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American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias logoLink to American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
. 2006 Mar-Apr;21(2):119–125. doi: 10.1177/153331750602100212

Recognition and treatment of Alzheimer's disease: A case-based review

Dana M Marseille, Daniel HS Silverman 1
PMCID: PMC10833257  PMID: 16634468

Abstract

Early recognition and treatment initiation are pivotal in managing Alzheimer k disease (AD). Once a diagnosis of AD is made, a treatment plan is developed and should include treatment initiation with cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEfs) to improve cognition, management of comorbid conditions, and treat behavioral symptoms. Caregiver compliance is integral to AD treatment success. The purpose of this report is to present two real case studies of “suspected” AD or related dementia and stress the significance of early and accurate diagnosis in disease management. In case 1, a caregiver reports gradual but progressive loss of memory, and the patient himself complains of memory impairment. Neuroimaging analysis confirms “typical” AD. In case 2, initiation of ChEI therapy is followed by substantial clinical improvement in the face of a complex medical picture, and neuroimaging revealing more neurodegenerative changes than could be accountedfor by “pure” AD.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, cholinesterase inhibitor, dementia, caregiver, case study

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