AANP Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Practice 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Alzheimer’s disease is most often linked to neurodegenerative diseases due to its primary characteristic of progressive cognitive decline caused by the degeneration of brain cells. This disorder specifically affects memory and various cognitive functions, leading to challenges in thinking, learning, and reasoning as it advances. It is the most common form of dementia, and its connection to neurodegeneration is well-established, as it involves the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that disrupt neuron communication and ultimately lead to cell death.

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, are characterized by the gradual loss of structure and function of neurons. This defining feature underpins why Alzheimer’s is placed at the forefront when discussing cognitive disorders linked to such diseases, contrasting with other forms of cognitive impairment that may stem from vascular issues or other mechanisms outside of direct neurodegeneration.