New details have emerged into how Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain. Researchers have identified cellular changes in the brains of people with the disease — and a timeline of when they occur.

An analysis of the genetic activity of brain cells in individuals who have died with Alzheimer's disease has revealed the condition progresses in two stages; a slow increase in inflammation, followed by a more rapid degeneration.

Alzheimer's disease may progress in two distinct phases, with the early phase affecting specific brain cells before symptoms appear, and the later phase marked by rapid deterioration.

Alzheimer’s Disease May Damage the Brain in Two Phases - NIH Study Uncovers Which Cell Types May Be Harmed First

Alzheimer’s disease might damage the brain in two distinct phases, a new study suggests. An early phase that occurs slowly and silently appears to lay the groundwork for a second, more widely destructive phase of Alzheimer’s,

"The results fundamentally alter scientists' understanding of how Alzheimer's harms the brain," researchers say.

Alzheimer’s disease is life-threatening and some of the common symptoms don’t appear until the condition has significantly damaged the brain. Neuroscientists are desperately trying to help people prevent the condition,