Alzheimer's disease primarily affects which part of the human body?

The story behind the answer

Brain. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that damages brain cells, especially in areas crucial for memory and thinking, like the hippocampus and cortex. Hallmarks include beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which disrupt communication between neurons and lead to gradual cognitive decline, memory loss, and changes in behavior.

Context tip: Named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first described the disease in 1906, it’s the most common cause of dementia and risk rises with age. Memory aid: “Alzheimer’s alters the mind”—A for Amyloid, A for Alters—the affected organ is the brain.