Dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Indications, diagnosis, and treatment.

At least 6 million Americans suffer from some form of dementia. More than half of those patients are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease, a progressive, degenerative neurological disorder. Reaching the diagnosis of Alzheimer's, however, is often difficult since Alzheimer's can be accurately diagnosed only after all other options are ruled out. The process is painstaking, but it's also the crucial link in ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment. There's no cure yet for Alzheimer's, but researchers are narrowing in on possible causes of the disease and identifying patients who may be predisposed to developing it. Some of the most compelling research focuses on the presence of one or more of the apolipoprotein E4 genes. Researchers also continue to develop new drugs and physical therapies. In the Twin Cities, several drug studies are underway, and community resources are available to provide Alzheimer's patients and their families with information on everything from support groups to assisted-living arrangements.