Alzheimer's disease: clinical update on epidemiology, pathophysiology and diagnosis

Abstract

Objectives: To provide a clinical update for general psychiatrists on the assessment and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), highlighting current issues regarding epidemiology, risk factors and pathophysiology from recent relevant research findings.

Conclusions: Psychiatrists can apply their skills and training in the diagnosis of AD, which is based upon a comprehensive assessment comprising history, investigations, and cognitive and functional assessment, guided by accepted diagnostic criteria.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia; diagnosis; neuropsychiatric symptoms; pathophysiology; psychiatry.