AD was diagnosed in only 9 percent of the patients and other dementing diseases in 4 percent although 72 percent showed some cognitive impairment. The degree of senile plaques or neurofibrillary tangles was not significantly different between the three subject groups. Cognitive impairment must be related to other factors. Smith, Arthur L., and Peter J. Whitehouse. Progress in the Managementof Alzheimer's Disease.
Personal costs are incalculable.
Diagnosing and managing AD continues to be challenging. AD is usually diagnosed through a process of elimination, and age at the time of diagnosis is between 60 and 80 years of age. Onset can be earlier as symptoms usually go unrecognized at first. Confirmation of AD is available only upon examination of brain tissue at autopsy. In addition, it is important to evaluate for the occurrence of strokes and to manage mood and behavior disturbances.