Abstract

ALZHEIMER DISEASE: A REVIEW

Mohd Muazzam Khan*, Farogh Ahsan, Usama Ahmad, Juber Akhtar, Badruddeen, Md. Mujahid

ABSTRACT

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. It is characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration together with declining activities of daily living and behavioral changes. It is the most common type of pre-senile and senile dementia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 5% of men and 6% of woman of above the age of 60 years are affected with Alzheimer's type dementia worldwide. The clinical manifestation of Alzheimer disease (AD) is dementia that typically begins with subtle and poorly recognized failure of memory and slowly becomes more severe and, eventually, incapacitating. Currently available treatments i.e. acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (rivastigmine, galantamine, donepezil) and N-methyl d-aspartate receptor antagonist (memantine) contribute minimal impact on the disease and target late aspects of the disease. These drugs decelerate the progression of the disease, provide symptomatic relief but fail to achieve a definite cure. While the neuropathological features of Alzheimer's disease are recognized but the intricacies of the mechanism have not been clearly defined. This lack of understanding regarding the pathogenic process may be the likely reason for the non-availability of effective treatment which can prevent onset and progression of the disease. Owing to the important progress in the field of pathophysiology in the last couple of years, new therapeutic targets are available that should render the underlying disease process to be tackled directly. Understanding the extent of Alzheimer disease related knowledge can assist disease management that result in improved disease management and reduced care costs. This article attempts to focus on some of the important recent developments in understanding and management of Alzheimer disease.

Keywords: Alzheimer, Management, Diagnosis, treatment.