Table 1.

NINCDS/ADRDA clinical criteria for AD.

AD is characterized by progressive decline and ultimately loss of multiple cognitive functions, including both: Memory impairment--impaired ability to learn new information or to recall previously learned information. And at least one of the following: Loss of word comprehension ability, for example, inability to respond to "Your daughter is on the phone." (aphasia); Loss of ability to perform complex tasks involving muscle coordination, for example, bathing or dressing (apraxia); Loss of ability to recognize and use familiar objects, for example, clothing (agnosia); Loss of ability to plan, organize, and execute normal activities, for example, going shopping. The problems in "I" represent a substantial decline from previous abilities, cause significant problems in everyday functioning, and begin slowly and gradually, becoming more severe. The problems in "I" are not due to other conditions that cause progressive cognitive decline (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington's chorea, brain tumor, etc.), and other conditions that cause dementia (e.g., hypothyroidism, HIV infection, syphilis, and deficiencies in niacin, vitamin B12, and folic acid), not caused by delirium, and not caused of another mental illness such as depression or schizophrenia.