Diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological condition that usually presents with short-term memory impairment, and then progresses to profound cognitive and physical disability. The diagnosis is based primarily on clinical findings with a definitive diagnosis only being possible with pathological examination of brain tissue. Alzheimer's disease causes distress to patients, families and caregivers. Most patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease need 24-hour supervision, often provided in a long-term care setting. Although no cure is available, with a variety of treatments, modest but measurable benefits are available. Research is being conducted to find more effective treatments and hopefully in time a cure or means of prevention. All physicians whose practice includes older patients need to possess some familiarity with the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease.
University of Connecticut Center on Aging, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA. coll@nso1.uchc.edu
Patrick P
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Coll
Richard H
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Fortinsky
Richard
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Kaplan
Chaewon
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Song
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D020441:Ginkgo biloba; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008559:Memantine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D014810:Vitamin E; D008559:Memantine