A4 amyloid protein deposition and the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: prevalence in aged brains determined by immunocytochemistry compared with conventional neuropathology techniques

L. Davies, B. Wolska, C. Hilbich, G. Multhaup, R. Martins, G. Simms, K. Beyreuther, C. L. Masters*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

343 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The histologic diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) might be aided if a more sensitive marker of aberrant A4 amyloid protein deposition were available. We screened a sample of aged brains, using immunocytochemical methods to detect the A4 protein deposition, and found that, in comparison with conventional histologic techniques (silver impregnation and Congo red), immunocytochemistry is more sensitive and allows an easier demarcation between "normal" and "abnormal." If A4 protein deposition is accepted as a definitive marker for AD, then the age-related prevalence of AD increases dramatically. To what degree these prevalence rates are reflected in clinically detectable impairment of higher cortical function remains to be determined.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1688-1693
Number of pages6
JournalNeurology
Volume38
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - 1988
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A4 amyloid protein deposition and the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: prevalence in aged brains determined by immunocytochemistry compared with conventional neuropathology techniques'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this