A4 amyloid protein deposition and the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: prevalence in aged brains determined by immunocytochemistry compared with conventional neuropathologic techniques
Davies, L.; Wolska, B.; Hilbich, C.; Multhaup, G.; Martins, R.; Simms, G.; Beyreuther, K.; Masters, C.L.
Neurology 38(11): 1688-1693
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-3878 PMID: 3054625 Document Number: 320059
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 histological 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.