The Woman Who Changed Neurology: The Untold Story of Auguste Deter and Alzheimer's Disease

In 1901, the world of medicine changed forever with the diagnosis of the first Alzheimer's case. Auguste Deter, a 51-year-old German housewife, unknowingly became the face of a devastating neurodegenerative disease. Her husband, witnessing her decline, sought medical help, leading her to a psychiatric hospital in Frankfurt. There, a young doctor named Alois Alzheimer observed her for years, meticulously documenting her deterioration. After her death, Alzheimer examined her brain, discovering unique physical lesions — amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles — that explained her mental state. In 1906, he presented his findings to the scientific community, marking the beginning of our understanding of Alzheimer's disease. This discovery underscored the importance of continued research and care for those affected by this devastating illness.