The great majority of patients over the age of 60 with progressive dementia have Alzheimer's disease. Clinical features Loss of recent memory with a complaint of forgetfulness is the most common presenting symptoms. Loss of interest in life and personality change, sometimes with antisocial and disinhibited behaviour, are also common early symptoms. Dysphasia, dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia are sometimes particulary marked. Loss of bladder and bowel sphincter control may be an early or late feature.
Sleep disturbance is common.
Wandering may become a serious problem. The most common physical complaint in Alzheimer's disease is unsteadiness of gait. The course of Alzheimer's disease is very variable, average survival being between 5 and 10 years. There is no single diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease. The finding of diffuse cerebral atrophy on CT scanning and exclusion of other treatable causes of dementia usually leaves little doubt about the diagnosis.