hipocampo, las pruebas neuropsicológicas persisten en to nuclear del diagnóstico de EA.
La perte de mémoire est un des premiers symptômes rapportés par les patients souffrant de maladie d'Alzheimer (MA) et leurs soignants. La mémoire de travail et la mémoire déclarative à long terme sont touchées de façon précoce au cours de l'évolution de la maladie. Le schéma individuel de la détérioration des fonctions mnésiques correspond aux paramètres de l'intégrité cérébrale fonctionnelle ou structurelle. La pathologie de la MA interfère avec la formation de souvenirs allant du niveau moléculaire jusqu'au cadre des réseaux neuronaux. La recherche de la perte de mémoire de la MA aide à identifier les structures neuronales impliquées, comme le réseau du « mode par défaut », l'influence des facteurs épigénétiques et génétiques, comme l'état de l'ApoE4 et les aspects évolutifs de la cognition humaine. Cliniquement, l'analyse de la mémoire facilite la définition des sous-types de MA, le stade de la maladie et la prévision du pronostic. Malgré les nouveaux critères de MA permettant le diagnostic précoce de la maladie en faisant appel à des biomarqueurs dérivés du liquide céphalo-rachidien ou à l'analyse du volume de l'hippocampe, les tests neuropsychologiques restent au centre du diagnostic de la MA.
Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; brain atrophy; default mode network; memory; neuropsychological test.
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