An Overview of the Alzheimer's Disease and its Methods of Evaluations

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia globally, presenting an escalating public health challenge. This comprehensive review, grounded in Scopus-indexed literature, synthesizes current knowledge on AD, spanning its epidemiology, multifactorial pathology, diagnostic advancements, current management, and emerging therapeutic avenues. The core neuro-pathological hallmarks—extracellular amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and intracellular hyper-phosphorylated tau neurofibrillary tangles—are detailed, alongside a discussion of contributing factors such as neuro-inflammation, oxidative stress, genetic predispositions (e.g., APOE ε4), and lifestyle influences. The review highlights sophisticated diagnostic methodologies, including advanced neuroimaging (MRI, Amyloid PET, Tau PET) and biomarker analysis (CSF and plasma Aβ/tau), emphasizing their role in early and accurate diagnosis. Current pharmacological interventions (cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists) and emerging disease-modifying therapies, particularly anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies, are discussed. Challenges in caregiving and the critical need for non-pharmacological support are also addressed. The conclusion underscores the urgency for continued research into early intervention, novel therapeutic targets, personalized medicine, and cost-effective care to mitigate the profound impact of AD. While significant progress has been made in understanding AD, the absence of a definitive cure necessitates persistent global efforts to improve patient outcomes and alleviate the societal burden.