Which neuropathological hallmark is NOT associated with Alzheimer disease?

The presence of vascular lesions is not considered a hallmark characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, it is more closely associated with other types of dementia, particularly vascular dementia, which results from issues related to blood flow to the brain.

Alzheimer’s disease is primarily characterized by three main neuropathological features: amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal degeneration. Amyloid plaques consist of aggregated beta-amyloid peptides, which are toxic to neurons and contribute to cell death. Neurofibrillary tangles are made up of hyperphosphorylated tau protein and disrupt normal neuronal function, leading to further deterioration of brain cells. Neuronal degeneration indicates the overall loss of neurons in brain regions critical for memory and cognitive function.

These features are central to understanding the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease and distinguishes it from other forms of dementia, making the identification of vascular lesions as a hallmark incorrect in this context.