What is Alzheimer's disease characterized by?

Alzheimer's disease is characterized primarily by the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. These plaques are formed by aggregates of amyloid-beta peptides, while tangles consist of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. The accumulation of these pathological features disrupts normal neuronal function and ultimately leads to cell death, contributing to the cognitive decline and memory impairment associated with the disease.

This hallmark combination of plaques and tangles is essential for making a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, particularly during post-mortem examinations. The impact of these proteins on brain cells correlates with the symptoms experienced by individuals, such as progressive memory loss, difficulty with language, and changes in behavior.

The other answer choices reflect different conditions or features that do not align with the specific pathology of Alzheimer's disease. Transient confusion and memory loss might occur in various types of dementia or delirium, but they do not specifically characterize Alzheimer's. A progressive motor disorder is more indicative of conditions like Parkinson's disease. Lastly, vision impairment and hallucinations can be associated with certain types of dementia, such as Lewy body dementia, rather than Alzheimer’s itself.