Alzheimer's disease
About Alzheimer's disease
The most common form of dementia. Dementia is a brain disorder that affects memory. In its more severe stages, it prevents patients from performing their daily activities, recognizing their family and friends, and from understanding speech or speaking. It is a devastating disease that becomes worse with time and can progress rapidly in some individuals. While treatment is limited the medications used are most effective when they are started as soon as possible. In addition, early identification enables families to prepare for the progression of the symptoms and arrange appropriate intervention. The disorder is more common in older patients although it is not part of normal aging. The likelihood of acquiring the disorder is also increased with a family history of Alzheimer's, long standing hypertension and previous head trauma.Symptoms
The beginning of symptoms is usually gradual and progressively worsen. In some the symptoms become worse rapidly. Symptoms include memory problems, inability to perform routine tasks, problems remembering people, change in personality, problems speaking, and behavior changes.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical will be done. Tests will be done to rule out other causes of the symptoms such as a stroke, infection, brain tumor or metabolic problem.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, MRI.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Unfortunately there are no medications that have been shown to slow the progression of the disease. Some medications can improve the daily functioning of the patient. These include: donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), galantamine (Reminyl) and memantine (Namenda). Simplifying the patient's daily routine can be helpful. As the disease progresses it is important to provide support for the patient and families through caregivers and support groups.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Neurology · Family Practice · Geriatric Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.