Alzheimer’s Disease And Dementias

Updated guidelines for the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease: A clinical review

John K. Grandy, MS, RPA-C April 05, 2012

The goal of the 2011 diagnostic guidelines is to make earlier identification of Alzheimer  disease possible, which in turn will help patients and families to better prepare and plan.

What's new in Alzheimer disease:  Biomarkers and gene mutations as aids for detecting AD early

John K. Grandy, MS, RPA-C June 16, 2011

New discoveries in neurogenetics and proteinopathies may allow Alzheimer disease to be detected in patients even before symptoms manifest.

From the bookshelf

Amy M. Klingler, MS, PA-C January 10, 2011

Every once in a while I read something that makes me look at myself, my family and my patients differently because it demonstrates something critical about human nature, disease and/or diagnosis.

Is it ethical to provide enteral tube feedings for patients with dementia?

Zachary Hartsell, MPAS, PA-C, Jennifer S. Williams, MMS, PA-C October 01, 2010

Research does not offer any clear support for or against this practice, making this a difficult decision for both the patient's family and the clinician.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)

Michelle Johnson, MSBS, PA-C; Karen Graham, MPAS, PA-C May 04, 2010

NPH is characterized by symptoms common in the elderly. Correct patient selection for shunt surgery can lead to a good outcome.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia: Diagnosis and treatment

From CSAC, the Clinical and Scientific Affairs Council of the AAPA January 14, 2010

Clinicians should screen for mild cognitive impairment and initiate treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors as early as possible in the disease process.

Piecing together confusing symptoms

Kay Christian, MS, PC-C December 08, 2009

The author reflects on the pain and confusion her family experienced watching her sister struggle with frontotemporal dementia.

QRS: Alzheimer's disease; Myasthenia gravis

Dawn Colomb-Lippa, MHS, PA-C, Amy M. Klingler, MS, PA-C, Margaret King-Schumacher, PA-C,MJ July 21, 2009

Features, signs and symptoms, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and myasthenia gravis are reviewed. Questions and answers that highlight important facts about these diseases are also included.

Mild cognitive impairment: The transition to Alzheimer's disease

Andrea Pace, MSBS, PA-C; Karen Graham, MPAS, PA-C August 01, 2008

Cholinesterase inhibitors are the most promising agents for slowing progression to Alzheimers disease. But for how long can this progression be delayed?