Autosomal dominant, neurodegenerative disorder
Loss of cholinergic neurons MCC of dementia in the western world
Early memory loss and visuospatial impairments
History / PE:
Memory loss
Language difficulties
Apraxia
Impaired judgement
Personality changes
Diagnosis:
Generalized cortical and subcortical atrophy
Neurofibrillary tangles
Neuritic plaques with amyloid deposition Amyloid angiopathy
Cholinergic neuronal loss
DIagnosis of exclusion (need autopsy)
Treatment:
Donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, tacrine
Memantine (NMDA receptor antagonist)
Vitamin E
