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Neurology — Alzheimer Disease

Progressive neurodegenerative dementia characterised by amyloid plaques and tau tangles.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Nöroloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Neurology — Alzheimer Disease?

Alzheimer disease is the most common cause of dementia worldwide, characterised pathologically by extracellular amyloid-beta plaques and intraneuronal hyperphosphorylated tau tangles.

Clinical course typically begins with episodic memory impairment and progresses to global cognitive decline, behavioural and functional impairment.

Recent advances include CSF and PET biomarker-based early diagnosis and approval of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies (lecanemab, donanemab) for early symptomatic disease.

Symptoms

Progressive recent memory loss (forgetting recent events, repetition)
Word-finding difficulty and language impairment
Disorientation in familiar places
Loss of complex skills (managing finances, cooking)
Behavioural and psychological symptoms (apathy, depression, agitation)
Late stage: aphasia, apraxia, agnosia and full dependence

Risk Factors

Advancing age (single most important risk factor)
APOE epsilon 4 allele and rare APP, PSEN1, PSEN2 mutations
Family history and Down syndrome
Hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia
Low physical activity, smoking and excess alcohol
Hearing loss, social isolation and depression

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Progressive memory loss interfering with daily life
  • Difficulty with complex tasks or planning
  • Disorientation, getting lost in familiar settings
  • Behavioural change, mood disorder or apathy
  • Caregiver concern about cognitive decline

Treatment Methods

01
Comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, MMSE/MoCA testing
02
Brain MRI (rule out reversible causes), CSF amyloid-tau profile, amyloid and tau PET
03
Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) and memantine
04
Anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies (lecanemab, donanemab) for early symptomatic AD with biomarker confirmation
05
Treatment of vascular and metabolic comorbidities, lifestyle intervention
06
Caregiver education, social support, advance care planning

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Nöroloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.