SELECTIVE VULNERABILITY OF NEOCORTICAL ASSOCIATION AREAS IN ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

This article reviews the possible relationships between the localizati on of cellular pathologic changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the distribution of neuronal components of the neocortical circuitry that are affected by these alterations. In particular, evidence from the s tudy of large autopsy series supporting the role of the inferior tempo ral cortex as a key area in the progression of the dementing process i s presented. The notion of selective vulnerability in AD at the level of affected neocortical association areas, layers, and specific cell p opulations is discussed to provide insight into the molecular backgrou nd of the development of neurofibrillary tangles within the cerebral c ortex. Moreover, recent data on pathological correlates of apraxia in AD are examined in the light of the hypothesis of global corticocortic al disconnection in this disorder. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.