Old and forgotten: Alzheimer's lessons (opening lecture of the ABCDE Congress of Bologna).

Abstract

In Alois Alzheimer's times, an integrated approach combining neurology, psychiatry and neuropathology was natural, but those directions are growing apart from each other. Although no doubt these fields have developed into new fruitful disciplines, there is the danger of inconsistency and tunnel vision. In this lecture, a plea is made for a more integrative neuropsychiatric approach. This is demonstrated by means of new research findings from the Maastricht Behavior and Dementia Study, and the Maastricht MCI cohort study. A broad neuropsychiatric approach, in which both biological and psychosocial aspects are studied, does greater justice to patients with dementia. A too narrow view of dementia as a cognitive disorder not only frustrates research, but also is not at all helpful to patients and their carers, because the most harrowing aspects of the disease remain underexposed. Research on psychosocial aspects and care should be given a higher priority.