Dementia and Alzheimer’s
L/O.
• Define and discuss Dementia; explain the main cognitive and behavioral symptoms that
characterize this condition and how it is diagnosed.
• Describe and discuss the current theories underlying the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s
disease including amyloid hypothesis and genetic influences.
• Describe and critically discuss the currently available pharmacological approaches for
cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease including effects, side effects and limitations of
the treatments
• Describe and discuss the pharmacological treatments for non-cognitive symptoms of
Alzheimer’s disease including effects, side effects and limitations
• Discuss how the understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms in Alzheimer’s
disease could lead to new therapeutic agents. Critically analyse the current limitations to
successful drug development.
Dementia Umbrella Term for These Symptoms caused by Diseases Such as Memory Loss,
Confusion and Personality Change.
Definition Chronic progressive mental disorder that adversely affects higher cortical functions
including memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language
and judgement.
Alzheimer’s Disease
1. Most common form of dementia
2. Degenerative cerebral disease with characteristics
3. Onset and development is slowly but steadily over several years
4. Progressive deterioration in cognition, function and behaviour.
Common Symptoms
Cognitive
Memory loss
Failing intellect (inability to learn new skills)
Poor concentration
Language impairment
Disorientation/confusion
Non-cognitive
Depression
Delusion
Anxiety
Aggression
Sleep disturbances
Dis-inhibition
Disability
, Difficulties with activities of daily living
Self-neglect
Incontinence and other physical disabilities
Symptoms of AD may be confused with:
-Vitamin deficiency
-Thyroid problems
-Infection
-Anxiety
-Brain Tumour
-Depression
-Diabetes
Diagnosis Symptoms & Memory assessment (Clinical criteria)
MRI and PET Scans for biomarkers (Neuropathological hallmarks)
Outcomes:
Memory tests can show problems in particular areas
CT and MRI scans may show brain shrinkage (atrophy)
SPECT and PET scans may show areas of
Loss of function (fluoro deoxyglucose [FDG]PET)
Presence of AD biomarkers (PET with amyloid-binding radiotracer or chemical marker of
cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] amyloid and tau proteins)
L/O.
• Define and discuss Dementia; explain the main cognitive and behavioral symptoms that
characterize this condition and how it is diagnosed.
• Describe and discuss the current theories underlying the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s
disease including amyloid hypothesis and genetic influences.
• Describe and critically discuss the currently available pharmacological approaches for
cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease including effects, side effects and limitations of
the treatments
• Describe and discuss the pharmacological treatments for non-cognitive symptoms of
Alzheimer’s disease including effects, side effects and limitations
• Discuss how the understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms in Alzheimer’s
disease could lead to new therapeutic agents. Critically analyse the current limitations to
successful drug development.
Dementia Umbrella Term for These Symptoms caused by Diseases Such as Memory Loss,
Confusion and Personality Change.
Definition Chronic progressive mental disorder that adversely affects higher cortical functions
including memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language
and judgement.
Alzheimer’s Disease
1. Most common form of dementia
2. Degenerative cerebral disease with characteristics
3. Onset and development is slowly but steadily over several years
4. Progressive deterioration in cognition, function and behaviour.
Common Symptoms
Cognitive
Memory loss
Failing intellect (inability to learn new skills)
Poor concentration
Language impairment
Disorientation/confusion
Non-cognitive
Depression
Delusion
Anxiety
Aggression
Sleep disturbances
Dis-inhibition
Disability
, Difficulties with activities of daily living
Self-neglect
Incontinence and other physical disabilities
Symptoms of AD may be confused with:
-Vitamin deficiency
-Thyroid problems
-Infection
-Anxiety
-Brain Tumour
-Depression
-Diabetes
Diagnosis Symptoms & Memory assessment (Clinical criteria)
MRI and PET Scans for biomarkers (Neuropathological hallmarks)
Outcomes:
Memory tests can show problems in particular areas
CT and MRI scans may show brain shrinkage (atrophy)
SPECT and PET scans may show areas of
Loss of function (fluoro deoxyglucose [FDG]PET)
Presence of AD biomarkers (PET with amyloid-binding radiotracer or chemical marker of
cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] amyloid and tau proteins)
