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A Guide to Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Mary Sano
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Abstract

A major challenge in the management of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is accurate diagnosis of the condition. Aging itself is associated with cognitive change, and physicians must first distinguish between age-associated complaints and true memory impairment as in AD before optimal management can begin. This article reviews tools used to assess and diagnose AD patients in both the primary care and clinical trial setting. AD assessment instruments commonly used in research may be too cumbersome for use in primary care. Tools specifically designed to meet the needs of busy practitioners that can accurately assess function, cognition, and global change will be reviewed. The issues of cognitive screening in old age and age-associated memory impairment will be discussed. Similarly, the pitfalls and advantages of routine cognitive screening in daily practice will be addressed.

Type
Academic Supplement
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 9 , Issue S5: Assessing Current Practice in Alzheimer's Disease , July 2004 , pp. 16 - 19, 28
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004

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