Alzheimer's disease. Accurate and early diagnosis in the primary care setting.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common dementia type and is characterized by a gradual, progressive decline in multiple areas of cognition and function. Early diagnosis is key because it can initiate the process of patients and family adapting to and managing disease symptoms. Moreover, certain pharmacologic interventions can impede symptom progression and significantly improve quality of life. A spectrum of basic tests and instruments make clinical diagnosis of AD attainable in the primary care setting. Treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors is targeted toward cognitive enhancement. Neuroprotection involves delaying dementia progression and remains experimental. Problematic cases should be referred.
Marin
Deborah B
DB
Department of Psychiatry, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Sewell
Margaret C
MC
Schlechter
Alan
A
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D013997:Time Factors
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors