The Pathology of the Aging Human Nervous System

This review of the pathology of neurological diseases which afflict humans 65 years of age and older reflects recent improvements in diagnostic modalities including immunology, genetics, biochemistry and radiology. It covers the pathology of the central, peripheral, and sympathetic nervous systems.

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For pathologists, neurologists and physicians concerned with geriatric medicine, this text incorporates reviews and studies pertaining to the pathology of the ageing human nervous system. This review of the pathology of neurological diseases which afflict humans 65 years of age and older reflects the revolutionary improvements in diagnostic modalities, including immunology, genetics, biochemistry, and radiology. This text offers coverage of the pathology of the ageing human central, peripheral, and sympathetic nervous systems. This text offers simple, direct exposition of the patterns of growth of the ageing population and its impact on the neurosciences. Following an introductory chapter on the social, economic, and creative forces of ageing individuals, chapters provide a detailed and up-to-the-minute review of the dementias, highlighting the clinicopathologic characteristics of each disease. An entire chapter is devoted to Alzheimer's disease, considering gross examination of the brain, neuronal loss, senile changes, and neurochemical deficits.
Throughout the text, citation of neuro-imaging studies assist the reader in distinguishing changes related to the ageing human nervous system. Information from the frontiers of research has been incorporated in a section devoted to genetic and immunologic disorders, with coverage of spinocerebellar system degenerations, neoplasms affecting the nervous system of the elderly, and drugs and the ageing human brain. This reference aims to guide the clinician to successful treatment and management of the ageing human nervous system through presenting the necessary tools for diagnosing the condition, detailing the expected prognosis, and providing indications for treatment where appropriate.