Alzheimer’s disease can be characterized by three main phases:
(1) Preclinical AD: Abnormal AD biomarkers but no clinical symptoms
(2) MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment): Individuals are mildly symptomatic but do not have dementia. MCI denotes cognitive decline without impairment in activities of daily living
(3) Dementia: Individuals show progressive loss of cognitive function and the ability to live independently
Read more about the typical course of Alzheimer’s disease
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Social and physical exposome factors—like poverty, pollution, and inequality—accumulate over time, shaping biological aging and cognitive decline. Through inflammation and cellular stress, these exposures drive neurodegeneration, highlighting the need for longitudinal, integrative research.
The exposome reframes dementia as the product of cumulative physical and social exposures-like pollution, nutrition, and inequality-across life. These factors shape brain aging through inflammation and epigenetic change. Lifespan, global studies are key to equitable dementia prevention.
