Alzheimer's disease and related disorders

Better understanding of the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and results of empiric trials in AD of drugs effective for behavioral disturbances in younger nondemented patients have provided useful guidelines for the management of the cognitive deficits and noncognitive behavioral disturbances expressed in this increasingly common disorder. The cholinesterase inhibitors modestly improve cognitive function and stabilize cognitive and functional decline. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants seem effective and well-tolerated for treatment of depression in AD. The atypical antipsychotics are effective for psychosis and disruptive agitation, and they are better tolerated. than typical antipsychotics, particularly in the Lewy body variant of AD. Increased understanding of the pathogenesis of AD has stimulated promising new approaches toward the ultimate goal of disease prevention.