Alzheimer’s disease
The benefits of early investigation and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease include instigation of pharmacological symptomatic treatments and initiation of psychosocial support, plus treatment of comorbid conditions.
Abstract
In this, the second of two review articles about dementia, we focus on Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is a clinical syndrome characterised by a cluster of symptoms and signs manifested by difficulties in memory, disturbances in language, psychological and psychiatric changes, and impairments in activities of daily living. Alzheimer’s disease is a specific disease that affects about 6% of the population aged over 65 and increases in incidence with age. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease are often identified and managed in primary care, where they may present diagnostic and management challenges. The benefits of early investigation and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease include instigation of pharmacological symptomatic treatments and initiation of psychosocial support, plus treatment of comorbid conditions. Here we review the diagnosis and medical management of Alzheimer’s disease, relying where possible on evidence from randomised controlled trials. What is Alzheimer’s disease?