Neuronal death causes shrinking in the outer layer of the brain (the cortex) which is vital to memory, language and judgment — Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by this shrinkage. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Causes and Development Neuronal death causes shrinking in the outer layer of the brain (the cortex) which is vital to memory, language and judgment — Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by this shrinkage. Previous Topic Back to Lesson Next Lesson