ALZHEIMER (AD) - A MULTIFACTORIAL NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE - A COHORT STUDY

Abstract

Situated within the broad spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is known for its complexity, heterogeneity, multiple genetic mutations, epigenetic and biochemical modifications, and irreversible progression from early stages characterized by deficits in the ability to encode and store new information to subsequent progressive cognitive, functional, behavioral decline. Objective: The conducted study aimed to compile conclusive statistics, identify genetic factors, and correlate them with environmental ones, thus highlighting the importance of developing evaluation programs and early introduction of medication in order to decelerate the progression of neurodegenerative processes. Materials and methods: The analytical, observational, retrospective study was conducted on an extended cohort of 2277 patients admitted with chronic neurological diseases to the Neurology Department of "Dr. Iacob Czihac" Clinical Military Emergency Hospital Iași from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023. Among these, 219 patients were diagnosed with AD at various stages. Forty-three cases exhibiting genetic predisposition (19.63%) were selected and thoroughly analyzed based on medical records. Results: The study emphasizes the significant position of AD among chronic neurological diseases. Although the majority do not present hereditary antecedents (80.36%), predisposing conditions, environmental factors, stress, and the region of residence play fundamental roles in the disease's determinism. It is observed that individuals in the 60-70 age category (71.23%) from urban areas (63.01%), especially females (63.47%), have a higher probability of developing AD. Maternally transmitted Alzheimer's prevalence was 58.13%, while paternally inherited AD accounted for 32.55%, with only 4 cases having antecedents on both lines (9.30%). Conclusion: Unequivocally characterized by a vast etiology, AD is a multifactorial disorder resulting from the bilateral interaction and continuous corroboration of genetic and environmental factors.