Which of the following is not a histopathologic feature of Alzheimer’s disease?
**Core Concept**
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain, leading to neuronal loss and cognitive decline. The histopathologic features of Alzheimer's disease are essential for diagnosis and understanding the underlying pathology.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is the feature that is not typically associated with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by:
- **Amyloid-beta plaques**: Deposits of amyloid-beta peptides in the extracellular space, which are thought to contribute to neuronal dysfunction and death.
- **Neurofibrillary tangles**: Intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, which disrupt neuronal function and contribute to neuronal loss.
- **Neuronal loss and gliosis**: The gradual loss of neurons and the activation of astrocytes and microglia in response to neuronal injury.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it is a hallmark feature of Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid-beta plaques are a key component of the disease's neuropathology.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because neurofibrillary tangles are a characteristic feature of Alzheimer's disease, contributing to neuronal dysfunction and loss.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because neuronal loss and gliosis are common features of Alzheimer's disease, reflecting the progressive degeneration of neurons and the activation of glial cells in response.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key feature of Alzheimer's disease is the presence of **amyloid-beta plaques** and **neurofibrillary tangles** in the brain, which are thought to contribute to the disease's pathophysiology.
**Correct Answer:** D.