eMedicine Specialties > Neurology > Behavioral Neurology and Dementia

Alzheimer Disease: Follow-up

Author: Heather S Anderson, MD, Assistant Professor, Staff Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Alzheimer and Memory Center, University of Kansas Medical Center
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Aug 27, 2009

Follow-up

Deterrence/Prevention

Although previous reports reflect delayed onset of Alzheimer disease (AD) in individuals who used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a study by Breitner et al showed NSAIDs do not protect against AD, at least in very old people. Relying on computerized pharmacy dispensing records and biennial dementia screening, investigators found Alzheimer disease incidence was increased in heavy NSAID users. These findings may represent deferral of Alzheimer disease symptoms from earlier to later old age.24

Patient Education

For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Dementia Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education articles Alzheimer Disease, Alzheimer Disease in Individuals With Down Syndrome, Dementia Overview, and Dementia Medication Overview.

Miscellaneous

Medicolegal Pitfalls

  • Patients with dementia, in general, and those with Alzheimer disease, in particular, usually have a progressive deterioration in their behavior, cognition, and ability to perform activities of daily living.
    • These changes may result in patients making inappropriate or adverse psychosocial decisions, such as the mismanagement of funds or serious lapses in their family, social, and occupational responsibilities.
    • Medical advice should include a warning about these possibilities, given to both the patient and to their caregivers (at least those most directly responsible for the patient's care) to minimize the risk of adverse legal effects on the patient or others.
  • Particular attention should be given to the need to make a legal statement about the patient's competency to handle his or her affairs and about assigning power of attorney for the patient's estate and other matters. These delicate decisions must be individualized and coupled with an attorney's advice.
 
Acknowledgments

The authors and editors of eMedicine gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous author Rodrigo O Kuljis, MD to the development and writing of this article.



More on Alzheimer Disease

Overview: Alzheimer Disease
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Alzheimer Disease
Treatment & Medication: Alzheimer Disease
Follow-up: Alzheimer Disease
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Further Reading

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Keywords

Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease signs and symptoms, Alzheimer's disease treatment, senile dementia of the Alzheimer type, Alzheimer dementia, Alzheimer's dementia, AD, primary neuronal degeneration, senile plaques, SP, neurofibrillary tangles, NFT, cerebrocortical atrophy, central nervous system, CNS, acetylcholine, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, NMDA, memantine

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Heather S Anderson, MD, Assistant Professor, Staff Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Alzheimer and Memory Center, University of Kansas Medical Center
Heather S Anderson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology
Disclosure: Central Plains Geriatric Education Center Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Medical Editor

Joseph Quinn, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Portland VA Medical Center, Oregon Health Sciences University
Joseph Quinn, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, Society for Neuroscience, and Society for Pediatric Radiology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Managing Editor

Richard J Caselli, MD, Professor, Department of Neurology, Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN; Chair, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic of Scottsdale
Richard J Caselli, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Medical Association, American Neurological Association, and Sigma Xi
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Selim R Benbadis, MD, Professor, Director of Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of South Florida School of Medicine, Tampa General Hospital
Selim R Benbadis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, American Epilepsy Society, and American Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Howard A Crystal, MD, Professor, Departments of Neurology and Pathology, State University of New York Downstate; Consulting Staff, Department of Neurology, University Hospital and Kings County Hospital Center
Howard A Crystal, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology and American Neurological Association
Disclosure: Medivations Honoraria Consulting

 
 
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