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Late-Onset Alzheimer Disease.
Aimee L Pierce1, Szofia S Bullain2, Claudia H Kawas3
1Department of Neurology and Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 1100 Medical Plaza Drive, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
Neurologic Clinics
|April 16, 2017
Summary
The oldest-old population is growing, facing increased dementia risk, particularly Alzheimer disease (AD). Diagnosis and treatment in this age group remain challenging, with current therapies offering only symptomatic relief.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- The oldest-old (80+ years) are the fastest-growing demographic globally.
- Dementia risk, especially Alzheimer disease (AD), significantly increases with advanced age.
- Mixed pathologies are common in oldest-old dementia, complicating diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges in diagnosing Alzheimer disease in the oldest-old.
- To review current treatment strategies for dementia in this population.
- To emphasize the need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on dementia in the oldest-old.
- Analysis of diagnostic challenges related to aging.
- Evaluation of current treatment efficacy and limitations.
Main Results:
- Diagnosing Alzheimer disease in the oldest-old is difficult due to age-related cognitive and physical changes.
- Mixed pathologies are frequently observed, alongside typical AD hallmarks like amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.
- Current medications offer limited symptomatic benefits but do not alter disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Effective diagnosis of Alzheimer disease in the oldest-old requires specialized approaches.
- Supportive care is the primary treatment modality, with limited options for disease modification.
- Further research is crucial to develop targeted interventions for dementia in the oldest-old population.