Washington: Alzheimer's disease may cause brain damage in two stages, according to new research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that uses sophisticated brain mapping methods.
According to the researchers that uncovered this new perspective, the initial, early phase occurs slowly and silently -- before people suffer memory issues -- and only affects a few vulnerable cell types. In contrast, the second, late phase produces more widespread damage and correlates with the onset of symptoms and the rapid accumulation of plaques, tangles, and other Alzheimer's hallmarks.
