Clinical aspects of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common of the dementing disorders. AD begins insidiously and progresses gradually; it is characterized clinically not only by an impairment in cognition, but also by a decline in global fu nction, a deterioration in the ability to perform activities of daily livin g, and the appearance of behavioral disturbances. No definitive tests for t he diagnosis are available, and AD is a diagnosis of inclusion based on pat ient history, physical examination, neuropsychological testing, and laborat ory studies. Disease progression is highly variable, and median survival af ter the onset of dementia ranges from 5 to 9.3 years. Early recognition of AD allows time to plan for the future, and to treat patients before marked deterioration occurs. (C) 2001, Editrice Kurtis.