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.
Coll
Patrick P
PP
University of Connecticut Center on Aging, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA. coll@nso1.uchc.edu
Fortinsky
Richard H
RH
Kaplan
Richard
R
Song
Chaewon
C
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