Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by irreversible loss of neurons and cognitive decline. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. The disease gradually affects memory, thinking, reasoning, language, behavior, and the ability to perform daily activities. First described by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1907. AD accounts for nearly 60–70% of all dementia cases worldwide. Slide 3: Definition Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in older adults, with increasing incidence as age advances. The disease usually becomes clinically apparent as an insidious impairment of higher cognitive functions. As the disease progresses, deficits develop in: Memory Visuospatial orientation Judgment Personality Language Ultimately, patients lose the ability to perform independent daily activities. Slide 4: Epidemiology More than 1 in 9 people (11.3%) aged 65 years and above have Alzheimer's disease. Worldwide prevalence is approximately 24 million and continues to increase. Women are affected nearly twice as often as men. Risk increases markedly after 65 years. AD is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality among the elderly. Slide 5: Classification / Types Five Clinical Stages Preclinical Alzheimer's disease Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Mild Dementia Moderate Dementia Severe Dementia Stage Characteristics Preclinical Stage No obvious symptoms Brain pathology already begins Mild Cognitive Impairment Mild forgetfulness Daily activities largely unaffected Mild Dementia Memory impairment Difficulty solving problems Personality changes Moderate Dementia Increased confusion Needs assistance for daily activities Severe Dementia Complete dependence Loss of communication Difficulty swallowing Bedridden in advanced stages Slide 6: Etiology Genetic Factors APP mutation PSEN1 mutation PSEN2 mutation APOE ε4 allele Environmental Factors Brain injury Air pollution Oxidative stress Other Factors Ageing Family history Hypertension Diabetes Obesity Smoking Sedentary lifestyle Slide 7: Risk Factors Advanced age Female gender Family history APOE ε4 gene Down syndrome Head injury Hypertension Diabetes mellitus Hypercholesterolemia Smoking Alcohol abuse Air pollution Poor sleep Physical inactivity Depression Slide 8: Pathophysiology / Pathogenesis Amyloid Cascade APP ↓ β-secretase + γ-secretase ↓ β-Amyloid peptide ↓ Extracellular Amyloid Plaques ↓ Neuronal inflammation ↓ Neuron death Tau Pathology Tau protein ↓ Hyperphosphorylation ↓ Neurofibrillary tangles ↓ Microtubule destruction ↓ Loss of neuronal transport ↓ Neuron degeneration Cholinergic Hypothesis ↓ Acetylcholine ↓ Reduced cholinergic transmission ↓ Memory impairment Final Outcome Hippocampal atrophy Cerebral cortex degeneration Progressive dementia Slide 9: Clinical Features / Signs & Symptoms Cognitive Memory loss Poor concentration Confusion Poor judgment Disorientation Behavioral Depression Mood swings Irritability Aggression Social withdrawal Functional Difficulty speaking Difficulty reading Difficulty writing Difficulty recognizing people Difficulty performing daily activities Slide 10: Diagnosis Clinical Assessment History Physical examination Neurological examination Medication history Cognitive Tests MMSE MoCA Laboratory Tests CBC Vitamin B12 Folate Thyroid profile Electrolytes Liver function tests Imaging MRI Brain CT Brain PET Scan EEG (selected cases) Additional Assessment Family interview Functional assessment Slide 11: Non-Pharmacological Treatments Regular aerobic exercise Strength training Yoga Meditation Tai Chi Cognitive training Memory exercises Music therapy Art therapy Occupational therapy Healthy Mediterranean diet Omega-3 fatty acids Vitamin E & Vitamin C Adequate sleep Social interaction Caregiver education Environmental modification Stress reduction Slide 12: Pharmacological Treatments Cholinesterase Inhibitors Donepezil Once daily Mild to severe AD Rivastigmine Capsule/Patch Mild to moderate AD Galantamine Mild to moderate AD Mechanism Inhibits acetylcholinesterase Increases acetylcholine concentration Improves cognition NMDA Receptor Antagonist Memantine Starting dose: 5 mg once daily Target dose: 20 mg/day Used in moderate to severe AD Mechanism Blocks NMDA receptors Prevents glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity Protects neurons Additional Medications Sertraline Citalopram Brexpiprazole Lecanemab (Disease-modifying therapy) Slide 13: Treatment Algorithm Diagnosis ↓ Clinical Assessment ↓ MMSE + MRI ↓ Determine Disease Severity ↓ Mild AD → Donepezil / Galantamine / Rivastigmine ↓ Moderate AD → Cholinesterase inhibitor ± Memantine ↓ Severe AD → Memantine + Supportive Care ↓ Behavioral Symptoms → SSRIs / Antipsychotics (if indicated) ↓ Regular Follow-up + Caregiver Support Slide 14: Complications Falls Fractures Malnutrition Dehydration Aspiration pneumonia Bedsores Constipation Urinary tract infections Dental problems Complete dependence Death due to complications Slide 15: Preventive Measures / Patient Counselling Prevention Control hypertension and diabetes. Follow a Mediterranean-style diet. Exercise regularly. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol. Maintain good sleep hygiene. Keep mentally active through reading, puzzles, and learning. Stay socially engaged. Patient Counselling Take medicines exactly as prescribed. Never stop medications without consulting the physician. Maintain medication adherence. Ensure home safety to prevent falls. Attend regular follow-up visits. Encourage caregiver involvement. Educate family members about disease progression and available support services. CREATE PPT LIKE THIS INVOLVED THIS CONTENT ONLY TAKE DESIGN AND SLIDE