Treatment of Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease, the commonest cause of dementia in the developed world, is increasing in prevalence as the population ages. Alzheimer's disease is characterised by both cognitive symptoms such as memory impairment and non‐cognitive symptoms such as behavioural changes. Until recently, available management options for both the cognitive and non‐cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease had been exclusively psychosocial in nature. However, several lines of inquiry have led to important advances in the treatment of the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. In particular, several drugs operating on the central cholinergic system have been marketed or are in the final stages of development. Some of these drugs have considerable toxicity and all appear to have only modest efficacy. Nevertheless, some patients with Alzheimer's disease may benefit from taking them.