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Published on: October 13, 2016

Managing Alzheimer dementia tomorrow

Thomas C Rosenthal1, Natan Khotianov

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, 14215, USA. trosenthal@acsu.buffalo.edu

The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
|December 4, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Early identification of at-risk Alzheimer disease patients is crucial for future treatments. Clinical screening tools and genetic testing aid in identifying individuals who may benefit from upcoming preventative therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Gerontology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Alzheimer disease (AD) presents devastating effects, with current treatments like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors offering limited alteration.
  • Next-generation AD therapies aim to prevent beta-amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuron-destroying enzymes.
  • Early identification of at-risk individuals is essential for the effective utilization of emerging AD medications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the emerging pathophysiologic model for Alzheimer disease.
  • To identify methods for early detection of at-risk individuals for Alzheimer disease.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed.
  • English language articles published between 2000 and mid-2002 with the keyword 'dementia' were analyzed.
  • Articles focusing on the pathophysiologic model of Alzheimer disease were specifically selected.

Main Results:

  • Standardized clinical screening tools, including the mini-mental status examination and clock test, can identify at-risk patients when used longitudinally and correlated with family observations.
  • Genetic testing identifies known mutations in 70% of familial Alzheimer disease cases but requires effective prevention strategies to be clinically useful.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer disease is key to developing future preventative treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Currently, patients with Alzheimer disease benefit from nutritional support and lifestyle enhancements.
  • Continuous primary care relationships are vital for encouraging these supportive measures.

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