Update on the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

The research and clinical experience of the past decade have provided a wealth of new knowledge about the causes of AD and the treatment of individuals afflicted with this progressive, irreversible illness. Public awareness of the costs of the disease has increased both at a national level and at a family and individual level. Despite these advances, the care and treatment of the AD patient are complex in that the risks of therapy often outweigh benefits. The pharmacists can play a key role by ensuring rational therapy, providing professional support to AD care givers, and serving as a source of information in both the ambulatory and institutional patient settings.