Current and Emerging Solutions to Challenges in the Management of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alireza Atri, Danielle Goldfarb, Simon Sheard, Lynn Shaughnessy

Journal: The Journal of clinical psychiatry 2020;80(6):MS18002AH3C

PMID: 31846243

Free Full Text on Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc. View on PubMed

Abstract

Effective multifactorial management of Alzheimer's disease (AD) requires a triadic alliance of the clinician, the patient, and the patient's family and/or care partner(s). During the evaluation process and when the diagnosis of AD is delivered, these parties must work together to set goals and develop care plans. Care plans should be designed to help the patient maintain safety and autonomy as long as he or she can and, once autonomy is no longer possible, to allow the patient and care partner(s) to experience as much comfort and the best possible quality of life for as long as possible. In this Academic Highlights, faculty members from neurology, psychiatry, neuropsychology, and primary care share their recommendations, supported by current evidence and guidelines, for handling the complexities of providing care for patients with AD.

Address: Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, Arizona, USA.; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.; Banner Alzheimer's Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.; Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.; University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.; Banner Health Center, Maricopa, Arizona, USA.; Beth Israel-Deaconess Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

DOI: 10.4088/JCP.MS18002AH3C

Link outs

Free resources

Full Text Sources:

https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/patient-centered-...

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/alzheimersdisease.html

MeSH Terms: Adaptation, Psychological, Aged, Alzheimer Disease, Caregivers, Cholinesterase Inhibitors, Cognition Disorders, Combined Modality Therapy, Cost of Illness, Female, Humans, Illness Behavior, Life Style, Male, Memantine, Middle Aged, Patient Care Planning, Patient Care Team, Patient Education as Topic, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic