[Alzheimer's disease--considerations on the etiology and physiopathology based on a case report].
On the basis of a case report concerning a woman with severe dementia due to Alzheimer's disease who had a surprising mnestic comeback after mastectomy and lasting for 24 hours after operation, the hypothesis is presented that Alzheimer's disease is due to an age-related weakening in the blood-brain-barrier. Increased permeability might render a slight but constant influx of injurious endogenic substances possible. Serum cholinesterase is suggested as the primary injurious agent.
Johansen
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D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans