False regarding Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is:
**Question:** False regarding Alzheimer's disease (AD) is:
A. Alzheimer's disease is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene.
B. Alzheimer's disease primarily affects older adults and is characterized by cognitive decline.
C. Alzheimer's disease is a rare condition, affecting less than 1% of the population.
D. The primary treatment for Alzheimer's disease is surgical removal of the affected brain regions.
**Correct Answer:**
**Core Concept:** Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. It is primarily associated with the accumulation of amyloid-beta (AΞ²) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Option B is right as Alzheimer's disease does indeed affect older adults, with the prevalence increasing with age. The disease is estimated to affect around 50-70 million people globally and accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
Option A is incorrect because Alzheimer's disease is primarily a sporadic condition, with genetic factors playing a role in only a minority of cases (e.g., early-onset familial AD). Mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene are one of the genetic factors associated with AD, but they are not the sole cause of the disease.
Option C is incorrect as Alzheimer's disease affects a significant portion of the population, particularly those aged 65 and above. In fact, 1 in 10 adults aged 65-74 and 3 in 10 adults aged 85 and above are affected by AD.
Option D is incorrect as surgical removal of the affected brain regions is not a viable treatment option for Alzheimer's disease. Current treatments focus on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life. The primary treatment involves cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine) and memantine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist.
**Clinical Pearl:** Alzheimer's disease is a complex, multifactorial condition influenced by genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Early diagnosis and management can improve outcomes and quality of life for patients and their caregivers.