Our new primer article on Alzheimer’s disease and potential new biomarkers is out now on Current Biology.

Humans differ from other primates through their superior intellectual and mental abilities. When a gradual and chronic loss of these cognitive functions leads to a loss of independent living, the individual is described as being demented. Such declining cognitive functions encompass all mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge and practical skills, including memory, language, reasoning and attention. Today, Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, comprising approximately 60% of dementia cases. With steadily improving standards of living, people in developed regions of the world are living longer, and Alzheimer’s disease is associated strongly with old age. The number of cases of Alzheimer’s disease has been increasing steadily, and with today’s aging population, the number of people with dementia worldwide is expected to quadruple by 2050 unless effective treatment or prevention becomes available. In this Primer, we consider the symptoms, biological basis and potential biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease.

Rolfseng Grøntvedt G, Navarro Schröder T, Botne Sando S, White L, Bråthen G, Doeller CF (2018). Current Biology
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