Diagnosis of alzheimer’s disease typical and atypical forms

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, with aging as the main risk factor for the development of the disease. The classical form of AD presents with short-term memory loss and atrophy of the hippocampus and medial temporal lobe. With the progression of the disease, other cortical areas and cognitive domains are involved. The diagnostic criteria for AD, previously based solely on the clinical and neuropsychological presentation, are currently implemented by the use of biomarkers and neuroimaging data. Moreover, the possibility of atypical forms, presenting with the involvement of different cortical areas, is taken into consideration. Herein, the main diagnostic tools for AD are revised; atypical AD presentations and possible diagnostic pitfalls are also discussed.