Brain (CNS)
Alzheimer Disease
알츠하이머병
Most common dementia; impaired short-term memory, visuospatial decline; amyloid plaques + tau tangles; donepezil/memantine and anti-amyloid antibodies
- How common
- Neurologic condition
- Typical age
- Variable age
What is it?
Core neuropathophysiology of Alzheimer Disease.
Commonly affected: Affected brain or neural structure
How it develops
- TriggerTriggering factor for Alzheimer Disease
- Neurologic changeSpecific changes in neural structures
- ManifestationCharacteristic neurologic features appear
- CourseCourse and complications depend on treatment
Symptoms
- Characteristic neurologic symptomClassic Alzheimer Disease presentation
- Headache or cognitive changeVaries by condition
- Motor/sensory/balance impairmentReduced neurologic function
How it is examined
- Neuro examCranial nerves, motor, sensory, reflexes, coordination
- MRI/CT/EEG/LPKey diagnostic studies
Imaging
Non-contrast head CT first-line screening.
- CT findings
Brain MRI for detailed assessment (contrast, DWI, FLAIR as needed).
- MRI findings
Non-surgical care
- Medical therapyEvidence-based neurologic medication
- Risk factor managementVascular risk factors, trigger avoidance
- Rehabilitation/supportivePT, OT, speech therapy
Conservative options are generally tried first. Medications listed here can have side effects — discuss them with your prescriber.
When surgery is considered
Failed medical therapy, progressive/high-risk, or emergency
Procedures that may be discussed
- Neurosurgical procedure (resection, shunt, stimulator)
- Interventional procedure (endovascular, stereotactic)
Outlook
Good with appropriate therapy; prevention of complications/recurrence is key.