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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Johannes Attems
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2014 Attems et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. The aging brain is characterized by the simultaneous presence of multiple pathologies, and the prevalence of cerebral multi-morbidity increases with age. To understand the impact of each subtype of pathology and the combined effects of cerebral multi-morbidity on clinical signs and symptoms, large clinico-pathological correlative studies have been performed. However, such studies are often based on semi-quantitative assessment of neuropathological hallmark lesions. Here, we discuss some of the new methods for high-throughput quantitative neuropathological assessment. These methods combine increased quantitative rigor with the added technical capacity of computers and networked analyses. There are abundant new opportunities - with specific techniques that include slide scanners, automated microscopes, and tissue microarrays - and also potential pitfalls. We conclude that quantitative and digital neuropathologic approaches will be key resources to further elucidate cerebral multi-morbidity in the aged brain and also hold the potential for changing routine neuropathologic diagnoses.
Author(s): Attems J, Neltner JH, Nelson PT
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Alzheimer's Research and Therapy
Year: 2014
Volume: 6
Online publication date: 28/11/2014
Acceptance date: 01/01/1900
ISSN (electronic): 1758-9193
Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13195-014-0085-y
DOI: 10.1186/s13195-014-0085-y
