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Clinical aspects of Alzheimer’s disease

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Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common of the dementing disorders. AD begins insidiously and progresses gradually; it is characterized clinically not only by an impairment in cognition, but also by a decline in global function, a deterioration in the ability to perform activities of daily living, and the appearance of behavioral disturbances. No definitive tests for the diagnosis are available, and AD is a diagnosis of inclusion based on patient history, physical examination, neuropsychological testing, and laboratory studies. Disease progression is highly variable, and median survival after the onset of dementia ranges from 5 to 9.3 years. Early recognition of AD allows time to plan for the future, and to treat patients before marked deterioration occurs.

(Aging Clin. Exp. Res. 13: 221–230, {dy2001)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geriatric Research Group, Brescia, Italy

    A. Bianchetti M.D. & M. Trabucchi

  2. Alzheimer Evaluation Unit, Department of Medicine, “Ancelle della Carità” Hospital, Via Aselli 14, 26100, Cremona, Italy

    A. Bianchetti M.D.

  3. “Tor Vergata” University, Roma, Italy

    M. Trabucchi

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Bianchetti, A., Trabucchi, M. Clinical aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. Aging Clin Exp Res 13, 221–230 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03351480

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