[Campbell Biology P.1153] Based on the information provided, if a new diagnostic method could... | Practice Question

Based on the information provided, if a new diagnostic method could detect early-stage Alzheimer's disease, what would you most likely expect to observe in the brain of such a patient compared to a patient who has died from advanced Alzheimer's?

  • A: Fewer amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, but similar brain shrinkage.
  • B: Similar levels of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, but less severe neuronal death and brain shrinkage.
  • C: Less extensive accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, along with less significant neuronal death and brain shrinkage.
  • D: Presence of tau protein accumulation but absence of beta-amyloid plaques.

Explanation

The text describes AD as involving 'massive shrinkage of brain tissue, reflecting the death of neurons' and the accumulation of 'plaques... that appear to trigger the death of surrounding neurons' and 'neurofibrillary tangles'. Since early-stage implies less progression of the disease, all these pathological features would be present but to a lesser extent than in advanced stages.