CHARACTERIZATION OF BRAIN SAMPLES IN STUDIES OF AGING, ALZHEIMERS, AND OTHER NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES

We review current understanding of the clinical and pathologic informa tion needed for the determination of optimal brain tissue samples for the conduct of studies of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Characteristics th at may distinguish AD from other dementing disorders are discussed. Se lected considerations in the conduct of basic neurobiological studies are also outlined. Although the 28 NIA-funded Alzheimer's Centers can provide excellent clinical and neuropathological data, studies conduct ed outside these centers should also strive to gather the information suggested here. Clinical and neuropathological data should be used not only to classify subjects as control or AD, but also as variables tha t may significantly contribute to the analysis of neurobiological data obtained in the laboratory.