Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-8bhkd Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-17T01:55:11.010Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

A Guide to Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Mary Sano
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

A major challenge in the management of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is accurate diagnosis of the condition. Aging itself is associated with cognitive change, and physicians must first distinguish between age-associated complaints and true memory impairment as in AD before optimal management can begin. This article reviews tools used to assess and diagnose AD patients in both the primary care and clinical trial setting. AD assessment instruments commonly used in research may be too cumbersome for use in primary care. Tools specifically designed to meet the needs of busy practitioners that can accurately assess function, cognition, and global change will be reviewed. The issues of cognitive screening in old age and age-associated memory impairment will be discussed. Similarly, the pitfalls and advantages of routine cognitive screening in daily practice will be addressed.

Type
Academic Supplement
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 9 , Issue S5: Assessing Current Practice in Alzheimer's Disease , July 2004 , pp. 16 - 19, 28
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 3rd ed rev. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 1987.Google Scholar
2.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 1994.Google Scholar
3.JS, McIntyre, APA. Delirium, Dementia, and Amnestic and Other Cognitive Disorders. Quick Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-IV. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press; 1994:85–93.Google Scholar
4.Cefalu, C, GT, Grossberg. Diagnosis and Management of Dementia. Leawood, KS: American Academy of Family Physicians;2001:1–24.Google Scholar
5.McKhann, G, Drachman, D, Folstein, M, Katzman, R, Price, D, EM, Stadlan. Clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: report of the NINCDS-ADRDA Work Group under the auspices of Department of Health and Human Services Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. Neurology. 1984;34:939–944.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
6.DS, Knopman, ST, DeKosky, JL, Cummings, et al.Practice parameter: diagnosis of dementia (an evidence-based review). Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2001;56:1143–1153.Google Scholar
7.Grundman, M, Petersen, RC, Ferris, SH, et al.Mild cognitive impairment can be distinguished from Alzheimer disease and normal aging for clinical trials. Arch Neurol. 2004;61:59–66.Google Scholar
8.MF, Folstein, SE, Folstein, PR, McHugh. “Mini-mental state”. A practical method for grading the cognitive state oi patients for the clinician. J Psychiatr Res. 1975;12:189–198.Google Scholar
9.Cummings, JL, Mega, M, Gray, K, Rosenberg-Thompson, S, DA, Carusi, Gornbein, J. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory: comprehensive assessment of psychopathology in dementia. Neurology. 1994;44:2308–2314.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
10.Rosen, WG, Mohs, RC, Davis, KL. A new rating scale for Alzheimer's disease. Am J Psychiatry. 1984;141:1356–1364.Google ScholarPubMed
11.Saxton, J, KL, McGonigle-Gibson, AA, Swihart, VJ, Miller, Boller, F. Assessment of the severely impaired patient: description and validation of a new neuropsychological test battery. Psychological Assessment: A Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 1990;2:298–303.Google Scholar
12.Knopman, DS, Knapp, MJ, Gracon, SI, Davis, CS. The Clinician Interview-Based Impression (CIBI): a clinician's global change rating scale in Alzheimer's disease. Neurology. 1994;44:2315–2321.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
13.Galasko, D, Bennett, D, Sano, M, et al for the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study. An inventory to assess activities of daily living for clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 1997;(suppl 2):S33–S39.Google Scholar