Introduction to 
Alzheimer Disease

Keimyung Medical Journal 1997;16(3):301-305.

Introduction to Alzheimer Disease

Alzheimer병

연병길; 박종한

Abstract

Alzheimer disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease whose prevalence increase with aging. The global cognitive function including learning and memory is significantly impaired. The genetic studies revealed that beta amyloid precursor protein(APP), Apolipoprotein E₄, presenilin 1 and presenilin 2 genes are linked on the chromosome 21, 19, 14, and 1, the respectively. Whereas chromosome 21, chromosome14, and chromosome 1 are usually related with early-onset type, chromosome 19 is related with late-onset one. Its prevalence is about 3% in 65-69 years old and 24% in above 85. Age, familial aggregation, and apolipoprotein E₄are confirmed as the risk factors. There are many assessment tools to evaluate cognitive functions of Alzheimer disease. Structural and functioning imagings including CT, MRI, SPECT, and PET are used to diagnose Alzheimer disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors such as tacrine is confirmed to be effective in the improvement of memory of Alzheimer patients. Other antidementic drugs are in the stage of clinical trial.

Key Words: Aizheimer disease, Dementia