Related Experiment Videos
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
Summary
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.