Abstract

Alzheimer's disease and dementia are neurodegenerative disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. These conditions are characterized by the progressive loss of cognitive function, which ultimately leads to death. Environmental risk factors for Alzheimer's disease include head trauma, cardiovascular disease, and certain infections, while genetic risk factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2. Early detection of Alzheimer's disease is crucial for implementing effective treatment strategies. Biomarkers such as amyloid beta and tau protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid and neuroimaging techniques like PET scans can help identify individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease before the onset of symptoms. Current treatment approaches for Alzheimer's disease focus on symptom management and include cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. However, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease. Emerging research focuses on developing disease-modifying therapies that target the underlying pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is a broader term that encompasses various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. These types of dementia have distinct pathologies and risk factors, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment approaches