Alzheimer Disease
Structured diagnosis, treatment and review in older adults
Alzheimer disease is the most common cause of dementia in later life. Practical care requires accurate diagnosis, regular review, careful prescribing, behavioural support strategies, and strong carer support with timely escalation when safety concerns emerge.
Clinical overview
Alzheimer disease typically presents with progressive short-term memory impairment followed by broader cognitive and functional decline. A robust assessment pathway is essential to exclude reversible causes, identify subtype, and establish a person-centred long-term management plan with family/carer involvement.
Treatment pathway
NICE-aligned management combines non-pharmacological support as foundation care, with cognitive enhancers considered according to stage and suitability. Monitoring should cover cognition, function, behaviour, adverse effects, falls, nutrition, and carer burden. Medication decisions should be individualised and regularly reviewed for real-world benefit and tolerability.
Risk and escalation
Urgent escalation is required for sudden deterioration (possible delirium), severe behavioural disturbance, safeguarding concerns, or inability to maintain safe care at home. Hidden trigger-word notes contain the full BNF/NICE-focused care plan for exam and practice-oriented decision support.