Braak staging
Pronunciation: brahk STAY-jing
A neuropathological staging system for Alzheimer's disease based on the anatomical distribution of neurofibrillary tangles.
Full Definition
Braak staging is a widely accepted neuropathological classification system developed by Heiko and Eva Braak that stages Alzheimer's disease pathology based on the progressive spread of neurofibrillary tangles through specific brain regions. The system includes six stages (I-VI), starting with the transentorhinal region (stages I-II), progressing through the hippocampus (stages III-IV), and finally involving neocortical areas (stages V-VI). This staging correlates with clinical severity and is used in research and diagnostic contexts to standardize pathological assessment. Editors should understand that Braak staging specifically refers to tau pathology, distinct from amyloid plaque staging systems.
Usage
Usage note: Use Roman numerals for stages (I-VI); distinguish from other AD staging systems.
In Context
- "Neuropathological examination revealed Braak stage IV with moderate hippocampal involvement." — Alzheimer's disease autopsy report
- "Cases were stratified by Braak staging for correlation with clinical phenotype." — Clinicopathological research study