How does histology aid in the study of neurodegenerative diseases?
Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease are characterized by specific histological changes in the brain. For instance, Alzheimer's disease is marked by the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, while Parkinson's disease shows the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the presence of Lewy bodies. Histological techniques allow researchers to study these changes in detail, leading to a better understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of potential treatments.