Macro- and Micro-Galvanic Corrosion Mechanisms in Symmetric and Asymmetric Double-Sided Friction Stir-Welded 7A65 Aluminum Alloy Joints.

Alzheimer’s disease is an age-related progressive disorder characterized by cognitive impairment and memory deficits []. It is the leading cause of dementia among older adults [,]. It is estimated that approximately 39 million people worldwide are currently affected by Alzheimer’s disease []. Due to population aging, this number may reach as many as 98–106 million by 2050. The growing number of diagnosed cases of Alzheimer’s disease poses a major challenge to healthcare systems []. Two forms of Alzheimer’s disease are distinguished. The first is the familial, early-onset form (FAD, Familial Alzheimer’s Disease), which accounts for approximately 1% of all cases. This form is associated with inherited genomic alterations []. The second form is the spontaneous (sporadic) type—SAD (Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease)—which accounts for as many as 99% of diagnosed cases. SAD has a later onset than FAD, and its etiology is complex []. Genetic predisposition plays a crucial role as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, accounting for an estimated 58–79% of cases. Rare mutations in the (), PSEN1 (), and PSEN2 () genes are associated with the autosomal dominant form of AD. In contrast, the () gene constitutes the major risk factor for the sporadic form of the disease []. However, age remains the most significant risk factor for the development of AD. The disease affects 18.1% of individuals over 65 years of age, with this rate rising to 33.2% among those over 85. Furthermore, it should be noted that women are more susceptible to developing the condition than men []. The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention also identified 12 modifiable factors that collectively account for approximately 40% of dementia cases worldwide. These include low education levels, hypertension, hearing impairment, tobacco abuse, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, type 2 diabetes, and limited social contact [,,,,,,]. In recent years, attention has also been drawn to lifestyle-related factors, including imbalance between work and rest, stress, reduced sleep duration, substance use, limited intellectual and social activity, as well as civilizational changes and poor diet [,]. Studies indicate that the presence of polyphenols, vitamins, and other compounds with antioxidant properties in the diet reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, whereas excessive intake of saturated fatty acids accelerates disease progression [,,]. Environmental risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease also include cigarette smoke, environmental pollution, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticides [].