Alzheimer's disease:

DSM IV criteria in diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease include:

Progressive loss of Memory in addition to any of the following criteria:

1- Impaired language functions

2- Inability to execute motor activities in absence of suggestive pathological motor weakness, confirmed by normal physical examination.

3- Impaired executive functions

4- Disturbances of visual processing (Hallucinations, delusions, illusions and Paranoid/aggressive behavior).

Diagnosis is confirmed by conduction of Mini-mental status examinations MMSE which will show impaired mental status regarding memory cognitive and executable functions.

Radiological investigations are not necessary at all, as diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is essentially clinical.

CT scan will show diffuse cortical atrophy with no cerebral masses

Don't be confused with any lab abnormalities or any associated anemia, unless you are suspecting other causes of dementia or delirium like hepatic or renal encephalopathy.

Management:

 Is targeting to slow down progression of the disease as the disease is an Irreversible debilitating condition .

Donepezil, Rivastagmin, Galantamine are Anticholinesterases

Memantine are NMDA receptors ANTAGONIST.