Fact-sheet: Alzheimer Disease
Updated on 04/23/2019 at 9:46 AM
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Definition
It is the most frequent cause of dementia after age 65.
The vast majority of cases are sporadic, but rare familial forms with autosomal dominant inheritance exist, generally with early onset.
Clinical features
Dementia syndrome often begins with:
- isolated recent memory impairment - language disorders
The disease progressively evolves toward an aphaso-apraxo-agnosic syndrome.
Extrapyramidal-type hypertonia and generalized seizures may be found during the course of the disease.
Laboratory findings
LP: normal CSF on standard analysis; but abnormal TAU and Aβ42 protein levels.
MRI
Diffuse cortical atrophy with associated dilatation of the ventricular system, widening of the cortical sulci and the Sylvian fissures.
Hippocampal atrophy.
Management
Treatment:
- acetylcholinesterase inhibitor: Aricept
- NMDA receptor modulator: Memantine
- management of associated neuropsychiatric disorders (depressive symptoms, behavioral disturbances, agitation)
- medico-social support measures
- day care center
- institutional care for patients with advanced forms
Differential diagnosis
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
- Corticobasal degeneration
- Progressive supranuclear palsy