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, according to sophisticated brain scans.

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

Alzheimer’s disease may damage the brain in two phases, according to new research published in Nature Neuroscience on Monday.

New research suggests the disease occurs in two phases, including one in which changes happen gradually – and 'quietly.'

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,

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Here the Alzheimer's Society explains what Alzheimer's disease is.