[Clinical aspects of Alzheimer disease]

Presse Med. 2007 Oct;36(10 Pt 2):1491-9. doi: 10.1016/j.lpm.2007.04.024. Epub 2007 Jun 8.
[Article in French]

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease* / complications
  • Alzheimer Disease* / diagnosis
  • Alzheimer Disease* / drug therapy
  • Alzheimer Disease* / physiopathology
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cohort Studies
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Disease Progression
  • Electroencephalography
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Agents / therapeutic use
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Status Schedule
  • Multicenter Studies as Topic
  • Time Factors
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Agents