Alzheimer's disease – A review

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common of the chronic neuro-degenerative disorders affecting the elderly especially in the industrialized nations. It is accompanied by progressive functional deterioration, loss of independence, and numerous cognitive symptoms and behavioral problems. The number of patients with AD is expected to increase in the coming decades due to advances in health care extending the human life span. Different nomenclatures have been used to describe AD, such as, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia. It is the most common form of dementia accounting for two thirds of all dementia cases. The disease puts a tremendous practical, emotional and financial burden on individuals and governments.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; Chronic neurodegenerative disorder; Review

Journal of College of Medicine Vol. 12 (1) 2007: pp.39-44