Alzheimer disease: Evidence for selective loss of cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis

19811,739 citationsJournal Article

Authors

Peter J. Whitehouse · Johns Hopkins University

Donald L. Price · Johns Hopkins Medicine

Arthur W. Clark · Johns Hopkins University

Joseph T. Coyle · Johns Hopkins Medicine

Mahlon R. DeLong · Johns Hopkins University

Abstract

The nucleus basalis of Meynert provides diffuse cholinergic input to the neocortex. When compared with an age- and sex-matched control, the nucleus basalis from a patient with Alzheimer disease demonstrated substantial reduction of neurons. Loss of this neuronal population may represent an anatomical correlate of the well-documented cholinergic derangement in Alzheimer disease.

Topics & Keywords

Memory and Neural Mechanisms Cholinesterase and Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Good health and well-being

Publication Details

Published in: Annals of Neurology

Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 122-126

DOI: 10.1002/ana.410100203

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 29.73