Summary
Despite
an exponential increase in our knowledge about the recognition,
assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
over the past decade, countless patients, families and caregivers
do not receive adequate care. Because AD affects individuals
globally, care may be most effectively delivered through an
interdisciplinary model. Some general principles for care of
the cognitively impaired individual are
-
Each
individual presenting with cognitive impairment deserves
a timely and accurate diagnosis
-
AD
is not a curable disease, although it is treatable
-
Prior
to initiating cholinesterase inhibitor therapy, a
baseline evaluation of cognition, functional ability
and behavior should be performed and realistic treatment
goals should be discussed with the patient, family,
and caregivers
-
The
goals of currently available pharmacotherapy are to
relieve symptoms and slow the rate of disease progression
-
Education
and social support for the patient and caregivers
is an essential part of the AD treatment plan
-
The
treatment plan is revised as necessary to meet the
individual’s needs throughout the course of the
illness
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