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Alois Alzheimer: Mad-Doctor with a Microscope
Alzheimer's is one of the most well-known diseases of our time. But initially, it – along with its discoverer – was largely ignored.
18.09.2013
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Current: News from the Institutes
09.12.2019
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Alzheimer's disease
Research has not yet produced a cure. What is the next step?
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- Glossary
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cortical atrophy, nerve cell loss, synapse loss, and deposits of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to dementia and loss of function. Early symptoms include memory problems, speech disorders, executive deficits, depressive moods, and subtle personality changes. As the disease progresses, global cognitive impairment, aphasia, agnosia, apraxia, and behavioral abnormalities such as apathy, restlessness, and sleep disorders occur. The disease was first described in 1907 by Alois Alzheimer.
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- Glossary
Secretases
Secretases are proteases that cleave proteins into smaller fragments, often membrane-bound in the case of transmembrane proteins. Cleavage produces intracellular fragments that can act as signals and extracellular fragments that are released into the environment. Some proteins, such as the amyloid precursor protein (APP), offer different cleavage sites for different secretases. Beta-amyloid, the main component of senile plaques, is formed when APP is first cleaved by β-secretase outside the membrane and then by γ-secretase inside the membrane.
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- Glossary
Tau protein
Tau proteins are particularly prevalent in the central nervous system. Their function is to stabilize microtubules – the structures that give cells their shape and support. Under certain circumstances, enzymes attach too many phosphate groups to tau proteins. As a result, the proteins are no longer broken down properly and form toxic aggregates within the neurons. Alongside senile plaques, aggregated tau proteins are considered a classic hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
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Glossary
15.03.2017
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- Diseases
- Alzheimer's disease
Dementia worry: The Bogeyman of old Age
The fear of developing dementia oneself is widespread.
11.11.2025
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- News from the Institutes
Insights into Smelling Problems Associated with Alzheimer’s
Tests of the sense of smell could help identify people who are developing Alzheimer’s at an earlier stage
15.08.2025
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- News from the Institutes
Insights into Smelling Problems Associated with Alzheimer’s
Tests of the sense of smell could help identify people who are developing Alzheimer’s at an earlier stage
15.08.2025
