[Clinical aspects of Alzheimer disease]

Alzheimer disease is diagnosed in only half of the patients with this disease in France. In its typical form, it is characterized at the onset by short-term memory problems, repetitive and unusual oversights and forgetfulness, and difficulties in learning new information. Dementia is responsible for more than 50% of the need for care in the elderly. Disease progression is accompanied by noncognitive complications. The 3 most frequent are psychological and behavioral symptoms, weight loss, and impaired balance and walking. Its progressive nature and potential complications underline the need for multidisciplinary management for patients and their families, with regular medical follow-up.