Which of the following describes the characteristic pathology in Alzheimer's disease?

In Alzheimer's disease, the characteristic pathology includes the presence of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular neuritic plaques. Neurofibrillary tangles are composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, which accumulates inside neurons and disrupts their ability to function properly. This leads to cell death and contributes to the cognitive decline observed in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

On the other hand, neuritic plaques consist of aggregated beta-amyloid peptides that accumulate in the spaces between neurons. These plaques are believed to interfere with neuronal communication and trigger inflammatory responses, further exacerbating neurodegeneration.

The combination of these intracellular and extracellular pathological features is fundamental to the diagnosis and understanding of Alzheimer's disease. This dual presence is crucial for distinguishing it from other forms of dementia, as both components are consistently found in the brains of patients with this condition.