MedGen

Applies to a disease manifestation that increases in scope or severity over the course of time, i.e., that worsens with age. [from HPO]

Progressive loss of neural cells and tissue. [from HPO]

Neurodegenerative disorders involving deposition of abnormal tau protein isoforms (tau proteins) in neurons and glial cells in the brain. Pathological aggregations of tau proteins are associated with mutation of the tau gene on chromosome 17 in patients with alzheimer disease; dementia; parkinsonian disorders; progressive supranuclear palsy (supranuclear palsy, progressive); and corticobasal degeneration. [from MONDO]

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease of the brain that causes dementia, which is a gradual loss of memory, judgment, and ability to function. This disorder usually appears in people older than age 65, but less common forms of the disease appear earlier in adulthood.

Memory loss is the most common sign of Alzheimer's disease. Forgetfulness may be subtle at first, but the loss of memory worsens over time until it interferes with most aspects of daily living. Even in familiar settings, a person with Alzheimer's disease may get lost or become confused. Routine tasks such as preparing meals, doing laundry, and performing other household chores can be challenging. Additionally, it may become difficult to recognize people and name objects. Affected people increasingly require help with dressing, eating, and personal care.

As the disorder progresses, some people with Alzheimer's disease experience personality and behavioral changes and have trouble interacting in a socially appropriate manner. Other common symptoms include agitation, restlessness, withdrawal, and loss of language skills. People with Alzheimer's disease usually require total care during the advanced stages of the disease.

Individuals with Alzheimer's disease usually survive 8 to 10 years after the appearance of symptoms, but the course of the disease can range from 1 to 25 years. Survival is usually shorter in individuals diagnosed after age 80 than in those diagnosed at a younger age. In Alzheimer's disease, death usually results from pneumonia, malnutrition, or general body wasting (inanition).

Alzheimer's disease can be classified as early-onset or late-onset. The signs and symptoms of the early-onset form appear between a person's thirties and mid-sixties, while the late-onset form appears during or after a person's mid-sixties. The early-onset form of Alzheimer's disease is much less common than the late-onset form, accounting for less than 10 percent of all cases of Alzheimer's disease. [from MedlinePlus Genetics]

Primary and secondary (metastatic) malignant tumors that occur in the cerebellum. Histologic types include medulloblastomas, high grade (WHO Stage III or IV) cerebellar astrocytomas, lymphomas, gangliogliomas, gliosarcomas, and several other subtypes. The most frequent malignant cerebellar neoplasm of childhood is medulloblastoma. In adults, metastases from other sites are relatively common. Clinical features include ataxia, headache, nausea, dizziness, nystagmus, diplopia, papilledema, etc. [from NCI]