Diagnosing and Treating Alzheimer Disease During the Early Stage

Abstract

Recent advances in technology can lead to earlier detection of Alzheimer disease (AD) in patients and therefore opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment. In addition, novel agents can slow disease progression and improve symptoms. However, clinicians are not providing a diagnosis to over half of individuals who meet criteria for dementia. Early detection and intervention are crucial to slow symptom progression, and these advances provide a window of opportunity to diagnose the disease early and even prevent it from becoming symptomatic. Clinicians need education on early recognition of AD and on sharing the diagnosis of AD with patients and families as well as guidance for providing patients and families with information on next steps and facilitating early treatment initiation for AD. Partnering with clinicians in the primary care setting and providing them with the necessary tools can change the trajectory of the disease for patients and caregivers.