Patient information: A guide to Alzheimer disease

ALZHEIMER DISEASE OVERVIEW

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a form of dementia, a group of disorders that cause a decline in cognitive (mental) functioning, especially memory loss. Changes in behavior and a decline in physical and mental health also occur over time. About four million Americans have Alzheimer disease, and close to three million Americans are caring for relatives or friends who have it.

The earliest signs of Alzheimer disease are gradual and often subtle; some of the most common early symptoms include:

• Difficulty remembering recent events
• Trouble finding the right words
• Having trouble with complex tasks like paying bills
• Getting disoriented or lost in familiar places

However, the initial symptoms of Alzheimer disease can vary from one person to another, which sometimes make the condition difficult to diagnose. Most people with Alzheimer disease do not die from the disease itself, but instead die from other illnesses such as pneumonia.

Currently available medical treatments can be of help in controlling the mental and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer disease, but a cure is not yet available. However, ongoing research holds great promise for developing treatments to slow down or even prevent Alzheimer disease.

UPTODATE ALZHEIMER DISEASE RESOURCES

Patient information — Being diagnosed with Alzheimer disease can be overwhelming for both patients and their loved ones. UpToDate has a number of articles for family members and patients living with Alzheimer disease. These articles are available on the internet at www.uptodate.com/patients.

  (see "Patient information: Dementia (including Alzheimer disease)")

Premium subscription information — More detailed information is also available by subscription.

  (see "Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Alzheimer disease")

  (see "Treatment of dementia")

  (see "Cholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of dementia")

  (see "Etiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of vascular dementia")

  (see "Evaluation of cognitive impairment and dementia")

  (see "Prevention of dementia")

  (see "Safety and societal issues related to dementia")

  (see "Treatment of behavioral symptoms related to dementia")

  (see "Clinical features and diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies")

  (see "Dementia syndromes")

  (see "Epidemiology, pathology, and pathogenesis of dementia with Lewy bodies")

  (see "Estrogen and cognitive function")

  (see "Future directions in dementia treatments")

  (see "Mild cognitive impairment: Epidemiology, pathology, and clinical assessment")