Nootropics for Alzheimers disease

In the UK the annual cost of AD is estimated at 5.5bn (extrapolated from Alloul et al., 1998). As well as these economic costs there are enormous human costs, both for the individual who has the disease and for their family and/or carers who have to cope with the gradual and relentless disintegration of cognition and personality. Table 13.2 summarises the typical symptomatology and progression of the disorder. Typically, the disorder involves an initial blunting of emotional responses, which is sometimes described as a coarsening of affect this is soon followed by decrements in 

Premorbid history Usually unremarkable for emotional/physical health. 

Middle stage symptoms Language - difficulty in finding words and naming objects. Social - familial withdrawal purposeless overactivity. Other - poor judgement/insight lack of concern for the future inability in financial/professional matters social indiscretion. 

Late stage symptoms Language - significant word-finding problems poor verbal comprehension. Other - difficulty performing simple gestures inability to use common/familiar objects or routines. 

Very advanced symptoms Gross disorientation in time and place total dependence on carer for simple tasks (dressing, eating, toilet) inability to comprehend/ communicate with anyone no awareness of past or future. 

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