Alzheimer's disease:

Alzheimer's disease is widely recognized for its association with the presence of neuritic plaques, which are abnormal clusters of protein fragments that build up between nerve cells. These plaques primarily consist of beta-amyloid peptides, which accumulate and disrupt cell communication, eventually leading to neuronal death. The formation of these plaques is considered one of the hallmark features of Alzheimer's pathology and plays a critical role in the progression of the disease.

The presence of neuritic plaques can be observed during post-mortem examinations of the brains of individuals who had Alzheimer's disease. This characteristic serves as a key diagnostic criterion for confirming the disease and differentiating it from other types of dementia. Understanding the role of these plaques is essential in the study and treatment of Alzheimer's, as researchers continue to explore interventions that could potentially target their formation or alleviate their effects.

In contrast to this, the other options present different inaccuracies: the strengthening of the neuron sheath is not a characteristic feature of Alzheimer's, nor is there a known single cause or etiology attributed to the disease; rather, it is believed to result from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Additionally, hypertrophy in the cerebral cortex is not typically associated with Alzheimer's disease; instead, neurodegeneration tends to lead to