Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias

Alzheimer’s disease is an abundant disorder, affecting approximately 5.5 million people in the United States alone. Alzheimer’s and other related dementias have drastic impacts on the patient, the caregiver, and society. The incidence of dementia disorders is expected to grow over the next 30 years. Given the abundance of dementia cases, high cost of care, and societal impact of disease, to name a few of the ramifications of the illness, it is prudent to have a firm understanding of the disease process so as to better help prepare patients and their caregivers. This chapter provides an overview of Alzheimer’s disease and other commonly occurring dementias with emphasis on disease screening, diagnosis, and both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management of the disease.