Neuropsychology of Alzheimer's disease: From preclinical phase to dementia.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by significant cognitive and functional decline, initially presenting with episodic memory impairment. A thorough neuropsychological assessment is essential for AD diagnosis, particularly in the early stages in which interventions may be more effective. This paper reviews the neuropsychology of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the cognitive progression of the disease. In the typical forms of AD, episodic memory appears to be the first and foremost affected cognitive domain. As AD progresses, cognitive impairments extend beyond memory to affect various domains such as attention, executive functions, language, and visuospatial abilities. Neuropsychiatric issues, such as depression and anxiety, which often accompany cognitive decline, are also common, especially at the advanced stages of the disease. While episodic memory impairment is the earliest and most prominent feature in typical AD cases, comprehensive assessments, including social cognition and neuropsychiatric evaluations, are crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.