Final answer:
In Alzheimer's disease, amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein are the main neuropathological findings, leading to synapse loss, neuronal death, and overall brain volume reduction, particularly affecting the hippocampus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hallmark neuropathological findings in Alzheimer's disease (AD) include the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles made up of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. These plaques and tangles are associated with the loss of synapses and neuronal death, particularly in the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory. Additionally, a characteristic feature of AD is the overall shrinking of brain volume, especially in the ventricles and hippocampus as shown in brain comparisons.
Tau protein accumulates abnormally, contributing to the dysfunction of neurons due to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles within them. Amyloid plaques, made up of beta-amyloid (AĆ) peptide fragments, interfere with neurotransmission and are often found extracellularly in the brain. Research continues to examine the effects of these abnormal protein deposits on brain function and their relationship with cognitive decline.