Alzheimersche

Alzheimersche is an adjective used in German to refer to matters related to Alzheimer's disease, named after the German physician Alois Alzheimer. In clinical usage, terms like Alzheimersche Demenz appear, though more current German language tends to use Alzheimer-Krankheit or Demenz vom Typ Alzheimer.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and is characterized by a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and daily functioning, often accompanied by changes in behavior and mood. The disease is a neurodegenerative disorder with hallmark brain changes, including extracellular beta-amyloid plaques and intracellular tau tangles, leading to progressive neuronal loss and brain atrophy, especially in the hippocampus and adjacent cortex. The course is usually slow and progressive but varies among individuals.

Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical assessment, cognitive testing, and the exclusion of other causes of dementia. Biomarkers, such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis for amyloid and tau or amyloid and tau PET imaging, can support the diagnosis in research and, increasingly, in clinical practice, particularly in younger or atypical cases.

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. Treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and slow progression for some individuals. Pharmacological options include cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) and the NMDA receptor antagonist memantine. Non-pharmacological approaches—cognitive stimulation, physical activity, social engagement, and caregiver support—are essential components of management.

Prognosis varies but typically spans several years from onset, with gradual decline in cognitive and functional abilities. Risk factors include age and genetics, notably the APOE ε4 allele; a minority of early-onset cases are linked to mutations in APP, PSEN1, or PSEN2. The term Alzheimersche thus reflects a family of concepts tied to this disease rather than a standalone condition.