Brain Aging and Alzheimer's Disease: Translational and Clinical Research

Brain aging refers to the structural, chemical, and functional changes in the brain due to old age. It is a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and cerebrovascular disease. Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease which results in short term memory loss, mood swings and disorientation. Diagnosis of this medical condition is conducted through diagnostic imaging, medical history and behavioral observations. Imagining techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) are utilized for extensive imaging of tau tangles and amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques in order to predict the likelihood of Alzheimer's disease. There is no known cure for this disease, therefore clinical and translational research focuses on clinical trials for studying the safety and efficiency of upcoming therapies. This book elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to clinical and translational research on brain aging and Alzheimer's disease. The readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective in this area.