Changes in neurological diseases during the last half century. Neuropathological view point

Environmental changes are intensifying at an increasing tempo along with the advance of civilization. The appearance change and disappearance of certain diseases are remarkable. The author has been studying the neuropathology of fatal neurodegenerative diseases endemic to the native Chamorro population on Guam during the last half century. During this time, significant advances in scientific technology, such as electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology has contributed to an impressive development of neuropathology. Many new findings have been discovered allowing delineation of additional disease entities. In addition, many new neurological disorders have appeared. This communication reviews clinicopathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and parkinsonism-dementia complex on Guam as well as improvement of the nervous system as a complication of AIDS studied at Montefiore Medical Center in New York.