What is the most common cause of dementia in elderly individuals?

Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia in elderly individuals, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. This progressive neurological disorder primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior, gradually impairing the ability to perform everyday activities.

The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood, but it is characterized by specific pathological features including amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. These changes lead to neurodegeneration, particularly in regions associated with memory and cognition like the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.

In contrast, other types of dementia, such as multi-infarct dementia or vascular dementia, occur due to strokes and vascular problems but are less common compared to Alzheimer's in the aging population. Pseudodementia refers to cognitive impairment that is secondary to mood disorders like depression, which can mimic dementia but is generally reversible with appropriate treatment. Frontotemporal dementia is also less common and usually presents with distinct behavioral changes and language difficulties, typically occurring at a younger age than Alzheimer's.

Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of Alzheimer's disease is crucial for diagnosis and management, making it the most recognized cause of dementia among the elderly.