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Trends in the public health significance, definitions of disease, and implications for prevention of Alzheimer’s disease

  • Epidemiology of Aging (K Lapane, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Although Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was described over a century ago, there remains no cure, and with the global demographic shift to older ages, the impact is increasing rapidly. This article summarizes how the conceptualization of AD has evolved in response to research advances. Current challenges including the impact of multimorbidity are outlined, and potential targets for prevention are discussed.

Recent Findings

The ability to study AD neuropathology in vivo and results from longitudinal epidemiologic studies have led to a consensus that AD has a long preclinical course spanning decades. This view is driving efforts to identify early markers that will identify individuals at risk for AD dementia.

Summary

Critical questions remain regarding the pathological mechanisms underlying AD and their relation to clinical symptoms. Nevertheless, evidence suggests that interventions targeting modifiable risk factors may slow or prevent the onset of disease while the search for a cure continues.

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Funding

Dr. Derby reports grants from the National Institutes of Health NIA-P01-AG03949, during the conduct of the study.

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  1. Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1225 Morris Park Avenue, Van Etten 3C5D, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA

    Carol A. Derby

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Correspondence to Carol A. Derby.

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Derby, C.A. Trends in the public health significance, definitions of disease, and implications for prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Curr Epidemiol Rep 7, 68–76 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40471-020-00231-8

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