Diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia characterized by progressive cognitive dysfunction, behavioral disorders and mental changes that gradually interfere more and more with daily activities. Although scientists have identified numerous factors that play a role in disease development, they have yet to discover the real causes of this complex disorder. Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary spindles are the most characteristic histopathological changes in the brain tissue of patients with AD. Over recent years, there has been significant progress in understanding the pathogenesis, the development of diagnostic methods and treatment options for the disease. Unfortunately, the only available drugs are symptomatic which only temporarily slow down the deterioration of cognitive function and not the means directed at the underlying pathological mechanisms which could modify the course of the disease. Drugs aimed at the modification of the disease are still under development, but immunotherapy may be an option in the near future. Over the coming years it is likely that new insights into the pathogenesis of AD derived from basic research will be translated into clinical practice. 

Key words:
Alzheimer’s disease; diagnosis; epidemiology; pathogenesis; treatment