On completion of the chapter, the reader will be able to:
1. List the most common types of dementia in late life.
2. Distinguish early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Discuss genetic and environmental causes that can play a role in the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Identify the hallmark pathophysiologic lesions in Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Identify the neurotransmitter systems affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Discuss the importance of brain vascular health in Alzheimer’s disease.
7. Describe the signs and symptoms of various stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
8. Discuss the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease.
9. Explain the primary treatment goals of both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.
10. Describe the general approach to developing nonpharmacologic strategies for managing behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease patients.
11. Discuss the rationale for early and continuous treatment in Alzheimer’s disease.
12. Discuss the mechanism of action, dosing, administration, and side-effect profiles of the available cholinesterase inhibitors.
13. Discuss the mechanism of action, dosing, administration, and side-effect profile of memantine.
14. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of estrogen, antiinflammatory agents, lipid-lowering agents, and dietary supplements (vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, huperzine A) as treatments for Alzheimer’s patients.
15. Develop a treatment and monitoring plan for cognitive symptoms in a patient newly diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s disease.
16. List available treatment options and recommended dosages for behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
17. Explain the risks associated with antipsychotic use in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
18. Evaluate the economic impact of Alzheimer’s disease.
