Supportive care for the patient with Alzheimer's disease

The prevalence of AD, the most common form of dementia, is likely to double in the next 20 years. Although the cause of AD is unknown, risk factors include aging, genetic predisposition, and head trauma. The cholinesterase inhibitors (tacrine, donepezil, and rivastigmine) are the only FDA-approved class of medications for AD. Behavioral problems associated with AD are a major reason for admission to long-term care facilities and a common cause of caregiver "burnout" or stress.