EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

It is only recently that Alzheimer's disease has become recognized as a major public health concern. Not only those diagnosed with Alzheimer 's disease are impacted by the disease; the emotional toll exacted on caregivers is enormous, and the financial costs incurred by the United States are staggering. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can pre vent costly and inappropriate treatment and permits earlier treatment of symptoms. There have been several recent pharmacologic advances in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, including the development of ace tylcholinesterase inhibitors. For any intervention to prove successful , however, early and accurate diagnosis and effective disease manageme nt are crucial.